Diesel Engines in Norman
Throughout North America, diesel engines conjure up images of huge trucks and tractors. Diesel engines are more popular in Europe, where they are commonly seen in cars. But why was the diesel engine invented and what separates it from its gasoline counterpart? Rudolf Diesel, a German inventor, invented the process after he researched the inefficiencies of gasoline engines. Gasoline engines, as initially conceived, were horribly inefficient. They only used 10 percent of heat created. The rest of the heat escaped. Rudolf Diesel saw an opportunity to make a better, more efficient engine.
The Mechanics Behind Diesel Engines
Diesel and gasoline engines are very similar. Both are types of internal combustion engines made to change chemical energy into mechanical energy. In every combustible engine, energy leads to pistons moving back and forth. The motion of the pistons moves the crankshaft and that creates the motion needed to move the wheels of the car.
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 switch up the order of events. In a diesel engine, air is compressed first and then the fuel is injected. Diesel engines don't have spark plugs because air heats up when it's compressed.
Diesel Engines Today
Diesels in cars, as mentioned above, aren't very popular in the United States. Europe manufactures several models of cars that are powered by diesel. As people in North America become more concerned with oil prices, diesel is looking more attractive.
Christian Brothers of Norman
If you own a diesel engine in Norman, take it into Christian Brothers for repairs, tune-ups, and maintenance. We have extensive experience with diesel engines.