The latest advancements in fuel injection systems in Corpus Christi, TX are just a small part of the evolution in diesel technology. Gone are the days of loud, smelly engines fuming up the streets. Diesel is now a clean, quiet and efficient alternative to gasoline. Here are four advancements in diesel technology over the last few decades:

  • Cetane additives: This is the easiest way to increase the compression ratio of a diesel engine. Compression ratio is linked to fuel efficiency and reduces emissions, which are the two biggest areas where diesel technology has made improvements through the years. Cetane additives increase the compressive resistance for diesel fuel, and that in turn raises the compression ratio. That results in better efficiency and lower emissions.
  • Common rail fuel injection system: Used in trucks and pickups since the mid-2000s, and in 1997 for diesel cars and marine engines, the common rail fuel injection system was a major breakthrough. Before, diesel engines used direct injection, which causes large drops of diesel fuel to enter the fuel chamber. That was why diesel engines were once known more for their smoke and their smell than for their efficiency. This new system vaporized the air/fuel mixture, which reduced the amount of fuel going into the combustion chamber, resulting in better efficiency and lower emissions.
  • Supercritical fuel injection system: This is the next step up for diesel engines. It created much better combustion efficiency than the common rail system, and reduced emissions further. A research study in New York showed the supercritical fuel injection system reduced emissions by up to 80 percent and increased overall efficiency by around 10 percent. At this point, the system is not commercially viable, as there are still components being developed. In order to reach a greater stage of vaporization, diesel must be heated to a supercritical temperature of 450 degrees Celsius. So far, this adds sticky deposits to fuel systems that could prove fatal to today’s engines. However, once this is developed, it will be the next great development for diesel engines.
  • Fuel catalysts: These have been around for a while, and they remain an aftermarket product. Catalysts break up hydrocarbons to better oxygenize diesel fuels. This has been an issue since diesel engines started being used, and many home remedies included magnets around fuel lines. It is debatable whether these methods worked, but it showed a consistent problem in need of a solution. Modern fuel catalysts are made from the same precious metals present in catalytic converters. They change diesel on the molecular level to increase efficiency. The greater you increase oxygen, the better diesel fuel burns, and the result is increased fuel efficiency of 3 to 8 percent. While this may seem small, you will notice the difference on longer road trips and when you tow!

To check your fuel injection and other elements of diesel performance, consider making Coastal Diesel Injection your primary mechanic. We are a diesel performance shop in Corpus Christi, TX that can improve the performance of your engine. Visit us today or call to make an appointment.