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From: ssm@leg.ri.cmu.edu.ARPA (Sesh Murthy)
Newsgroups: net.auto
Subject: My two pennies worth about diesel engines
Message-ID: <240@leg.ri.cmu.edu.ARPA>
Date: Mon, 16-Sep-85 21:56:28 EDT
Article-I.D.: leg.240
Posted: Mon Sep 16 21:56:28 1985
Date-Received: Fri, 20-Sep-85 02:08:27 EDT
Organization: Carnegie-Mellon University, CS/RI
Lines: 26

I own a 1980 Volkswagen Dasher diesel.  Here is what I think
1) Regarding noise.  I increased my idling rpm to 1500 so that the car never
shudders or makes any noise. Who cares about minor differences in city mpg
anyway?

2) Regarding power.  It can be driven at 60 mph up  the Pennsylvania turnpike
slopes.  This is better than many gasoline cars with auto transmission
However it misbehaves at 70+ mph so I never try to go that fast.  The noise
level and mpg are highly nonlinear functions of rpm. 
(quiet at 55mph bearable at 65 and unbearable at 70 mph
55mpg at 50mph 48mpg at 60 mph and 35mpg at 70mph.)

The only constant problem is changing the oil every 3000 miles.  That for me
is every month and I hate it.  However considering the number of miles I
drive it is very economical ( about 5 c/mile all inclusive)  It generates
positive cash when I am reimbursed.

To the guy who was complaining of engine oil being used at high rpms there is
a three-way hose which removes this problem.  My 1980 Dasher had the same
problem and it was fixed by my dealer for free. ( The only honest thing he
has ever done in his life.)  If you are still looking to get rid of your 79
VW I will buy it for $1000 if you deliver in Pittsburgh.

Tel no: 412-683-9180-- 
uucp: seismo!rochester!cmu-ri-leg!ssm
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