European Diesels

[jamesqf]

Originally Posted by 320touring

As for the USA-do the laws on emissions vary in every state? Are diesels more acceptable in some states than others?

Yes and no. IIRC, standards for new vehicles are pretty much uniform, except for California. That's why you sometimes see mention of a car being a California or Federal/49-state model.

What varies are emission checks on vehicles. This varies not only by state, but by county/city within states. For instance, here in Nevada an annual smog inspection is required only if you live in the two (or maybe three) counties with substantial urban areas, but not in the rural counties.

Just FYI on diesel, happened to notice prices as I passed a local station today. Regular $3.19/gal, diesel $3.09. And saw a diesel pickup pulling out, ahead of a dense cloud of black smoke...

[redpoint5]

Originally Posted by 320touring

As for the USA-do the laws on emissions vary in every state? Are diesels more acceptable in some states than others?

States do have varying emissions standards, with CA being the most stringent. Unfortunately (or fortunately depending on how you look at it), CARB rules often affect the other states because a manufacturer doesn't want to build multiple versions of a power train.

I believe CARB is the reason diesel is not extensively used in the US.

[robchalmers]

My little '96 polo diesel with no particle filter and only and early and probably dead Cat gives out no stir whatsoever.

i know this sounds odd and alil like a conspiracy theorey, but do you thing Big oil have got the manufacturers in the states to make the Diesels there clanky and smokey???

[gasstingy]

We were shown by GM how great diesels were in the late 70's when they converted gas burners to diesel. They had a small problem breaking crankshafts and such. Really gave diesels a bad reputation. Then jokes about sounding like a garbage truck.

I believe emissions has something to do with it now. That's why in the last year or so, the US has gone to an ultra-low sulfur diesel formula. It may make it easier to certify a diesel emissions legal now.

[redpoint5]

Originally Posted by robchalmers

i know this sounds odd and alil like a conspiracy theorey, but do you thing Big oil have got the manufacturers in the states to make the Diesels there clanky and smokey???

No.

There are almost no manufacturers of diesel cars in the States. VW was the only one with a diesel passenger vehicle for many years, and the motor was very quiet and efficient.

Big Oil doesn't care if they sell diesel or gasoline, as they are all petroleum products.

Originally Posted by gasstingy

I believe emissions has something to do with it now. That's why in the last year or so, the US has gone to an ultra-low sulfur diesel formula. It may make it easier to certify a diesel emissions legal now.

Precisely. Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD, 15ppm) has replaced Low Sulfer Diesel (LSD, 500ppm) by law. This change was needed for catalytic converters to be used on diesel engines.

The downside of the sulfur removal process is a slight drop in fuel lubricity and power (~1%). This means that diesel today returns about 1% less MPG than diesel prior to 2007.

We will begin to see more diesel engines in the US, but it will take some time. I'm dreaming of a Toyota Tacoma turbo diesel.

[Duffman]

Originally Posted by redpoint5

Precisely. Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD, 15ppm) has replaced Low Sulfer Diesel (LSD, 500ppm) by law. This change was needed for catalytic converters to be used on diesel engines.

Not Catalytic converts but Diesel Particulate Filters (DPF) require ULSD.

[redpoint5]

Originally Posted by Duffman

Not Catalytic converts but Diesel Particulate Filters (DPF) require ULSD.

To the best of my research, both catalytic converters and particulate traps require ULSD. Urea reagents are often used in place of catalytic converters however.

[robchalmers]

[QUOTE=redpoint5;190265]

The downside of the sulfur removal process is a slight drop in fuel lubricity and power (~1%). This means that diesel today returns about 1% less MPG than diesel prior to 2007.QUOTE]


Reaally? well flip my hat I didn't know that!

[Piwoslaw]

Just for reference



From New automotive emissions standards

[320touring]

so whats the script with engine importing into the US?

I take it you can import engine types that were already for sale in the US? E.g the honda leanburn..

Seems a shame if you cant take advantage of more economical engines.

As for big oil-they probably do prefer petrol as you use more volume for the same distance..