Fixr did a good writeup of many of the basics.
True, that diesel does cost more per gallon, given the right setup a diesel engine will yield better to much better MPG than an equal displacement gas engine, and in addition will yield much greater MPG while pulling a load.
A little vehicle like a CJ is a cool idea, but the short wheel base keeps it from being a steady vehicle when pulling a decent load.
(I am bouncing around ideas, so bear with the disconnects...)
An older diesel like mine is very simple, the only thing I do is twice a year toss in a qt. of transmission fluid with a FULL fill up to clear out the injectors some.
A diesel engine will yield greater reliability and over all life span (given proper maintenance). For example, my truck has a mechanical (DB2) fuel injector pump that not only generates the HP squirt, but also does the timing... NO COMPUTER. The transmission is a 700R4, shift points are adjusted via a TV cable to the valve body, NO COMPUTER. There is no I.C. or computer or wire to come loose to prevent operation. I *could* start the engine, and disconnect the batteries and CONTINUE to run without depending on the generator's output OR batteries. This CANNOT be done on ANY gasoline engine, since even with an older engine a high voltage spark is needed to ignite the gas, so electricity MUST be present...
Ive gone over the pro's and con's for a decade before I made the switch to diesel, and I DO NOT REGRET IT ONE BIT! It would be nice to have a sweet 4 door Dodge with a Cummins and stick shift, sitting on a 6" lift and a camper cap... BUT, I dont have the money for one, and theres a LOT more to go wrong with current day (read: complicated) diesel engines.
Im old skool, for a reason. :-) (And you thought it was just because I was poor! Well, that does play into it just a little! HA HA).
Good thread, good discussion.
EB
- - - Updated - - -
Also, when *I* bug out (If/when/Etc) its going to be with a trailer crammed full of crap, and the truck crammed full of crap, plus the three of us and whatever I can strap on the hood and the roof... so IMHO, Im going to have a heavy load... I cannot in my mind imagine someone bugging out with a Chevy Luv and have enough to sustain them selves on.
The only exception is BOL or a retreat, where everything you need for the long term is ALREADY in place... then I can see the logic.
EB
Bookmarks