There is a lot of technology in place to make these engines burn clean. Not
just the lower sulphur fuel. Much of this technology is new and despite
claims, time is needed to tell if it works and what maintenance will be
reqiured to support it. It also requires the use of additonal chemicals. I
have a Diesel with the so called soot collecting and oxidation exhaust. You
gotta see the Fun Bus after the motor home tows it any distance. Clean it is
not.

From an engineering point of view, the economy improvements of Diesel is
typically in the 20-25% range. Most of this comes from the increase energy
content of the fuel, reduction of pumping losses, (no throttle), and higher
compression and excess air.

The down side is that the higher compression and excess air increase the
production of NOx. Your modified engine with extra turbo boost and high
capacity injectors adds to the NOx problem. If Diesel emissions testing
comes your way, do you think you will pass?

The factory bare bones Diesel Vanagons didn't do 30 mpg. Your Syncro at 28
is exceptional. However you have to factor in the shorter engine life and
overall cost per mile. Also factor the increased maintenance costs for the
typical car owner. The gasoline engine is popular here due to the low
overall costs and with current technology the cleaner choice. It almost like
should you heat your house with oil or gas? Most folks choose natural gas if
it is available.

Dennis

>From: Karl Mullendore <groups@WESTYVENTURES.COM>
>Reply-To: Karl Mullendore <groups@WESTYVENTURES.COM>
>To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
>Subject: Re: What is it with the US? (No real van content)
>Date: Tue, 26 Jun 2007 01:10:25 -0400
>
>The newest diesels coming from Honda, Subaru, Nissan, and yes, VW, are
>purported to meet the same emission standards that are applied to their
>gasoline conterparts.
>
>Diesels can get upward of 30-50% or more fuel mileage plus equal and
>sometimes more power. Take my Syncro, for instance...former WBX at 16 mpg,
>now gets 28 mpg AND has far more power.
>
>On Fri, 22 Jun 2007 13:33:43 -0700, Loren Busch <starwagen@GMAIL.COM>
>wrote:
>
> >One point I haven't seen mention is CARB.  The California CARB
>requirements
> >drive the auto industry, at least those that want to sell in the US.  My
> >understanding is that 'Diesel' is a dirty word in California.  If true,
>then
> >why would anyone try to market a diesel vshicle in the US?