Post #391,637
7/7/14 2:20:13 PM
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I do.
The whole reason a diesel engine smokes like that (or at least used to) was that it needed Fuel Injection system work. The Injector typically were worn out and needed to be replaced.
They were getting as much as 40% less fuel mileage, 50% or less power and it accelerated the wear and tear from the abrasive Soot and residue left on the components of the engine. All due to Fuel Injectors being worn and not able to regulate properly.
Those were what was termed on the CB Truckers as "Coal Rollers" and was not a term of endearment. It was and still *IS* considered a derogatory term. Of course referring to Old Steam Coal Trains.
Most trucking firms get rid of trucks as soon as the Fuel Injection System needs this work to be done. Some fix the trucks and turn them into local delivery trucks vs 8+ hours haul trucks. Since Local truck get horrible mileage anyway... it doesn't make much difference... but on the road it increases costs by 20-40% depending.
And now these fools... wow. Just friggin wow... $4-5/gal Diesel fuel and they are willfully wasting it. Yeee-HAW! --
greg@gregfolkert.net
"No snowflake in an avalanche ever feels responsible." --Stanislaw Jerzy Lec
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Post #391,641
7/7/14 2:56:31 PM
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The article read like there's a switch
Turn it on and off depending on whether there's a Prius behind you or not. Regards,
-scott
Welcome to Rivendell, Mr. Anderson.
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Post #391,646
7/7/14 3:19:49 PM
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(A Prius with full-race cam + small trailer-full of Li-ions?)
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Post #391,650
7/7/14 3:54:29 PM
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Yes there is a switch... but...
They still have to modify the Injection Pump and the enrichment plate and feedback/limiting springs in order to get it to do that. It also lets them run a higher RPM and with more boost.
It still costs $1000 for the Fuel pack controller and another $400-$1700 just to get the motor to allow it to be run like that.
In general it reduces the overall mileage, but they pickup some torque...
They could put LPG/Propane injection systems in for far less and pickup more torque... but then that ain't the point. --
greg@gregfolkert.net
"No snowflake in an avalanche ever feels responsible." --Stanislaw Jerzy Lec
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Post #391,644
7/7/14 3:18:18 PM
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Not just willfully: flagrantly
Most high fashion is intentionally impractical, as it allows the connoisseur to demonstrate their ability to waste lavishly.
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Post #391,658
7/7/14 5:18:31 PM
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They'd get dinged here.
Quite illegal. Diesels are not allowed to do that.
Wade.
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Post #391,676
7/7/14 9:29:48 PM
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It's illegal here, too.
Modifying engines to bypass emissions controls have been illegal in the US since the 1970s (earlier in California), but it was hard to enforce until states started having annual emissions inspections - they aren't (yet) required everywhere in the US. Tom Levenson points us to TPM who cites the EPA: Defeat devices. It is a violation of the CAA to manufacture, sell, or install a part for a motor vehicle that bypasses, defeats, or renders inoperative any emission control device. For example, computer software that alters diesel fuel injection timing is a defeat device. Defeat devices, which are often sold to enhance engine performance, work by disabling a vehicle's emission controls, causing air pollution. As a result of EPA enforcement, some of the largest manufacturers of defeat devices have agreed to pay penalties and stop the sale of defeat devices.
Tampering. The CAA prohibits anyone from tampering with an emission control device on a motor vehicle by removing it or making it inoperable prior to or after the sale or delivery to the buyer. A vehicle's emission control system is designed to limit emissions of harmful pollutants from vehicles or engines. EPA works with manufacturers to ensure that they design their components with tamper-proofing, addresses trade groups to educate mechanics about the importance of maintaining the emission control systems, and prosecutes cases where significant or imminent harm is occurring. Cheers, Scott.
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Post #391,681
7/8/14 3:09:43 AM
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Instant, massive MOT fail here
Consequences: big fine, etc. Also most insurance policies require the vehicle to be properly taxed and MOTed, so also uninsured, which, if detected (and there's plenty of ANPR-equipped police cars that can do it) will result in instant seizure of the vehicle.
Funnily enough, people don't "roll coal" in the UK.
Because even if it wasn't illegal, the tutting and eye-rolling would literally shame them to actual death.
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