Diesel Engines

Diesel engines have a unique ignition process where they don’t have spark plugs. In this blog we’ll cover what spark plugs and glow plugs are, the benefits and disadvantages of the two ignition types, and more!

What are Spark Plugs?

In a gasoline engine, spark plugs provide the spark that ignites the fuel-air mixture in the combustion chamber. This spark is created by an electrical current passing through the spark plug, which generates a spark that jumps across a small gap between the electrodes. The spark occurs when the piston is in the ideal position and the mixture is at the right pressure, and this helps to ensure the most efficient combustion possible.

Why Don’t Diesel Engines Have Spark Plugs?

Diesel engines don’t rely on spark plugs to ignite the fuel. Instead, they use a process called compression ignition. This means that the fuel is injected into the combustion chamber while the air is being compressed. As the air is compressed, it heats up, and when the fuel is injected, it combusts spontaneously, creating the power needed to move the pistons. This is why diesel engines are often referred to as compression-ignition engines.

What are Glow Plugs?

Glow plugs are heating elements that are used to preheat the air in the combustion chamber before the engine starts. This makes it easier for the fuel to ignite, and helps the engine start more quickly and smoothly. Glow plugs are typically used in diesel engines that are designed for use in colder climates, and they can be found in a variety of vehicles. So, while diesel engines do not use spark plugs, they do use glow plugs.

What is the Difference Between Spark Plugs and Glow Plugs?

The main difference between spark plugs and glow plugs is that spark plugs are used to ignite the fuel-air mixture in gasoline engines, while glow plugs are used to preheat the air for ignition in diesel engines. Both play an important role in ensuring that engines start and run smoothly, and both have their own unique set of pros and cons.

Benefits of Spark Plugs

There are several benefits to spark plugs, spark plugs have a high energy output, so they are able to produce a high-energy spark that is necessary to ignite the fuel-air mixture in the combustion chamber, which ensures efficient combustion and smooth engine operation. Second, they are easy to replace. Spark plugs are relatively easy to replace and can be done by most vehicle owners with basic tools. They are also widely available and can be purchased at most auto parts stores. Finally, spark plugs are relatively low maintenance. They typically have a long lifespan and require minimal maintenance, making them a cost-effective option for vehicle owners.

Disadvantages of Spark Plugs

Spark plugs also have a few disadvantages to their use. They need to be replaced periodically. Spark plugs need to be replaced at regular intervals, every 30,000 miles (48,280 km), approximately. Spark plugs can also fail if they get dirty or worn. They can become dirty or worn over time, which can cause them to fail and negatively impact engine performance. They can also be affected by heat, this might cause them to wear out faster in high-performance engines or in vehicles that are driven in hot climates. Replacing spark plugs can also be expensive. Some high-performance spark plugs can be very costly and may require a higher level of technical knowledge to install.

Benefits of Glow Plugs

Glow plugs offer several benefits for their ignition power. They have improved cold weather starting, which means that the diesel engine will start more quickly and with less cranking. Glow plugs have increased fuel efficiency. They improve combustion efficiency by heating the air in the chamber to help vaporize fuel more efficiently. This leads to less fuel consumption and lower emissions. Reduced emissions is also a benefit of its own, glow plugs help to reduce emissions by improving combustion efficiency and reducing unburnt fuel.

Disadvantages of Glow Plugs

Glow plugs do feature some disadvantages. They have a limited lifespan, so they will eventually need to be replaced. This can be caused by regular use and tear, corrosion, or exposure to high temperatures. The frequency of replacement will vary depending on the vehicle and driving conditions. If you have malfunctioning glow plugs, it can be expensive to replace them. Depending on the vehicle, the cost of replacement can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. This can be a significant expense for some vehicle owners. Finally, glow plug diagnosis and repair can be costly. This is because the system is complex and often requires specialized tools and knowledge to remedy effectively.

While spark plugs and glow plugs both play an important role in ensuring engines start and work to the best of their ability. They are used in different types of engines with similar pros and cons. It’s important for vehicle owners to understand the difference and to keep them in good working condition to ensure the engine runs effectively.

At DFC, we are Canada’s largest diesel remanufacturing facility and are proud of our diesel engines. We also have one of the best warranties in the industry, and our dealer network expands across Canada and the US. We remanufacture D-Dodge Cummins, F-Ford Powerstroke and C-Chevy/GMC Duramax, and also carry a large selection of parts.

If you need help with your diesel engine or are looking for a supplier, contact us to learn more about what we can do for you.

It’s winter time, and that may mean your battery is on its last legs. If you’re shopping for a new battery for your diesel, you may be wondering how many volts it takes to start a diesel engine. 

Read our guide on everything you need to know about diesel batteries, and how many volts it takes to start a diesel engine.

How Many Volts for a Diesel Engine Battery

The best diesel engine batteries are 12 volt batteries. When starting a diesel engine, it is typical for a battery to have less than 12 volts, but then get up to closer to 14 volts and above when the engine has warmed. Diesel engines require a 12 volt starter that is able to spontaneously combust and get the engine running. That’s why even though diesel engines require 12 volt starters, they run on two 12 volt batteries that work in tandem to ensure that the starter has the juice to get the engine running. 

Can You Run a Diesel with One Battery

Most diesel engines have two batteries that are connected in parallel. Even though you need 12 volts to start a diesel engine and each diesel battery would be a 12 volt battery, it’s not recommended to run a diesel on a single battery. This is because along with needing voltage to start, diesel engines require a higher cranking amperage than gas powered engines. So although you can definitely start a diesel engine with a single 12 volt battery, you won’t be able to run the engine effectively for very long. 

Furthermore, if one of your batteries dies, it’s important to replace both. When batteries are running in parallel, it’s important that they are the same age, type, and size. This is because the size, type, and age of a battery all relate to its amperage and how current will be distributed through the engine. If the batteries aren’t working the same, it can cause issues with your engine.

Difference Between Voltage and Amperage

Volts and amperes are completely different measurements regarding electricity. A volt is a unit of electrical potential, or the size of force that would send electrons through a circuit. Amperes, on the other hand, measure electrical current and how many electrons are flowing through a circuit. Regarding diesel engines, the battery voltage is the amount of force it takes to get the engine started, whereas amperes are how much electricity is flowing through the engine when it’s running. 

Best Diesel Engine Batteries

There are plenty of diesel batteries to choose from, so we’ve compiled a list of three diesel engines that we would recommend. 

1. XS Power D3400 XS Series 12V AGM High Output Battery

This battery has a tight seal and fiberglass layers to prevent spilling and limit vibration. This battery is also incredibly powerful in the cold, making it a great choice for climates with long winters like Alberta. It can deliver steady power in frigid temperatures as well as has a fast recharge time, making it a great choice for your diesel.

2. ACDelco 94RAGM Professional AGM Automotive BCI Group 94R Battery

This battery contains high-density negative paste to increase performance as well as the batteries overall lifespan. Its vent cap design reduces acid leakage risk, and it runs great in the cold weather with 800 cold cranking amperage. With solid specs and efficient performance, it’s an ideal choice for many diesel owners. 

3. Optima Batteries 8004-003 34/78 RedTop Starting Battery

Optima batteries are a fantastic choice, and the RedTop ensures 800 cold cranking amps for those frigid winter mornings, plus it has a strong casing that gives the battery more resistance to vibration, making it incredibly durable. You can definitely trust that this battery will do its job with your diesel.

We Know Diesels

DFC Diesel are your Dodge, Fod, and Chevy diesel engine experts. Our specialized team remanufactures and refurbishes diesel engines to make them as good as new. If you have questions about your diesel or want to get started working with DFC, please contact us!

It’s official, winter is here and that means our diesel trucks are out there in the cold. It’s important to start your diesel truck in the cold properly to avoid any damage. Cold temperatures can cause issues with engine oil, diesel fuel, ignition, and battery power. 

Why are Diesel Engines Hard to Start in the Winter?

Diesel engines are typically more difficult to start in the winter than gas powered engines. This is because they require high temperatures created by compression to ignite the diesel fuel. Below -15°C, it’s five times more difficult to start a diesel engine than it is at 25°C. Along with the actual temperatures needed for ignition, diesel fuel is also more difficult to ignite at cold temperatures because it has gelling properties After about -9°C, diesel fuel can start to gel. This can cause a variety of issues from forming wax crystals to plugging the fuel filter. 

8 Tips to Starting a Diesel Truck in the Winter

One of the most important tips to getting your diesel started safely in the winter is to prepare and know what to do when temperatures drop.

1. Use a block heater

Block heaters and help diesel engines start on cold days by heating the internal combustion chamber. The block heater heats the coolant to circulate through the block and engine, keeping it warmer and making it easier to start.

2. Use a winter fuel

There are different grades of diesel fuel – Diesel #1D and Diesel #2D. Most people use Diesel #2D throughout the year as #1D is thinner and more volatile; however, blending the two can help ensure that the diesel fuel doesn’t gel as easily. 

3. Use Winter Fuel Additives

Winter fuel additives are an important addition when temperatures drop significantly. A winter diesel fuel supplement can prevent fuel gelling, boost cetane for faster cold starts, and keep injectors clean. However, if you are using a mixed, winter fuel, be careful with fuel additives and don’t double up on winterizing your fuel. 

4. Switch to a lighter weight engine

You can’t use the same engine oil in the summer and winter as thicker oils will not lubricate the engine as adequately when it gets cold. Be sure to check the recommended engine oil ratings of your diesel model to ensure that the winter engine oil you use isn’t too light for when the engine warms up. 

5. Change your fuel filter

If you are worried your diesel fuel has gelled, it’s time to change out the fuel filter. Gelled diesel fuel can seriously clog your filter and cause a lot of damage to your engine. Replacing a fuel filter is far less expensive than replacing an engine!

6. Allow for adequate warm-up time

When it comes to diesel engines, it’s a good idea to let your truck warm up for a minimum of 5 minutes before driving. The colder it is, the longer you should let it warm up. By allowing your diesel truck to idle you can warm up the oil temperature enough for adequate lubrication of all the hard internal parts. 

7. Replace your batteries as needed

If you have batteries that are over 10 years old, it’s probably time to replace them. Another sign it’s time to replace the batteries is if you’re struggling to start your truck in warmer weather. If you need to work on getting the diesel started when it’s about 0°C, then be sure to replace your batteries before the temperatures drop. Batteries lose 60% of their capacity when it’s below -15°C, so ensure you have batteries that can keep up with the cold!

8. Keep your fuel tank full

A full tank is less likely to develop any condensation that could freeze and cause the fuel to gel. Filling your tank more often will help your diesel run a lot better in the wintertime. 

Winter can cause a lot of issues for diesel engines, but by following these tips and performing any needed winter maintenance, you can help your diesel truck start a lot better when temperatures drop!

With the price of diesel fuel skyrocketing and cold temperatures looming overhead, you may be wondering if you can run kerosene in your diesel engine rather than regular diesel fuel. Kerosene is typically cheaper than diesel, and it burns at a lower temperature than diesel which prevents gelling in freezing temperatures, so it may sound like the perfect replacement for your engine. However, there are many risks to consider before you run kerosene in your diesel. Read our blog to learn more about running kerosene in a diesel engine!

What is Kerosene?

Kerosene is a combustible chemical formula that is derived from petroleum. It’s a hydrocarbon liquid that is used as a fuel for jet engines, furnaces, lamps, and heaters. Kerosene has a flash point of 38℃ (100℉) and it has a freezing point of around -40℃/℉. Kerosene is considered a polluting fuel, so it is not recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) to be used in household use – this is because kerosene smoke contains particulate matter that can be harmful and lead to higher cancer risk, asthma, tuberculosis, respiratory infections, cataracts, and adverse pregnancy affects.

Kerosene vs Diesel

Kerosene and diesel are both petroleum fuels from the molecular components of crude oil. Kerosene is extracted from crude oil first, then diesel, as kerosene has a lower boiling point than diesel. Diesel is a reddish colour while kerosene is colourless. While typically kerosene is used in a variety of engine systems, diesel is almost exclusively used for vehicles.

Benefits of Running Kerosene in Your Diesel

There are a few benefits that come with using kerosene in diesel engines.

1. Kerosene is Cheaper

The number one benefit of running kerosene in your diesel engine is price point. Kerosene is much less expensive than diesel fuel, so if filling up at the gas station causes you great amounts of pain, kerosene can seem like a fantastic alternative.

2. Kerosene Doesn’t Gel as Easily

Kerosene can run a lot smoother when there are freezing temperatures as it doesn’t gel as quickly as diesel does. This can be viewed as a huge benefit in northern climates like Alberta! However, there are also plenty of additives that can be added to diesel fuel that will stop your diesel fuel from gelling.

Risks of Using Kerosene

While cheaper costs and less risk of gelling can seem like a winning scenario, there are also a lot of risks involved with using kerosene instead of diesel in a diesel engine.

1. Kerosene isn’t Lubricating

Kerosene is a harsher fuel for your diesel engine, and the lack of lubrication within the fuel can damage your diesel’s injector pump unless you add lubricant.

2. Kerosene Isn’t as Efficient

Because kerosene burns at a lower temperature than diesel (the aspect that prevents gelling in freezing temperatures) it is far less fuel efficient and reduces your engine power. If you’re looking for lots of power you’re not going to get it running kerosene through your diesel, plus the wasted fuel may end up costing you more than anticipated.

3. Kerosene Can Cause Damage to Some Diesels

Although some diesel engines have kerosene as an accepted alternative fuel option, not all diesels do. Running kerosene through your diesel can cause many issues with the engine unless kerosene is an approved fuel.

4. Using Kerosene Can Void Warranty

If kerosene isn’t an approved alternative fuel for your specific engine, using kerosene can void the warranty you have on your vehicle’s engine. Check with your warranty provider and the vehicle’s manual before using kerosene.

5. Using Kerosene May Be Prohibited

In Canada and the United States, using fuel on public roads that hasn’t been properly vetted and taxed is prohibited. If you are using kerosene in your vehicle that was not meant for road use, you could be liable for a fine. There are certain ash and pollutant standards fuel for road vehicles need to follow, so ensure that you are acting within the law.

In short, kerosene does work in diesel engines, but the risks to your diesel as well as the potential liabilities tend to far outweigh the cost savings. If you’re looking to reduce gelling in your diesel during the winter months, it is often not recommended to use kerosene.

Although you may have heard suggestions of mixing small amounts of kerosene (or even 50/50) into your diesel when it’s cold out, it’s not recommended by professionals in the diesel industry. It’s far better for your engine to use additives, lubricants, and winter-safe diesel engine oil rather than arbitrarily mixing kerosene. Whatever cost savings you may get from using kerosene in your diesel will be overshadowed by the potential large bill to fix any damage it may cause.

For more questions you may have about your diesel engine, please contact us!

Catalytic converters are something regularly spoken about in several circles; this is because catalytic converter theft is on the rise in Canada. If you’re wondering if your diesel engine has a catalytic converter, the short answer is, many do. Read our blog to learn more about your diesel’s catalytic converter!

What is a Catalytic Converter?

A catalytic converter is part of your vehicle’s exhaust system. They are designed to reduce airborne pollutants due to a call to reduce dangerous emissions from vehicles. Catalytic converters were originally designed in the 1970s for gasoline engines, but catalytic converters started being installed in diesel engines in the 1990s. 

Catalytic converters reduce the impact of over 90% of harmful emissions and toxins by converting them to carbon dioxide and water – including carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and hydrocarbons. In short, catalytic converters ensure that vehicle engines are healthier for the environment and for humans. 

Do All Diesel Engines Have Catalytic Converters?

Whether or not your diesel engine has a catalytic converter depends predominantly on what year your model is. Because diesel engines are requested to meet non-toxic emissions standards, almost all diesel engines made after the year 2000 will have a catalytic converter to reduce the vehicle’s toxic emissions. If your diesel vehicle was made before the 1990s, however, you will not have a catalytic converter.

How Do Diesel Catalytic Converters Work?

Diesel engine catalytic converters are different from gas engine vehicles, but the concept in that they introduce oxygen to neutralize harmful gases remains the same. In a diesel catalytic converter, the interior of the metal casing has two ceramic blocks with thousands of micro-cellular units. These ceramic blocks are coated with precious metals, usually palladium and platinum, that heat the blocks up and catalyze the chemicals – turning them into harmless gasses. One primary difference between diesel and gasoline catalytic converters is that diesel catalysts do not use rhodium, also diesel catalytic converters have an attached diesel particulate filter to eliminate any of the particular matter that comes from diesel engines. 

FAQ

How long do diesel catalytic converters last?

Diesel catalytic converters typically last around ten years or over 160,000 kms in driving. 

Why are diesel catalytic converters different from gas catalytic converters?

Diesel engines typically run much cooler than gas engines, so they need a different process to ensure that the toxic substances are successfully neutralized.

What are signs your catalytic converter is failing?

There are a few reasons a catalytic converter would begin to fail such as carbon build up, overheating, physical damage, and contamination. Signs your catalytic converter is defective include:

• Dark smoke from exhaust
• The smell of sulfur
• Decreased acceleration power
• Slow engine performance
• Your engine is overheating

Why are catalytic converters stolen?

Catalytic converter theft is on the rise because of the precious metals within them. The converters are broken down for the price of their scrap metal. 

Signs your catalytic converter was stolen:

• Your check engine light is on
• Your engine is making a very loud noise
• You get a headache when your windows are down
• Reduced low-end torque
• You’re missing components from under your vehicle

DFC Diesel remanufactures the highest quality engines available. If you have a question about your diesel engine, please contact us!

How is Fuel Efficiency Impacted with Diesel Engines?

Fuel efficiency is calculated by dividing the number of kilometres by the number of litres of fuel used. Different factors can contribute to a better or worse fuel efficiency, more so than the engine itself. Fuel efficiency can be improved by ensuring your tires are at the correct tire pressure. If your tires are low, it can lead to lost fuel efficiency as your diesel has to work harder to move your vehicle. Another factor that impacts your vehicle’s fuel efficiency is your hauling and towing weights. If you’re carrying a lot of excess weight, your fuel economy will be reduced.

What Diesel Engine Has the Best Fuel Efficiency?

In reality, the best fuel economy can be found in Cummins, Powerstroke, and Duramax engines. Which engines have the best fuel economy depends on the year of the engine, the model of vehicle, as well as any modifications that have been made. In general, older diesel engines have the best fuel economy. This is because emissions standards for current engines often lead to a decrease in fuel efficiency. A lot of modern engines burn significantly hotter to reduce their emissions, which leads to burning more fuel. Current, modern engines tend to have less fuel efficiency.

How Does DFC Improve Engine Fuel Economy?

DFC remanufactures engines to ensure they are in great working order and have improved fuel efficiency and performance. Some of the ways we improve engine efficiency is through:

• Total Seal Rings
• Replacing Wearable Components
• Properly Finishing Cylinder Walls
• Torque Plate Honing
• Using Quality Components

DFC offers Total Seal rings, which are piston rings that don’t have opening gaps, so they provide consistent performance that doesn’t fade. Total seal rings help with fuel economy by increasing combustion efficiency of the engine.

When we remanufacture an engine, we truly replace all wearable components. Every wearable part of the engine is completely new, and we don’t use reused or reconditioned parts even if they seem in good condition. We also properly finish the cylinder walls, perform torque plate honing, and use quality components to ensure that an engine runs as smoothly as possible, increasing fuel efficiency.

Four Tips to Improve a Diesel Engine’s Fuel Efficiency

1. Change Your Driving Behaviour
2. Reduce Idling
3. Reduce Hauling Loads
4. Increase Maintenance

One of the most important ways to improve your diesel’s fuel efficiency is driving behaviour. Driving at inconsistent speeds, constant stopping and starting, rapid acceleration, and driving too fast can greatly increase your fuel consumption. We all know that rolling coal is fun, just be prepared to fuel up more often because of it!

Another tip to improve your fuel efficiency is to reduce idling. Modern diesel engines don’t actually require extended warm up times, so even in the winter you only need to idle for up to two minutes. Extended idling drastically reduces fuel economy.

Reducing your diesel’s load is a simple way to increase your fuel efficiency. In the summertime, take out any sandbags or extra weight you have in your vehicle for icy weather. If you keep tools or other heavy haul items in your vehicle, try to take them out when you have longer drives.

A final way to improve your fuel efficiency is to perform proper maintenance on your vehicle. Ensuring that your engine has all the right fluids and oil, your brakes are in good working order, your tires are at the right pressure, and you are regularly checking your vehicle for any needed work will help ensure your engine is as efficient as possible.

DFC Diesel provides high quality, remanufactured diesel engines. Our team of experienced mechanics work to provide the best products available. If you need a diesel engine remanufactured, or are looking to distribute DFC Diesel engines, please contact us!