Quote:
Originally Posted by Jonathan Ashbeck
Yes.
A few advantages of diesel engines that I can think of:
1. They last longer
2. They are more reliable
3. They are more efficient
4. Diesel fuel is a lot safer than gasoline
5. Diesel engines can accept synthetic fuel
For other advantages, see here: 8 Advantages of Diesel Engines | WyoTech Latest News and Events
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Yes, they are good if you steer clear of some that have had issues (6.0 & 6.4 Powerstrokes for example).
However, you do pay a premium up front for them and if buying a diesel truck you need to be able to actually work the engine if you want it to be reliable. Putting around town isn't good for the engine with all the new emissions equipment on them. You have to work the engine hard enough for it to regen properly. Otherwise, it will constantly attempt to force a regen and could potentially cause expensive problems (clogged DPF for example).
The efficiency of a diesel isn't noticed as much until you put a load behind it. That's when it really shines. You may lose 1-2 mpg towing a heavier load whereas a comparable load behind a gas burner may cause mpg to drop by 3-5 mpg.
If you are in a state where emissions aren't tested (like mine) you can delete the emissions equipment and see substantial improvements in both MPG and power. My F250 made 620 HP / 1103 lb/ft torque while getting 21.5 mpg on average (while carrying 70 gallons of fuel on board) When I delete my Cummins, the numbers are estimated to be around 500 HP/1000 lb/ft torque at 18-19 mpg in town.
Once deleted, the efficiency really shines. But one must use caution when doing this as many states prohibit it.