The Components of a Diesel Engine
The life of a trucker can be a difficult, dangerous, and lonely one. All of that time out on the road with nothing but your thoughts, the CB radio, and the GPS to keep your company can lead to many questions you might not have thought of otherwise. One of those questions boils down to how a diesel engine is supposed to work, and how it differs from a regular engine.
The Ignition
Putting the key in the ignition and turning it starts the engine. This step isn’t that much different than starting the engine of an ordinary passenger car. Fuel from the tank is sent into the cylinders. The fuel will behave differently depending on how hot it is outside, and it’s important to avoid overturning the key and adding undue stress to the engine’s setup. Better technology has enhanced the ignition process as well.
The Fuel Pump
The fuel pump is what moves diesel fuel into the engine. Attached filters clean up the fuel to keep it from clogging the engine. A tanker truck with clogged engines won’t run very well; just think of a regular car or truck that has a failing engine. Fuel filters need to be cleaned up, so be sure to include as part of your pre-trip check before starting on your next haul.
The Delivery Tubes
Delivery tubes and rails are also key parts of any good diesel engine. These components help make sure the fuel remains pressurized enough for injection into the engine. The faster you go, the more diesel fuel you use. The main difference between a diesel engine and a non-diesel engine is that the diesel needs to be kept at much higher levels. Diesel demands 23,500 pounds of pressure, or psi, while gasoline only needs ten or fifteen pounds at most. This means that the diesel is distributed in a spray.
Fuel Injectors, Air Cylinders, and Combustion
Finally, don’t forget to learn all you can about fuel injectors and air cylinders. Without these components, internal combustion couldn’t work as well. If there’s no combustion, then the engine can’t provide your truck with power it needs to get you to your next destination on time.
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