Diesel Engines in Monument
Diesel engines are largely familiar as the force behind monstrous trucks and tractors. They are also used in many European vehicles, such as BMWs and Volkswagens. But why was the diesel engine invented and what separates it from gasoline engines? Rudolf Diesel, a German engineer, explored the topic of combustible engines after he researched the problems with gasoline engines. Gasoline engines, as initially conceived, were horribly inefficient. They only used 10 percent of available heat. The rest was wasted. Rudolf Diesel saw an opportunity to make a better, more efficient engine.
The Mechanics Behind Diesel Engines
Diesel and gasoline engines are very similar. At their simplest, both are combustible engines that create mechanical energy. Energy starts the up and down motion of the pistons. This motion rotates the crankshaft which starts the wheels of the vehicle to move.
Small explosions power both diesel and gasoline engines. There is a difference, however, in how those explosions occur. Gasoline engines mix fuel with air that is then compressed by pistons and ignited by sparks. Diesel engines compress the air first and then inject the fuel. Because air becomes hotter when it is compressed, the process of compression creates the spark.
Diesels in the World
In the United States, diesels are mostly found in heavier vehicles. Europe manufactures several models of commuter vehicles that are powered by diesel. As people in North America become more concerned with oil prices, diesel is looking more attractive.
Christian Brothers of Monument
If you own a diesel engine in the Monument area, take it into Christian Brothers for tune-ups, repairs, and maintenance. Our mechanics have been thoroughly trained to repair diesel engines.