Hello,
I am a daily SurvivalBlog reader from France. I’m writing this in response to Joel Skousen’s article on “How to Adapt to High Gas Prices.” I own a Volkswagen with a diesel engine (TDI).
Here in France (and elsewhere in Europe) common rail [diesel engine] technology became really popular (about 60% of the new cars that are sold here use common rail technology) since it provided better mileage and better performance than conventional gasoline engines.
However, there is at least two drawbacks to common rail:
Firstly, the diesel fuel quality has to be super high. It passes through a hole that has half a hair diameter (0.015 millimeters) at a pressure between 2,000 and 3,000 bars.
If there is some water in the diesel it will damage the injector so that you have to change the whole common rail (a minimum of €3,000 Euros). It’s because diesel has a lubricating effect, and with the size of the injector there is no margin of error.
There is usually a water filter on common rail motors, but if it’s full your motor is ruined.
Also, in case of emergency this technology means that you can’t use home heating oil in your motor.
Secondly, this technology is so popular that diesel prices are starting to rise accordingly. It still cheaper to use diesel, but I don’t think it’s going to last. Too many cars using it and oil companies lack the refining capacity to produce much more.
Some numbers that may help you make a choice:
– With my diesel car (which is from year 2003) I get 43 MPG, and I was getting 33 MPG with a conventional gasoline car from year 1998.
Those numbers are without trying to save fuel : I could go to 53 MPG if needed [by driving more conservatively].
– A diesel engine is usually €2,000 to €4,000 Euros more expensive than a gasoline one.
– We pay €5.41 Euros ($8.42) per gallon for diesel and €5.68 Euros ($8.84) per gallon for gasoline (unleaded, 95 octane). By comparison, I hope it will help you appreciate your “high” fuel prices 😉
I hope that this helps, Regards, – Jean-Michel N.
Dear Editor:
A motorcycle should be considered for those [with health and circumstances that make them] able to ride. Recently, Yamaha [motorcycle dealerships in the US] had a sale on their V-Stars, and I bought a 650cc on sale for $6,000. The dealership offered the purchase interest free if paid for within six months. Most motorcycle [in this engine displacement range] get 50-to-54 MPG.
Even though I’m now 63 year sold, I have been riding for 40 years. – John S.