Gas vs PSD
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 11,798
Likes: 14
From: Mt. Shasta California
Actually. the shear size of a locomotive's engine makes it totally unfeasible as a gasoline burner.
You can't have a huge displacement engine like that burn gasoline. It won't run efficiently, no way no how. You'd need a whole slew of much smaller cylinders, and the number of moving parts goes through the roof.
Diesel, on the other hand, burns slower. For a huge displacement cylinder, it can still be quite efficient.
On the other end of the spectrum, smaller displacement, gas burners make sense.
And has already been talked about, the Ford modulars are known to go 300K miles without major issues.
You can't have a huge displacement engine like that burn gasoline. It won't run efficiently, no way no how. You'd need a whole slew of much smaller cylinders, and the number of moving parts goes through the roof.
Diesel, on the other hand, burns slower. For a huge displacement cylinder, it can still be quite efficient.
On the other end of the spectrum, smaller displacement, gas burners make sense.
And has already been talked about, the Ford modulars are known to go 300K miles without major issues.
Smokin
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 8,849
Likes: 0
I was speaking generally, about all diesels vs. all gas engines.
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 42,561
Likes: 423
From: Long Island USA
Actually, it's about RPM range, and gearing. The more gearing, and the longer the RPM range, the more TORQUE TO THE GROUND you can apply.
I once did a long write-up comparing a 2-valve V10 (425ft/lbs and an RPM range up to 4500) to the 7.3 and 6.0 diesels, comparing road speeds, which gear it can sit in and what-not, and came up with the idea that the V10 can put down more torque-to-the-ground at usable road speeds, given a 4.30 rear for the V10 and a 3.73 for the diesels.
There ARE instances where the V10 can put more torque out the rear wheels than the diesel, given what tranny gear they can sit in.
As for the 3-valve V10, it was even more of a spread. I'll see if I can dig that up somewhere.
I once did a long write-up comparing a 2-valve V10 (425ft/lbs and an RPM range up to 4500) to the 7.3 and 6.0 diesels, comparing road speeds, which gear it can sit in and what-not, and came up with the idea that the V10 can put down more torque-to-the-ground at usable road speeds, given a 4.30 rear for the V10 and a 3.73 for the diesels.
There ARE instances where the V10 can put more torque out the rear wheels than the diesel, given what tranny gear they can sit in.
As for the 3-valve V10, it was even more of a spread. I'll see if I can dig that up somewhere.
Smokin
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 8,849
Likes: 0
That is true, but even though a locomotives diesel engine is technically a generator for electric power, they have to create thousands of horsepower to meet the power demand for a modern locomotive. It requires not just one, but many diesel engines to power a locomotive, and these engines are huge with massive displacement.
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 42,561
Likes: 423
From: Long Island USA
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 7,841
Likes: 0
From: Vacaville, Ca
Or was it the 1.9. I do not remember. They were always in the shop with motor problems.
Thread Starter
|
Modular motor junkie
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 6,190
Likes: 8
From: Texas
haha, I will do that, but i hope it never happens.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Top 6 Best Deals Available on New Fords & Lincolns Right Now
Brett Foote
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals
Joe Kucinski
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 42,561
Likes: 423
From: Long Island USA
But again, the size of the cylinders do not lend themselves to burning gasoline in any way shape or form, efficiently.
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 7,841
Likes: 0
From: Vacaville, Ca
Actually, it's about RPM range, and gearing. The more gearing, and the longer the RPM range, the more TORQUE TO THE GROUND you can apply.
I once did a long write-up comparing a 2-valve V10 (425ft/lbs and an RPM range up to 4500) to the 7.3 and 6.0 diesels, comparing road speeds, which gear it can sit in and what-not, and came up with the idea that the V10 can put down more torque-to-the-ground at usable road speeds, given a 4.30 rear for the V10 and a 3.73 for the diesels.
There ARE instances where the V10 can put more torque out the rear wheels than the diesel, given what tranny gear they can sit in.
As for the 3-valve V10, it was even more of a spread. I'll see if I can dig that up somewhere.
I once did a long write-up comparing a 2-valve V10 (425ft/lbs and an RPM range up to 4500) to the 7.3 and 6.0 diesels, comparing road speeds, which gear it can sit in and what-not, and came up with the idea that the V10 can put down more torque-to-the-ground at usable road speeds, given a 4.30 rear for the V10 and a 3.73 for the diesels.
There ARE instances where the V10 can put more torque out the rear wheels than the diesel, given what tranny gear they can sit in.
As for the 3-valve V10, it was even more of a spread. I'll see if I can dig that up somewhere.
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 11,798
Likes: 14
From: Mt. Shasta California
I understand that. I just thought I would throw that trivia in there. I imagine most people know nothing about the locomotive and it makes since that the diesel would be in order due to it's pulling power and simplicity (among other things). Would you say a diesel would automatically last longer in general than a gasser in the pick-up truck/Ex category? Let's say the under 500 HP category.
Smokin
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 8,849
Likes: 0
. Just proving a point...he can't nit pick this stuff just because he doesn't like the truth behind it. Doesn't mean the diesel world hasn't contributed their share of bad motors. GM in the 80's anyone? In any case, it was a meaningless sidetrack. I was speaking GOOD gas motor vs GOOD diesel motor, a diesel can be expected to last twice as long.
Smokin
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 8,849
Likes: 0
It was so freakin cool...and loud. Talk about complicated electronics, holy rats nest batman.
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 7,841
Likes: 0
From: Vacaville, Ca
Actually I believe that ford is using 3.73 in the diesel for milage. The 4.10 will always provide more torque. That is why every V10 owner doesn't think it would be fair to compare a 4.30 diesel to a 4.30 gas. The 4.30 will make even more torque than the 4.10. All of this is at the rear wheels. Torque at the flywheel will not change.