If my engine is used very rarely during the year (less than 150 hours), how often should I perform maintenance on it?

You can perform maintenance on the engine every two years with less than 150 hours of operation per year. However, you should replace the fuel filter every year and ensure you are using some type of additive in the diesel fuel to eliminate any potential problems in the future.

What is the compression difference between a gasoline engine (spark ignited) and a diesel engine (compression ignited)?

On average a gasoline engines compression reading per cylinder is 140-220 PSI. On a diesel engine it would be 350-450 PSI. The wide variance in the readings is dictated by whether the engines fuel system is direct injection or indirect injection.

When looking at specifications on an engine, what is more important, horsepower or FT/LBS of torque?

For most automotive applications, horsepower seems to play a major role in consumers making a decision on a vehicle. For heavy construction, FT/LBS of torque is the lead indicator in determining what engine is needed. Torque is the net power/energy that the engine produces to perform a task.

Does ambient temperature affect an engine’s performance?

Yes, the performance of any engine is affected by barometric pressure, temperature and humidity. Have you ever noticed that you achieve higher MPG on a vehicle in the winter, than you do in the summer months?

Which engine is more efficient when it comes to energy produced, gasoline or diesel?

Gasoline engines are less efficient (32-38%) compared to a diesel engine (42-46%), due to diesel produces more torque (energy) per combustion cycle. A diesel vehicle has better MPG compared to gasoline vehicle and can go farther on a tank of fuel.

Engines: Diesel, Gasoline, and Natural Gas

Browse All Diesel Engines

Internal combustion engines convert energy from a variety of fuel types into useable mechanical energy that drives movement in the engine’s pistons. The linear motion of the pistons facilitates the rotary motion of a crankshaft, which turns wheels or propellers and enables motion in vehicles. Diesel engines are built to provide enduring, fuel-efficient power in a wide range of applications, making them one of the most popular types of internal combustion engines.

At Central Diesel, we provide diesel engines, generators, railroad equipment, associated parts, and automotive parts services to keep your equipment running at its optimal potential. We maintain a comprehensive parts warehouse for diesel engines and systems to facilitate quick delivery of any critical part or component you need to keep your diesel equipment operational.

Different Types of Engines

Engines are most commonly differentiated by their fuel type. The three main types of fuel (and the engines that use them) are as follows:

Each power source carries its own strengths. All three types of engines are common internal combustion engines that use ignited fuel to push pistons up and down.

A gasoline engines require a spark plug to facilitate the initial ignition. Natural gas engines also use a spark plug. Diesel engines achieve the same effect through compression. Diesel is also one of the safest fuel sources in terms of storage and handling.

Uses and Applications

Many commercial and industrial operators prefer diesel engines because diesel is an energy packed fuel source. Diesel compresses air at nearly twice the rate of gasoline in the pistons which means greater efficiency and power. Because of that dense energy, diesel engines can effectively move large vehicles such as:

Tractors and large agricultural equipment
Semi-trucks
Marine vessels
Large locomotives

As automobiles decrease in size and power, they will be widely available with both gasoline and diesel engine options. While natural gas is often considered a greener source of energy, it hasn’t really caught on due to lower fuel efficiency, increased safety concerns and higher maintenance costs. As such, diesel remains the powerhouse of engine types when the application requires efficient, consistent performance.

Avoiding Diesel Engine Problems

Regular preventative maintenance provides the best way to keep diesel engines performing in peak condition. The fuel injection directly impacts the engine’s efficiency, so regular inspections are essential to make sure it functions as expected. Catching oil leaks and exhaust problems early on mitigates the risk of damage and extends the life of the engine and the vehicle.

Incorporate these steps into your maintenance routines for longer, better engine performance:

Maintaining the oil system. Stay on top of regular oil changes to clean out your engine system. Also, trace oil leaks to their source to better monitor developing problems.
Checking and changing filters. Diesel engines need consistent air flow and oxygen to power the pistons. Dirty filters, especially in boats, can restrict airflow to a point where the vehicle becomes inoperable.

When the check engine light turns on, significant engine damage might already be underway. Central Diesel provides diagnostic and repair services to restore your diesel engine back to working order. We also replace malfunctioning parts in your vehicle’s hydraulic, exhaust, and fuel injection systems.

Engines - Frequently Asked Questions (Faqs)

If my engine is used very rarely during the year (less than 150 hours), how often should I perform maintenance on it?
You can perform maintenance on the engine every two years with less than 150 hours of operation per year. However, you should replace the fuel filter every year and ensure you are using some type of additive in the diesel fuel to eliminate any potential problems in the future.
What is the compression difference between a gasoline engine (spark ignited) and a diesel engine (compression ignited)?
On average a gasoline engines compression reading per cylinder is 140-220 PSI. On a diesel engine it would be 350-450 PSI. The wide variance in the readings is dictated by whether the engines fuel system is direct injection or indirect injection.
When looking at specifications on an engine, what is more important, horsepower or FT/LBS of torque?For most automotive applications, horsepower seems to play a major role in consumers making a decision on a vehicle. For heavy construction, FT/LBS of torque is the lead indicator in determining what engine is needed. Torque is the net power/energy that the engine produces to perform a task.
Does ambient temperature affect an engine’s performance?
Yes, the performance of any engine is affected by barometric pressure, temperature and humidity. Have you ever noticed that you achieve higher MPG on a vehicle in the winter, than you do in the summer months?
Which engine is more efficient when it comes to energy produced, gasoline or diesel?
Gasoline engines are less efficient (32-38%) compared to a diesel engine (42-46%), due to diesel produces more torque (energy) per combustion cycle. A diesel vehicle has better MPG compared to gasoline vehicle and can go farther on a tank of fuel.

Diesel Engines from Central Diesel, Inc.

Central Diesel, Inc. carries a wide range of diesel engine models. We also have the parts, tools, and expertise to repair and rebuild a wide variety of diesel engines. Our diesel engine models include:

Deutz Diesel Engines

Deutz diesel engines carry a global reputation for high-quality construction and leading technology advancements. These engines are clean and long-lasting. We offer full service, sales and parts support for this line of diesel engines.

Mitsubishi Industrial Diesel Engines

Mitsubishi industrial diesel engines are some of the most popular in the world because of the reliability and durability they offer across years of performance. Their line of industrial diesel engines come in a wide variety of compression and power levels to perfectly suit your application needs.

We also stock a full range of parts to keep your Mitsubishi engine products operating efficiently and our technicians offer a full range of repair and installation services. We carry a wide range of Mitsubishi diesel engine models suitable for a broad spectrum of applications. These include:

Model L Series Mitsubishi Diesel EnginesMitsubishi’s Model L series features light diesel engines that provide 5-20 hp. They’re built for long service life and lower emissions.
Model SQ Series Mitsubishi Diesel EnginesThe Model SQ line of diesel engines offers power ranging from 27-46 hp. These engines also feature a pre-chamber design for more efficient combustion.
Model SS Series Mitsubishi Diesel EnginesModel SS diesel engines provide power from 41-83 hp. The SS line also features with greater oil capacity and more powerful cooling systems to keep the engine in peak condition.

Central Diesel provides more than just engines. Our trained team of technicians provides expert support, repair, and installation services that help keep your fleet and equipment running. We also provide parts and services for a variety of other industrial and automotive systems.