Rajan Wilcox
Diesel engines are known for their ability to handle heavy cargo, but that doesn't mean they are exempt from the effects of unnecessary weight. To increase fuel economy, it is important to remove any non-essential items from the vehicle. In addition to reducing weight, there are several other ways to improve fuel efficiency, such as using high-quality diesel, maintaining optimal tyre pressure, and investing in synthetic engine oil. High-quality diesel contains fewer impurities, resulting in less engine wear and greater longevity. Maintaining the correct tyre pressure reduces rolling resistance, making it easier for the engine to move the car. Synthetic engine oils provide superior lubrication and reduce friction, improving engine performance and fuel economy. Other methods to improve fuel economy include installing aftermarket performance parts, using advanced air intake products, and regularly checking the fuel lines and exhaust emissions for any issues.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Use high-quality diesel | Contains fewer impurities, burns cleaner, improves engine performance and results in less engine wear |
| Maintain optimal tyre pressure | Better fuel economy, extends lifespan of tyres |
| Reduce weight of vehicle | Less energy required to move the vehicle, improving fuel efficiency |
| Use synthetic engine oil | Superior lubrication, reduces friction, withstands higher temperatures, improves fuel economy |
| Use the right oil | Optimal lubrication, reduces friction and wear on engine components |
| Regular oil and filter changes | Reduces internal friction, allows engine to operate smoothly, requiring less energy and fuel |
| Reduce aerodynamic drag | Achieved through vortex generators, fairings, side skirts, vented mud flaps, drive fenders, wheel covers, closed windows, low front air dams, camper shells, tonneau covers |
| Use air conditioning thoughtfully | Utilise re-circulation mode, closed windows and flow-through ventilation system |
| Drive at a steady speed | Avoid accelerating fast, use cruise control on flat terrain |
| Plan driving route | Opt for easy route mapping to maintain fuel usage |
| Combine trips | Allows engine to reach its fuel-efficient temperature |
| Use performance parts | Performance air filters, Performance exhaust systems, Performance chips and programmers |
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What You'll Learn
Use high-quality diesel and engine oil
Using high-quality diesel and engine oil can significantly improve the fuel economy of an old diesel engine.
High-quality diesel typically contains fewer impurities, which means it burns cleaner and results in less engine wear, greater longevity, and reduced maintenance requirements. It often contains additives that can enhance engine performance by cleaning and lubricating the engine while improving fuel efficiency. While premium diesel may be more expensive upfront, the long-term benefits can result in cost savings over time.
Switching from standard to synthetic engine oil can also improve fuel economy. Synthetic oils provide superior lubrication, reduce friction, and withstand higher temperatures compared to mineral oils. This results in smoother engine operation and reduced wear and tear on engine parts. Synthetic oils are also resistant to thickening, ensuring smooth flow even in cold climates, and they tend to last longer between changes.
Additionally, low-viscosity, heavy-duty engine oils can help improve fuel economy without compromising engine protection. Lower viscosity oils reduce resistance to flow between engine parts, improving fuel efficiency. However, it is important to balance fuel economy with engine protection, as high-viscosity oils typically offer better wear protection for engine parts.
High-quality engine oils may require higher-quality, more expensive base stocks due to their lower viscosity. These oils may also need more and better additives, such as antiwear additives, to protect metal surfaces and stronger antioxidants to prevent oxidation.
By investing in high-quality diesel and engine oil, you can enhance the fuel economy of your old diesel engine, improve engine performance, and potentially achieve cost savings over time.
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Maintain optimal tyre pressure
Maintaining optimal tyre pressure is an essential aspect of improving the fuel efficiency of your old diesel engine. Under-inflated tyres can cause a significant decrease in fuel economy. For every 1% decrease in tyre pressure, there is a 0.3% reduction in fuel economy. This means that underinflating your tyre by 10% increases fuel consumption by 2%, and by 20% increases consumption by 4%. This can have a substantial cumulative effect over time, as tyres naturally lose one to two PSI per month.
To maintain optimal tyre pressure, you should check your tyre pressure at least once a month and adjust it according to the vehicle manufacturer's recommendations. You can check the proper pressure for your vehicle on the sticker usually found on the driver's side door jamb or in the glove box. It is also in your owner's manual. It is best to check the tyre pressure when the tyres are cold, as heat can cause the pressure to rise. A tyre pressure gauge is a tool that can be used to measure the PSI of your tyres.
Maintaining the correct tyre pressure is not only beneficial for fuel efficiency but also for safety and tyre longevity. Under-inflated tyres increase rolling resistance, causing the engine to work harder and consume more fuel. They also increase the braking distance and decrease handling responsiveness, increasing the likelihood of accidents. Furthermore, under-inflated tyres cause more of the tyre to touch the road, leading to increased friction and wear, reducing the lifespan of your tyres.
By ensuring your tyres are inflated to the proper pressure, you can achieve optimal fuel efficiency, extend the life of your tyres, and improve vehicle safety.
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Reduce drag
Reducing drag is one of the most widely accepted ways to improve fuel efficiency in trucking fleets. Tractor trailers, for example, can install vortex generators, fairings, side skirts, vented mud flaps, drive fenders, and wheel covers to reduce drag. These devices can save thousands of dollars per year in fuel costs.
To reduce drag, vehicle designers change specific aspects of the body shape of the vehicle to reduce total aerodynamic drag and thus increase fuel economy. This includes re-shaping the rear end, covering the underside of the vehicles, and reducing the number of protrusions on the surface of the car.
The easiest method of decreasing drag is to lower the coefficient of drag of the car. The coefficient of drag depends predominantly on the shape of the vehicle. Reducing the height and width of the car can reduce the frontal area, but there is a limit to how small this area can be since people must be able to sit comfortably inside the vehicle.
Automakers have borrowed much of what they learned about aerodynamics in race cars to decrease the aerodynamic drag in their production vehicles, thus improving the fuel economy of passenger cars. Race car engineers realized that air flowing around the vehicle could be used to increase downforce and reduce aerodynamic drag on the car. As fuel economy became a strong factor in road vehicle design, engineers soon realized that the methods of reducing aerodynamic drag on race cars could be transferred to road vehicles.
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Install aftermarket performance parts
Installing aftermarket performance parts can be an effective way to improve the fuel economy of an old diesel engine. However, it is important to consult a professional mechanic or the vehicle manufacturer before making any significant modifications, as some components may increase power at the expense of fuel economy, and there is a risk of voiding warranties.
One way to improve fuel economy is to install a high-performance cold air intake (CAI) system. Stock air intake systems are often restrictive, limiting the amount of air that can enter the engine, which affects combustion efficiency and reduces fuel economy. A CAI system allows more cool, oxygen-rich air to enter the engine, resulting in a more efficient burn and improved engine performance.
Upgrading the turbocharger is another option. Many diesel trucks come with stock turbos that are undersized or inefficient. A larger or more efficient aftermarket turbocharger can provide higher boost pressure, improving combustion and power delivery. Turbochargers also help increase airflow, allowing for higher power and enhanced fuel efficiency.
Aftermarket fuel injectors are another must-have upgrade. These injectors offer better atomization, creating a finer fuel mist and improving combustion. This results in higher power output and reduced fuel waste, which is especially beneficial for vehicles that tow or haul heavy loads.
Enhancing the exhaust system can also improve fuel economy. Stock exhausts often create excess back pressure, restricting airflow and causing the engine to work harder. A performance exhaust system allows the engine to safely expel exhaust without disrupting consumption, improving engine efficiency and saving fuel.
Finally, diesel tuners or programmers are one of the most effective upgrades for improving fuel efficiency. These devices connect to the vehicle's ECM (Engine Control Module) and allow adjustments to settings for power, economy, or towing. They offer multiple power levels and customizable settings to help the engine optimize the fuel-air mixture, shift points, and other variables.
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Avoid overloading the vehicle
To increase fuel economy in an old diesel engine, it is important to avoid overloading the vehicle. Overloading a vehicle can decrease fuel efficiency and performance and increase maintenance costs. Here are some tips to avoid overloading:
Firstly, it is crucial to reduce any unnecessary weight in the vehicle. This includes removing unused equipment, tools, or other heavy items that are not essential for the journey. Every pound of weight removed can contribute to improved fuel economy, as a lighter vehicle requires less fuel to move. Additionally, a lightweight vehicle is generally safer to drive and puts less strain on the engine, brakes, and suspension.
Secondly, it is important to adhere to the manufacturer's recommended load weight limit. Exceeding this limit can drastically reduce fuel mileage and increase fuel consumption. Therefore, it is advisable to check the weight of the load and ensure it is within the specified limits to optimize fuel efficiency and maintain vehicle performance.
Maintaining proper tyre pressure is another effective way to avoid overloading. Under-inflated tyres increase rolling resistance, making the engine work harder and consume more fuel. On the other hand, over-inflated tyres can lead to uneven wear and reduced traction, negatively impacting fuel economy. Regularly checking tyre pressure and adjusting it according to the manufacturer's recommendations is essential for optimal fuel efficiency and tyre longevity.
In addition to managing weight and tyre pressure, it is beneficial to consider the overall condition of the vehicle. Regular maintenance, including oil changes, filter replacements, and timely repair of worn-out parts, can improve fuel economy. Clean oil and filters reduce internal friction in the engine, allowing it to operate more efficiently and consume less fuel.
By following these tips and avoiding overloading, you can improve the fuel economy of your old diesel engine, resulting in reduced fuel costs and improved vehicle performance. Remember to consult a qualified mechanic or refer to the vehicle manufacturer's guidelines for specific recommendations for your vehicle.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several ways to increase fuel economy in an old diesel engine. Firstly, ensure your tires are inflated to the manufacturer's recommended pressure. Under-inflated tires will cause the engine to work harder, reducing fuel efficiency. Secondly, reduce any unnecessary weight in the vehicle. The heavier the vehicle, the more fuel is required to move it. Thirdly, use high-quality diesel fuel, which contains fewer impurities and improves engine performance.
Another way to increase fuel economy is to switch from mineral oil to synthetic oil. Synthetic oil provides superior lubrication, reducing friction and engine wear, and can improve fuel economy by up to 11%. Additionally, consider installing aftermarket performance parts such as performance air filters, which improve combustion efficiency and lead to better fuel mileage.
To maintain improvements, regularly check your fuel lines for any blockages or leaks, and adhere to a consistent oil and filter change schedule. Clean oil reduces internal friction, allowing the engine to operate more efficiently. Additionally, consider installing a real-time monitor for miles per gallon, which can provide instant feedback on idling and inconsistent speeds, both of which can reduce fuel economy.
