If you drive a Duramax, Powerstroke, or Cummins diesel pickup, you obviously appreciate the power of the diesel engine. But where did it all start, and why are diesels most commonly found in trucks today? Diesel Pickup Specialists, Inc in Inman, KS has the answer, because we love diesel trucks and took the time to look it up!
Diesel technology was actually pioneered by a man named Rudolf Diesel, while the steam engine was the predominant power source for large industries. He set up his shop in Paris and the process would last 13 years. In the 1890s, he received a number of patents for his invention of an efficient, slow burning, compression ignition, internal combustion engin. At first, it didn’t seem viable, but he kept working at the technology - and by 1908, the first diesel engine was installed in a truck. Early diesel engines were large and operated at low speeds due to the limitations of their compressed air-assisted fuel injection systems. In its early years, the diesel engine was competing with another heavy fuel oil engine concept—the hot-bulb engine invented by Akroyd-Stuart. High-speed diesel engines were introduced in the 1920s for commercial vehicle applications and in the 1930s for passenger cars.
The sad thing is that development of Diesel’s invention needed more time and work to become a commercial success. Many engineers and developers joined in the work to improve the market viability of the idea created by Rudolf Diesel. He, on the other hand, became somewhat threatened by this process and was not always able to find common language with other engine designers developing his invention. Diesel’s attempts of market promotion of the not-yet-ready engine eventually led into a nervous breakdown. In 1913, deeply troubled by criticisms of his role in developing the engine, he mysteriously vanished from a ship on a voyage to England, presumably committing suicide!
Early on, it was recognized that diesels could run off peanut oil as a fuel, but oil was so cheap, plentiful, and useless at the time, it became the preferred fuel on the market. Makes you wonder WHY it costs so much more. than regular fuel right?
Diesel powered cars gained a little popularity during the fuel crisis, since diesels are the most efficient type of combustion engine. However, they are noisier, dirtier, more expensive to produce, and heavier than gas engines, making them more practical for trucks and industrial purposes. With modern advancements like high pressure fuel pumps and emissions control, there’s been another wave of diesels popping onto the market - but it’s too early to say what the future of diesel holds.
Here at Diesel Pickup Specialists, we LOVE Diesel History and trucks in general. Share your diesel truck history with us and if you need your diesel truck worked on, enhanced for performance or a complete service job done talk to our technicians because you can depend on our team to get the job done right no matter what kind of diesel truck you drive: Ford Powerstroke, GMC or Chevy Duramax, Dodge Cummins it's all a great day in the shop when we are turning wrenches. We’ve got you covered with the best diesel service shop in Inman, KS, call or stop by Diesel Pickup Specialists, Inc today.
_________________
Thank you for visiting Diesel Pickup Specialists, Inc in Inman, KS. Count on our automotive repair technicians to keep your truck on the roads longer and safer.
Schedule your appointment today BOOK NOW | CALL: (620) 585-2111
