How hard is it to start, and run a IDI vs a typical small block with a carb. I live in the LA area so no real cold days to deal with.

Most of my driving is a mile or two unless I am going somewhere.

 

With a solid injection system and starter, they start great. Mine starts with 1-2 seconds of cranking.

 

I've had both and if both are well tuned its 50/50. But the IDI I love better just because the IP pump and replacement of stuff is so much easier. The carb if not in tune is a pain in the **** unless you know or have it rebuilt. Despite the short drive, I'd still take the IDI over the bb any day.

 

iv never had a gas engine start anywhere near as easy as an idi diesel.that said,i don't recommend you buy one for your uses.

 

Unless you need a truck for what you do, a small car would better suit your needs. I almost hate to say it, but if most of what you do is a mile or two, an electric car would most likely fit your needs.

Especially seeing as you're in the emission hating state of California, I would think an IDI would be the worst thing to deal with.

 

I actually daily drive my truck the exact way you're planning to; my job is only ~2 miles from my house, if that. Most of the time my thermostat hasn't even opened by the time I shut it down.

It's absolutely not ideal circumstances for these engines (or any engine, frequent short trips are bad for all engines), but mine hasn't complained about it so far. I usually drive it on the freeway once a week to keep the batteries happy, but it'll stay charged for much longer than that. I went 2 months without taking my truck on the freeway, only driving to and from work, and my batteries held on JUST long enough to die the day I was having it towed to get the transmission fixed; and they were 7 year old batteries, it was probably just their time to go.

As long as your starting and charging systems are in good shape, and your return lines aren't leaking, these engines start just as easy as any gas engine out there. The only thing I do with my diesel that I don't with a gasser is I let it idle for 2-3 minutes when I start it in the morning, and then I baby it for the first 2 stop signs. After that I drive it like I would anything else.

Also, as far as emissions, these old diesels are completely smog exempt, where as a gasser is not. If your CEL is on in a gasser, it's an instant fail, regardless of what's causing the CEL. You'll never have to deal with that with an IDI truck, just be prepared to pay over $200-$300 every year for tags.

Change the oil frequently, give it a minute to wake up in the morning, and keep the batteries charged. That's about all you need, the rest is just basic maintenance and fixing whatever's broken, same as any other vehicle.

 

I will play the devil's advocate here simply because it is very presumptuous to say a diesel truck is wrong for someone with a 2 mile commute... What about the type of vehicle you would like to have the rest of the time? The fact that you barely have a commute at all seems like it is a very bad reason to have that factor dictate your vehicle choice. I drive 75 miles each way to my job, so the only practical choice for me was to buy a Jetta TDI. If I had a short commute I would definitely prefer to daily drive my IDI. Short trips are hard on any car, so maintain for this "extreme" driving condition and enjoy your IDI if that is the kind of vehicle you like. You are one of the lucky ones with a short commute, the financials of mpg, tire wear, etc., are minimal so you can drive your preference vehicle.

 

Honestly tell me how is an 30k plus electric car going to solve anything.

It does not have a bed to throw stuff, and no tow rating to haul a trailer. Nor do I have a spot for a trailer.

I have only one parking spot where I live for my personal vehicle.

When I go somewhere it usually is further then a electric car range is. Much of my family is a 100 mile drive one way.

I would love to have a real car but still no spot fr a trailer which is why I need a truck. Granted a small crew cab would suit my needs, but I once again get to 30k. Which causes more issues with opportunity cost.

So I decided I will get a older crew cab, and deal with low mpg. Which for as much as I drive pretty much a non issue compared to carrying cost of a car note.

 

Everyone else thanks for the answers.

Bill

 

Commiefornia only smogs '98 and newer diesels so all the IDIs (pickups) are exempt.

For now..

 

Plus side if I get tired of the diesel or it breaks I can swap in any engine I want.

Just have to keep it quite so the police don't look too far for issues.

 

The good news is that if you keep up with maintaining the engine and such, you can look forward to 16MPG fuel consumption. Perhaps a bit more, Perhaps a bit less. But nothing like the 6MPG you could get with a gasser.

 

Ah the rest of the story

 

Funny you should mention a Jetta. I was behind on today that was "ROLLING COAL" kinda defeats the clean diesel therory

 

My sons favorite color is red, and I love bratwurst to much.

Neither effect the question or possible answers.