et2 wrote:
Mr.Mark wrote:
I know I may be in the minority, but I WANT the cleanest air we can have. If it means I will pay a little more and get a little less fuel mileage, I don't mind.
For those that have never seen how bad SMOG can be, like in the 70's before catalytic converters, it is amazing. And, the newer engines over the years have given us a lot more HP with smaller engines and better economy.
I absolutely have no smoke coming out the tailpipe of our Dynasty even on hard pulls. Burns clean and no trouble with the particulate filter system in 68,500 miles.
The new coach will have DEF and I expect about 6.0-6.5 mpg's because of the weight (54,000 lbs).
Safe travls,
MM.
I completely understand your thought. But my thoughts are, "you're" burning the diesel cleaner, but is if necessarily more efficient? Most diesel pickups have the the exhaust systems that use UREA burn out the soot in the DPF. Many older Cummins engines out their have a system that actually injects more diesel fuel into the DPF to accomplish this task . Thus using more fuel.
So if many of the engines are less fuel efficient and have less MPG then previous years more fuel is being consumed and associated processes to get that fuel, more engine failures from less lubricity ( jury is out on that) - it's a big circle jerk. You think your doing the environment a favor by burning the fuel cleaner. But behind the scene more engines and parts are made, more EPA required components are manufactured, more oil is extracted from the ground ( some would complain about those practices to get it), more factories producing pollution to make those EPA required parts, etc, etc. Unless your in a manufacturing environment you have no clue to all the hazards and carcinogens that go into the air, some causing severe health hazards to people. So you feel proud you're doing your part, but in reality it might be somewhat skewed if the big picture is reviewed.
This is just my opinion of course. I'm for clean air just like the next guy. But most people don't have a clue what goes on behind the scenes that get you to that clean exhaust. Why do you think a new diesel p/u can cost over $70,000?
I also understand where you are coming from. I really do think we are on the same page.
The point I was trying to make is the 'whole' picture not just in the last 20-40 yrs. Our engines are super more efficient than the model-T Ford and will continue to get better and cleaner in the next 50-100 yrs.
We are on the ladder climbing one step at a time.
My old '64 Rolls gets probably 6 mpg and has a 6.825 liter V-8 with probably less than 140 hp. (not really sure, never looked it up). I have to pull it out of the garage if I run it for any length of time because of all the fumes (no catalytic converter).
MM.
