Sport45 wrote:



I hear ya. But you have to understand that's the same argument we (me included) had against emission systems on our gas engines in the 70's. Lost power, used more gas, but you can't argue our air is cleaner as a result. And a gas engine today makes more power from less displacement and gets better mpg to boot. I, for one, don't wish to relive the "good old days".

If the engineers are forced to make the same leaps with diesel technology we will all benefit in the long run. In the mean time, more fuel doesn't equal more emissions. In this case it only means cleaner air.

sacmarata wrote:



My 1981 VW Rabbit diesel got 52+/- mpg before all the hippies got ahold of our government. Ive lived in the Ohio Valley Region (Ozone Alley)all my life and don't recall all the smog every talks about from back in the days of those horrible 52mpg diesels, and somehow doubt that the average commuter vehicle, whether it be a VW Rabbit or those beastly 12v Dodge Cummins were responsible for more than a fraction of a percent of the smog that actually was there.

OhhWell wrote:

your '81 rabbit diesel only weighed about 1800 lbs and put 75 hp which was considered fine back then but would be laughed at today. These days, cars need to have more luxury features (weight), interior room (weight) and power to sell.

Anyway, I wish it was JUST the "hippies" that got ahold of the government.

parkersdad wrote:

I only use the stuff in the auto parts store. It comes with a long hose and the 2 1/2 gallons you get will give me about three quarters of a tank.

carl2591 wrote:

so now back to they main attraction ,,, Diesel vs gas.

I have been going over the same issues for the past several months my self in trying to determine which is better in the long run. While it true the gas are lower cost up front when buying new you loose more value with them quicker with miles from towing.

A diesel on the other hand is higher cost up front but a diesel with 150K vs a gasser with 150 will garner more dollars as used trucks on resale market.

THis is why i am looking at 2002 ford f-250 SD PSD 7.3L XLT supercab 2 wd version with 152K miles for my future towing duties. this unit already has a elec trailer brake box and mounts for 5th wheel in bad along with air bags so i know it done some towing. In checking the carfax it appers the truck was taken care of for the most part..

It runs good, does not show any smoke at start up, when you open the oil filler cap there is no pressure. for the most part if OEM stock.

The stealersship is asking $13995 and nada is listing it at $11,925..
I plan to take it to a local diesel performance shop close by to check out and they take oil, trans, rearend, and antifreeze samples to send off for analyst for $125..

My point is I feel from reading all the posts in this thread, or almost all of them, the diesel is better suited for full-time use in pull a TT, especially out west, which is where we plan to go in some 5 yrs when we start to full-time..

in the mean time this will be an occasional driver with us getting a TT in 2-3 yrs for weekend, short week etc use.

I am not able to afford a new or almost new truck at some 28-35K. The difference between a 2002 and 2012 will buy a lot of diesel no matter what the price.

It was a tough and hard thought out process that lead to this point..

I do appreciate all the comments both for and against each type.. that is what make a forum like this so fun and interesting.

thanks a million and keep the comments coming..

carl2591 wrote:

that's what i will be doing and after the results come back decide on what fluids to change out.

In driving the truck, i have gassers now, it rides good, no funny smells , power seems good, no smoking when running over all it looks in good shape for the age. Just have to go with my gut and my time spent under the truck with flashlight looking for grease, oil leaks etc and it looked fine .front to back from below..

wish me luck and i am a member of the diesel club.

carl2591 wrote:

that's what i will be doing and after the results come back decide on what fluids to change out.

In driving the truck, i have gassers now, it rides good, no funny smells , power seems good, no smoking when running over all it looks in good shape for the age. Just have to go with my gut and my time spent under the truck with flashlight looking for grease, oil leaks etc and it looked fine .front to back from below..

wish me luck and i am a member of the diesel club.