Does short runs kill a diesel too?

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Tue 21 Feb 2006 13:35
Does short runs kill a diesel too? - Boltar
Hi

I'm thinking about buying my first diesel soon and I'm wondering if lots of short runs and cold starts kills diesel engines as much as it does petrol engines?
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Tue 21 Feb 2006 13:39
Does short runs kill a diesel too? - mss1tw
I don't think it's as bad, they don't get bore wash to such a degree and diesel is an oil so lubrication isn't as much of an issue. I would still change the oil far more regularly though, regardless of fuel.
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Tue 21 Feb 2006 13:40
Does short runs kill a diesel too? - Xileno {P}
Not as bad since the diesel acts as a natural lubricant so no bore washing of the oil. But still not ideal.
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Tue 21 Feb 2006 13:53
Does short runs kill a diesel too? - solara
Probably kill the battery much quicker, with the overhead of those glow plug starts (unless its direct injection diesel).
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Tue 21 Feb 2006 14:09
Does short runs kill a diesel too? - Altea Ego
They get sooted up quite easily if not given a hot blast now and again.
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TourVanMan TM < Ex RF >
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Tue 21 Feb 2006 15:36
Does short runs kill a diesel too? - Peter D
Shorter cam belt change and oil change interval required. Regards Peter
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Wed 22 Feb 2006 13:14
Does short runs kill a diesel too? - NARU
Shorter cam belt change and oil change interval required.


Depends on the model; sometimes no difference
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Wed 22 Feb 2006 16:31
Does short runs kill a diesel too? - mrmender
I would say no different to petrol for short journeys
Yes diesel acts a lubricant but only up to 50'c then it is lost
Any any diesel that gets into the sump oil causes more problems
than petrol as it does not evaporate as easily
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Wed 22 Feb 2006 17:17
Does short runs kill a diesel too? - madf
SWMBO's 1993 Peugeot 106 1.4 diesel bought new has now travlled just over 44,000 miles. It has had regular annual oil and filter changes (by me). Average journey length must be 1 mile. Then restarted again after 2-3 hours when throughly cold.

The engine runs as new. I occasionally (every 2-3 weeks) drive it hard to 70mph on the A500 round Stoke on Trent. SMBO travels at 30 mph in town but does keep the revs up (it does not hve the torque to do below 30mph in 4th gear).

Oil usage between changes? About 0.5 litres per 2,000 miles.
55 mpg or thereabouts.
No engine problems at all.

(2 new cambelts - every 5 years, new front and middle exhaust sections, orginal rear section(!) , driveshaft, disks, rear wheel cylinders etc.. but touch wood engine ok.4 new glowplugs, new top hose)

Moral: keep them well maintained and they will last.

(She had two Mini Estates before this car: required decarbonising after 3 years... and new exhausts - even ss ones - every 4-5 years).

So in our 13 years experience modern diesles well maintained are much better at stop start driving.

(3 batteries : 2 ex Halfords - 1 under warranty- lasted only 3 years each. Last one purchased was heavy duty from local Motor Factor £40 2 year gntee.. Wait and see what happens. Get hammered in winter.. alternator belt tension must be correct to avoid slipping/poor charging).


madf
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