As the name suggests, diesel fuel is used in diesel engines. It is produced by direct distillation of oil from kerosene-gas oil fractions of gas condensate fields. In the people this fuel is called - "solar oil" or "solar oil". Let's find out how diesel differs from gasoline, which fuel is better, and why winter diesel does not freeze?
Differences between diesel and gasoline
home distinguishing feature diesel from gasoline is that diesel fuel is a compound of heavy hydrocarbons, while gasoline is a compound of light fractions of hydrocarbons. Unlike gasoline, diesel fuel enters the combustion chamber after air. That is, first air is supplied to the cylinders, which, due to compression and high pressure heated to a temperature of 850-900 degrees Celsius. Then, under pressure, diesel fuel is supplied to the combustion chambers by nozzles, which instantly ignites in a heated environment.
If you mix gasoline and diesel
Consider two cases if you mix diesel and gasoline:
- Diesel + gasoline. The operation of the diesel engine will be disrupted due to the fact that gasoline does not ignite from pressure. The temperature formed from the compression of air in the combustion chamber is not enough for him, he needs a spark.
- Gasoline + diesel. The result will be the same. After all, diesel fuel needs pressure, not a spark from a spark plug. It is also worth noting that diesel fuel is denser than gasoline, so there is a danger that clogged fuel injectors and needs cleaning.
Which is better: gas, gasoline, or diesel?
The advantages of a diesel engine include low consumption, unlike gasoline or gas, since it is almost two times lower. Also diesel is more powerful engine with high torque. As a result, diesel is more traction on low revs than a gas or gasoline engine, even if their working volumes are equal.
The disadvantages of a diesel engine include, perhaps, the high cost of maintenance. If oil with filters for gasoline, or gas engine, you need to change it every 15-20 thousand kilometers, then the diesel engine needs to change the oil and filters every 10 thousand kilometers.
And finding high-quality diesel fuel is much more difficult than gasoline. After use low-quality fuel need to change the injectors fuel pump, or a complete fuel system, which is expensive to fix!
Summer and winter diesel fuel
Summer diesel fuel is used in summer, winter, of course, in winter. But what is their difference? The difference lies in their frost resistance. When the air temperature reaches -5 °C, the summer diesel fuel thickens. It becomes viscous and worse pumped through the fuel system. At even lower temperatures, it does not pump at all, turning into paraffin. Bottom line - the car will not start.
Winter diesel fuel is produced according to excellent technology from a summer diesel. And if the technology is more complicated, then the price is higher. But such fuel will not freeze in the cold season. By the way, you can “make” winter diesel fuel from summer diesel fuel yourself. There are special additives that will prevent summer diesel from thickening in the cold. This method allows you to move the pour point to minus -15 ° C, and even minus -25 ° C.
I suggest watching the video:
What happens if you add oil to diesel fuel
As you know, the practice of using engines internal combustion involves the use of two fundamental different motors. It is difficult to make a mistake if you call gasoline engines more massive, but you can’t do without diesel engines.
In order to opt for one or another type of motor, you need to figure out how it differs diesel engine from petrol. And also consider whether it is worth pouring diesel oil to a gasoline engine and vice versa.
Advantages and disadvantages
The design features of these different types motors are quite significant. But not every potential car owner is ready to understand these differences from a technical point of view. For such motorists, it is enough to know the main characteristic advantages and disadvantages that are inherent in each type of motor. The gasoline engine has such obvious advantages.
- The possibility of obtaining high specific power - kW (hp) - per unit volume of the motor. At the present stage, it is about 100 liters. With. from 1 l.
- Low fuel consumption. This indicator can be obtained with a gentle driving mode. For example, when driving on the highway in 5-6 gears at a speed of up to 2000 per minute.
- Stable start at any temperature. The gasoline engine starts easily at low temperatures.
- Good dynamic performance of the car. The gasoline engine easily spins up to 5-6 thousand rpm, so the car can easily accelerate.
- More simple design engine systems and the availability of repair and maintenance.
- A modern gasoline engine is more environmentally friendly if it is in good technical condition.
At the same time, some disadvantages of gasoline engines can be noted.
- Comparatively higher fuel consumption at a slightly higher cost.
- Low torque.
These shortcomings do not allow the efficient use of gasoline engines for cargo transportation, in industry and agriculture. What are the advantages of a diesel power unit?
- Low fuel consumption.
- High torque performance. This suggests that with a relatively low rated power, the machine receives good traction in any driving conditions.
At the same time, diesel engines have the following characteristic disadvantages.
- Limited use at low temperatures. Already after a temperature of -15 ° C, the use of a diesel engine is associated with increased wear.
- A more complex arrangement of engine systems. First of all, you need to take into account the complexity and high cost of maintenance fuel equipment- fuel pump and injectors.
- Due to the complexity of the engine units, a diesel engine, all other things being equal, is 20-30 percent more expensive than its gasoline competitor.
Thus, unlike gasoline, diesel will be in demand where it is required to transport goods, work in the field or make long journeys. Diesel engines successfully work not only on road transport, but also on railway and on sea and river vessels.
Design features
The main difference between engines is the process of combustion of fuel in cylinders. The main difference between gasoline and diesel engines is the combustion process. combustible mixture in working cylinders.
gasoline engine
A gasoline-air mixture is injected into the cylinder during the intake stroke. When the desired temperature and pressure are reached, when oxygen is well mixed with gasoline particles, an electrical impulse is supplied to the combustion chamber, which ensures the ignition of the combustible mixture. The compression ratio in a gasoline engine is approximately 1 to 10.
The combustion process is accompanied by an increase in temperature in the cylinder up to 2000 °C. As a result of the generated temperature, high operating pressure allows combustible gases to push the piston, which causes rotation crankshaft As a result, the wheels turn.
diesel engine
The right amount of fuel is supplied to the cylinder of a diesel engine with a special high-pressure nozzle and a portion of air is injected. As a result of more than 20-fold increase in pressure, not only mixing of the two components of the mixture occurs, but also the temperature increases significantly. As a result, spontaneous combustion of the combustible mixture occurs, which ensures the operation of the motor.
Such fundamental difference in the operation of both types of motors, it distinguishes them even in sound. The work of gasoline - on idling can be compared to a quiet rustle. Diesel at the same time works louder, with a characteristic "rattling", which is especially noticeable on engines trucks and tractors. Settings cars and good noise isolation does the job passenger diesel engines somewhat quieter.
Fundamental differences in the operation of motors not only lead to a difference in their designs from each other, but also impose some specific requirements for the maintenance of motors. In particular, due to various conditions mixture formation, type of fuel and working temperature conditions performance requirements will also differ. allowable oil for the lubrication system of the power unit.
Features of the oils used
It can be noted that there is no particular need to fill diesel oil in a gasoline engine. How to make a replacement. It can be noted that there are universal oils, which can be used for different types of motors. However, this may be an outdated, simple engine design and if your engine does not do heavy work.
For example, snow blower, boat or lawn mower motors are not tested. heavy loads. But for the engine that is installed on your car or tractor, it will be more reliable to use oil that, in terms of its performance, corresponds to the operating mode of this device. As noted earlier, diesel engine operates in a more serious thermal regime, so the oil must be resistant to high temperatures. 
In addition, the combustion of diesel fuel produces enough soot, and the composition contains significantly more sulfur, which can turn into oil. Thus, the oil should retain its lubricating properties much longer, and the effects of temperature and foreign inclusions should not seriously affect the properties of this component. For comparison, how diesel oil differs from gasoline, it is possible to designate such additives that are necessarily part of the lubricating component of the motor.
- Alkaline additives (alkaline), which are designed to resist the acids formed during operation.
- antioxidant additives.
- Detergent and dispersant additives that help resist the formation of deposits and the appearance of metal parts various deposits.
Despite the greater resistance of the oil to external influences, and hence the higher cost, due to high temperatures, the service life of the oil for diesel engines can hardly be increased. Especially if the fuel used Consumables(filters) are not of high quality.
Where to refuel
The issue of fuel quality should always be considered by any driver carefully. It is worth considering why individual American and European automotive companies significantly limit supplies to domestic car showrooms cars with diesel engines. It is the quality of the produced diesel fuel that does not allow companies to remain confident that the correct operation of the fuel equipment will be ensured.
Also estimated service interval when will be produced scheduled replacement oils, will probably have to be reduced, given that the oil will lose its important parameters. Not every car owner can make a replacement on their own. If we consider gasoline, then at gas stations you can find two types of fuel of this brand for AI-92.
One column will give you gasoline for refueling that fully meets the requirements environmental standard Euro-5, and the other - with an excess of 92 in some parameters, for example, with an excess of sulfur. But more quality gasoline and costs a little more. Therefore, the decision whether it is possible to fill less quality fuel, the owner sometimes accepts for reasons of saving money on refueling.
The issue of fuel quality and good work your motor must also be considered from the position of the gas station itself. Information about permissible deviations in the quality of gasoline, the presence of pollution can be tracked from specialized publications, from owner reviews, as well as from your own observations in the behavior of the car. Very often, by the stable operation of the engine, by the behavior of the car, you can see how much gasoline differs from different gas stations or diesel fuel is different, especially after an unsuccessful attempt to start in cold weather.
It can be recommended to the owner, if possible, to use for topping up fuel only selected empirically filling station, and in case of impossibility - the gas station of the fuel company of the same name. This approach will not only optimize fuel consumption, but will also have a positive effect on your gasoline or diesel engine. The service life of the oil can be maintained at the request of the manufacturer, and the internal cavities of the motor will not be subject to excessive wear and contamination.
Thus, the use of diesel and gasoline engines not only implies different Constructive decisions, but also different requirements for their maintenance.
Every person who has a desire to buy a car must choose between a gasoline and a diesel engine. Both options have their pros and cons. Today you will learn about the difference between a diesel engine and a gasoline engine. Consider also the advantages and disadvantages of these power units.
It is necessary to choose an engine, like the whole car, taking into account specific requirements and real conditions of use. Majority engine range modern cars includes both gasoline and diesel engines, so the choice is up to the buyer.
Key differences between diesel and gasoline engines - comparison
We will compare the two types of internal combustion engines in terms of the following indicators:
- design features;
- power;
- fuel consumption;
- versatility.
Design features
Knowing how these engines work will help you understand how a gasoline engine differs from a diesel engine.
- Diesel engine. In this type of internal combustion engine, the formation of a mixture of fuel and air occurs very quickly. The compression of air in the motor cylinder leads to its heating to a temperature of 900°C. The fuel supply is carried out at the last moment, separately from the air. Heat ensures self-ignition of the mixture, so an additional spark from spark plugs (as in a gasoline engine) is not needed. The design of the diesel engine provides for the presence of a high-pressure fuel pump and glow plugs for heating the fuel before injection.
- Gas engine. Through intake manifold this engine is ready to feed air-fuel mixture into the combustion chamber (fuel injection is regulated by nozzles, and the air supply is regulated by a throttle valve). The mixture is evenly distributed throughout the cylinder. Compression heats it up to about 500°C and only then does the spark plug spark to ignite the mixture.
Performance and fuel consumption
Very often we hear that diesel cars are much more profitable to drive than petrol models. But in fact, everything is not so clear. First, new diesel car will always be more expensive than a similar version with a gasoline engine. Secondly, the cost of diesel fuel is almost equal to the price of gasoline. Thirdly, the cost of repair diesel unit in the event of a breakdown, it is significantly higher than that of a gasoline engine. About the possibility of using gas equipment on gasoline ICEs we will talk later, but this is also serious way savings.
The fuel consumption of a diesel engine is indeed much lower. But performance is the trump card of a gasoline engine. In the same time diesel internal combustion engines can boast of stable traction in almost the entire rev range, which cannot be said about their gasoline counterparts.
Key pros and cons of diesel and gasoline engines
Diesel
The main advantage of the internal combustion engine in this category is powerful traction. Since diesel fuel ignites as a result of strong compression and burns out in a small volume chamber, the piston is driven regardless of the number of revolutions. In this regard, the diesel engine provides excellent traction even at idle. That is why such motors are used in cargo and commercial transport. They are also used on SUVs, which are used in extremely difficult conditions.
In Europe, diesel engines are in high demand due to their low fuel consumption. Therefore, such ICE types began to be used in almost all cars. Although older types of motors made a characteristic sound during operation, modern diesel engines free from this shortcoming.
Pros:
- fuel economy;
- long service life;
- stable traction at different speeds;
- more affordable fuel.
Minuses:
- lower dynamics;
- impressive weight of the motor;
- the need to use only high-quality diesel fuel;
- expensive repairs;
- the need to operate a more powerful battery;
- cold start problems
- more high level noise;
We mentioned that diesel engines do not start well in cold weather, and this is indeed a fact. Even modern internal combustion engines This type is afraid of low temperatures. Usually, the owners of such cars get out of the situation by using a special "winter" diesel fuel, in which it is recommended to add special additives to prevent its curtailment.
Petrol
Running on high-octane fuel allows such engines to develop impressive power. Such cars boast more impressive speed indicators. At the same time, peak torque can only be reached in a certain speed range, which is always indicated in technical specifications auto.
Another significant plus of gasoline ICEs is versatility. The HBO installation allows you to drive on a mixture of propane-butane or methane. As a result, each kilometer of the journey will cost even less than when using a diesel engine.
Advantages:
- no problems with starting in cold weather;
- high performance;
- comparative ease of repair and maintenance;
- minimal noise;
- can work at high speeds;
- "digests" not very high-quality fuel.
Flaws:
- high consumption of gasoline;
- maximum thrust is available only in a certain rpm range;
- shorter service life.
Which engine to choose?
It all depends on where and how you plan to use the car. The diesel engine is suitable for the following purposes:
- family car, desire to save money, calm driving style;
- SUV with operation far beyond the boundaries of good roads;
- commercial purpose - transportation of goods, delivery service, etc.
My readers ask a lot of questions - what is diesel fuel? And how is it different from petrol? It should be noted that this is a large and extensive topic, but today I will try to talk about diesel fuel without any complex technical terms, so to speak in a simple way! So, read on…
Diesel fuel - in the common people "diesel fuel" or "solar oil" (from the German Solarol - solar oil), liquid fuel used in diesel engines. It is obtained by direct distillation of oil, from kerosene-gas oil fractions. These are the so-called heavy hydrocarbons. Unlike gasoline (a mixture of light hydrocarbons). The principle of operation of a diesel engine is significantly different from that of a gasoline engine, diesel fuel ignites from high pressure, but a gasoline engine ignites its fuel (by means of spark plugs). Such fuel can be both summer and winter, unlike gasoline, so you need to think in advance about refueling at winter period. I'll write an article about it soon.
As I wrote at the beginning of the article, diesel is heavy hydrocarbons, and gasoline is a mixture of light hydrocarbons. Diesel fuel and gasoline differ very significantly, however, as do the structures of engines.
Diesel engine and diesel fuel . Diesel fuel is ignited by high pressure. Moreover, not fuel mixture(air + fuel), and separately air, and then fuel. First, air is supplied to the cylinders of a diesel engine, which heats up very strongly under high pressure (pressure from 14:1 to 24:1) (the temperature in the combustion chambers can reach +800 +900 degrees Celsius), and then fuel is supplied under high pressure, which spontaneously ignites under pressure and temperature. Ignition occurs in a fraction of a second.
Gasoline and gasoline engine . Gasoline is a completely different type of fuel, obtained by more complex processes oil distillation. Here everything happens differently, in a gasoline engine a fuel mixture is ignited, which is mixed in a carburetor or injector (air + fuel). Then this fuel mixture enters the engine cylinders, where it is ignited by spark plugs. A gasoline engine does not have the same high pressure as a diesel engine.
Another common question is what happens if gasoline is poured into a diesel? Or vice versa in . Nothing good!
If we pour gasoline into a diesel engine, then the diesel engine will not work, gasoline will not ignite from pressure, gasoline needs a fuel mixture and a spark.
If diesel is poured into gasoline, it will not work either. A diesel will not ignite from spark plugs, it needs compression, but a gasoline engine will not give the compression that a diesel needs. Moreover, diesel is a substance that is denser than gasoline, it can “clog” all fuel injectors, injectors, after which cleaning will be needed.
So do not confuse your fuel, gasoline engine - gasoline, diesel engine - diesel.
Now I think it has become a little clear to you what it is and how it differs from the gasoline version.
Read our AUTO SITE
Motorists, choosing a car for themselves, look primarily at the capabilities of the engine and its characteristics. Often there are doubts when choosing between a gasoline and diesel engine. It is impossible to say exactly which one is better, because there are differences between them, and it is necessary to make a choice, focusing on them. The success of the selection will depend on their weaknesses and strengths. What can be tolerated and what is unacceptable for the conditions of the roads on which they will drive. We will try to tell you about all the nuances of these two devices.
Differences in device operation
Both engines are identical in design. Each of them has connecting rods, cylinders and pistons. But in order for the diesel engine to perceive serious loads, it has reinforced valves, so it has large dimensions, and also weighs heavier than the gasoline counterpart. Its device is much more complicated, and this is reflected in the cost of the car.
The main difference between a diesel engine and a gasoline engine is their fuel. One runs on diesel fuel, and the other on gasoline, which is what their names imply. It should be noted that gasoline is a highly flammable substance. A diesel engine is safer.
cycles in a diesel engine
Formation fuel-air mixture they do it differently. What affects the operation of motors. In a diesel engine, air is first introduced into the cylinder. It heats up when the piston moves up, the temperature can reach 900 degrees due to a decrease in air volume and an increase in its pressure, sometimes reaching 5 MPa. Then, fuel under pressure enters through the nozzles, which immediately ignites from hot air. As it expands, it causes a sharp increase in pressure in the cylinder, so the diesel engine is very noisy.
The injection timing and fuel quantity are adjusted by the high pressure fuel pump (high pressure fuel pump) - the main assembly of the diesel engine. Due to high-pressure injection, diesel is undemanding to fuel volatility, so it runs even on low-grade oils. The power of the unit is regulated by the fuel supply and because of this, even at low speeds, the pressure does not drop. A car with such an engine can dial more power already at 2000 rpm, and the gasoline machine is not so fast.
In a gasoline engine, the fuel mixture is formed directly in intake system and its ignition in the cylinder comes from the spark of the spark plugs. Power adjustment is carried out using the air flow, which is dosed throttle valve. The start of a car with such an engine is less powerful, since its fuel pump cannot give such a high pressure as that of a diesel counterpart.
Engine power and performance
The diesel unit outperforms the gasoline unit in terms of economy. Although now the cost of diesel fuel has been raised, it is still cheaper than gasoline. And yet it must be taken into account that diesel engines consume less fuel than their gasoline counterparts. Now in all European diesel cars fuel system installed common rail. It provides for the installation of sensors that transmit information to the control unit and, based on it, the computer determines the time of fuel supply and its quantity. It is noteworthy that the dose is calculated to the nearest milligram. This dosing ensures a smooth increase in pressure, and the engine runs smoothly when shifting gears. With this system, fuel consumption has decreased by 20%, and torque at low speeds has increased by 25%. Therefore, the efficiency of diesel units is 40% higher than that of analog devices. That is, the combustion of fuel inside their devices is more efficient compared to petrol models. Although there are economical units on gasoline.
More power, of course, in gasoline engines, but diesel plants compensate for this indicator with even traction at any speed, to which their counterparts must still strive.
Produced noise and emissions
Diesel units are noisier, their work is accompanied by vibration. And all due to the fact that the pressure in the combustion chamber is very high. But this is not so noticeable in the passenger compartment if it has good sound insulation. On Idling the sound of the engine resembles a rumbling and therefore does not irritate the ear.
IN European countries The popularity of diesel engines is constantly growing. This is explained not only economical consumption fuel, but also their environmental friendliness. Their exhausts contain less carbon monoxide than gasoline-powered units.
Operational features
Diesel engines are more durable, they differ in their reliability from gasoline counterparts. This is due to the design of the cylinder block and thoughtfulness fuel system. Their details such as crankshaft, head, cylinders, nozzles are made of durable materials that exclude rapid wear. And also from failure they are saved by diesel fuel, which performs two functions: it serves as fuel and lubricant. But here, it must be taken into account that its quality will affect it, and, as you know, domestic diesel fuel includes various impurities. They can cause a reduction in the life of a diesel engine, although its indicator, even with this nuance, will be higher than that of gasoline analogues. The latter are less sensitive to fuel quality, so they withstand impurities and other inclusions that are found in low-quality gasoline.
Diesel engines do not respond well to low temperatures, for their normal operation special winter fuel or install modern systems heating. Also, in most diesel engines, glow plugs are installed to facilitate starting the engine in cold weather, because diesel fuel is reluctant to evaporate at low air temperatures. They are a conventional heating resistor. Basically, candles are installed in the engine cylinders, after turning the key in the ignition switch, they turn on and, at the moment fuel enters the combustion chamber, heat it up to a temperature at which it begins to evaporate. After starting the engine, the spark plugs work for up to several minutes to reduce harmful emissions and stabilization of the combustion process on a cold engine.
Another option may be an additive - an antigel. It is poured into the fuel at each refueling, and it does not allow it to curl up. Gasoline engines they don't need it. But diesel engines do not react to water at all. Electricity is used only to start the motor. Therefore, they are often installed on military equipment and SUVs.
Maintenance of diesel and gasoline engines
The frequency of repairs and inspections is influenced by many nuances: vehicle operating conditions, climate, fuel quality, vehicle condition and parts material. Repair of a diesel unit is more laborious, since its design has its own characteristics. Its most expensive part is the injection pump. But since the repair of a diesel engine is much less common than a gasoline one, this will not hit your pocket hard. In the case of using the latter, it will be necessary to constantly lubricate its parts so that they do not wear out.
Advantages and disadvantages of gasoline and diesel engines
First consider negative sides each of these motors. They are not so critical, but when considering the characteristics of engines, they must be taken into account.
Disadvantages of a diesel engine:
- sensitivity to fuel quality;
- a small number of diesel engine maintenance services. But this is more likely not its drawback, but the lack of specialists in its repair in the country;
- as a result, the high cost of repairs;
- V winter time If you do not follow the instructions for use, there may be difficult to start engine and its operation. But high-quality fuel will be able to ensure the operation of the engine even at -55 0 С;
- doesn't always last great speed and high turnover
- increased noise and vibration;
- large dimensions of the engine;
- low power;
- it has small limits of operating speed (maximum value - 4500), while gasoline engine averages from 3000 to 7000.
Disadvantages of a gasoline engine:
- harmful carbon monoxide emissions;
- less durable compared to the diesel counterpart;
- high fuel consumption;
- its fuel is explosive;
- breakdowns of its parts are more frequent.
Now let's move on to positive aspects, each of them. The advantages will demonstrate what the selected unit can provide, what functions it performs perfectly.
Diesel engine advantages:
- environmental friendliness, there is less carbon monoxide in its exhaust;
- diesel fuel is safer than gasoline;
- more effective off-road;
- has great tractive effort at low speeds;
- lower fuel consumption;
- high efficiency;
- there is no ignition system;
- not afraid of dirt and water;
- its fuel is used not only as a fuel, but also plays the role of a lubricant;
- lower cost of diesel fuel.
Benefits of a gasoline engine:
- ease of manufacture and repair;
- noiselessness of work;
- high power;
- high resistance to low-quality fuel;
- responds well to low temperatures;
- spare parts are affordable.
Having considered the design features, operation, maintenance, power and performance, we can conclude that each of these two engines is good in its own way. By purchasing a more expensive car with a diesel engine, you can save on diesel fuel in the future. At correct use it is more durable and, as a result, reliable.
Looking forward to the future, the future is clearly ecological cars, which means that the demand for diesel engines will constantly grow. Gasoline is more powerful and simple. There will be no problems in maintenance and repair, and spare parts for it are cheaper. Everyone chooses what is preferable to him independently. You can take advice, but final decision After you.
