Clean-Diesel Engine on Tap at Chrysler
7/10/2007
Alternative Fuel has Come a Long Way
When my sister was about 9, she asked our dad, “What the hell is a glow plug?” Besides being reprimanded for talking like my father a sailor, she got a very technical answer: My father took about 45 minutes to explain to both of us that glow plugs were not a nuclear suppository, as their name might indicate, but a simple device that heats up a diesel engine before it’s started in cold conditions. She asked this question because my dad would always go out to his pickup truck and flip a switch on the dash labeled “glow plugs” about 10 minutes before we had to go anywhere in the winter. Think about it, ladies — being organized enough while trying to get out the door that you could remember to go flip a switch on your dash so your car would start when you wanted to leave. Being just 10 minutes late would be a dream!
Well, that was obviously a long time ago, as today’s diesel engines rarely need more than a few seconds of warming time before they’re ready to start. Even better, the whole process is now electronically controlled by the turn of the key. Why am I giving you the 4-1-1 on a technology that’s barely noticeable on today’s cars? Because after attending Chrysler’s “What’s New ‘08” event, I am confident that diesel engines will play a big part in improving fuel economy in the future. I’m not talking about my Daddy’s diesel engine with the glow-plug switch, loud rumble and filthy smoke pouring out the tailpipe. Nope, today’s diesel engine is a much different animal.
Chrysler intends to put something called the “Bluetec 50-State Clean-Diesel Engine” in the 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee. I know what you’re thinking: What the heck is that hideously named engine and why should I give a crap about it? Well, Chrysler would answer that it’s because “Bluetec brings together a host of technologies for diesel passenger vehicles, beginning with completely modern, efficient diesel engines and a focus on ‘denoxing’ to reduce nitrogen oxides in the exhaust gases. The result is clean-diesel technology in vehicles that meet 50-state emissions standards for 2010.” Holy buckets, not a very catchy marketing phrase, is it? Let me translate; all it means is that through all kinds of crazy technology, Chrysler’s diesel cars are going to be much cleaner in the future.
Here’s the rundown for all my girlfriends out in cyber-bia: A series of government regulations is gradually cleaning up diesel fuel, and by 2010 the supply will be the ultra-low-sulfur type, which means that nasty black smoke (caused by sulfur in the fuel) will be a thing of the past. Cars that use the cleaner fuel will pollute much less — fantastic news, considering diesel cars and trucks are more fuel-efficient than comparable gasoline ones. Car manufacturers have to change their engines to burn the new, cleaner fuel, and Chrysler is doing just that.
So clean diesel is good, but take the alternative-fuel geekery one step further and you’ll find biodiesel, a fuel made from fat or vegetable oil. Hang in there ladies, as this will only be horribly scientific for a moment. Most regular diesel engines cannot use pure biodiesel fuel without some sort of modification to the engine, but many manufacturers, including Chrysler, say their clean diesel engines will be able to run 20 percent biodiesel (B20) with no modification. Because biodiesel is made from renewable resources and has fewer emissions than petroleum diesel, even small-percentage blends will reduce pollution and greenhouse gases. Hopefully, the supply of this earth-friendly alternative will become more readily available. This availability (or lack thereof) issue is one of the current challenges that faces all alternative fuels, but nothing worth doing is easy, right?
While most of the new generation of diesel buyers haven’t the faintest recollection of glow-plug buttons, these people are increasingly eco-aware and looking for ways to make a difference. The bigwigs at Chrysler are betting on it—and our kids are, too.
Comments
Hi: Any idea which month of 2008 this car will become available?
I need to get one as a gift for my wife before end of Oct. 2008.
Thanks
Posted by: Vijay | Aug 2, 2007 2:57:38 PM
I made a mistake and put diesel fuel in my car it shut my car car off because it was the wrong gas how could I clean this gas out of my car and will it
affect my engine.
Posted by: Juanita | Nov 21, 2007 8:07:24 PM
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Sweet. Now I've gotta convince the hubby to let me trade in my current Grand for the new one in a couple years. Biodiesel is picking up in popularity in my area so co-ops and fill stations are popping up.
And, if this is the same tech that came from Merc, then it uses urea somehow to scrub emissions and put that pesky nox in it's place. The urea store will have to be serviced at some regular interval, though not as frequently as oil changes. For the time being, you'll likely need to stick to the dealership for service of your Blutec.
Also, most modern diesels actually can run bio with no modifications to them. The problem, however, tends to be when you switch back and forth between bio and dino diesels. Bio tends to clean out all the goop in the fuel system that builds up with dino oil, and can leave you needing to replace your fuel filter a few times after switching or running too much dino in your blend. Switching also can weaken seals as there will be expansion and contraction caused by the differing fuels.
Here's a tutorial =)
http://www.biodiesel.com/Conversion.htm
Posted by: HDC | Jul 10, 2007 10:46:53 PM