Gas and Diesel Differences

• If you wish to convert a gasoline engine to a diesel engine, you must first understand the difference between the two. Both engines use internal combustion, causing fuel to enter a chamber to be ignited. The ignited fuel causes a small explosion in the ignition chamber, which causes pistons to move up and down. These pistons rotate the drive shaft, which in turn causes the wheels to roll.
  
  

It Only Takes a Spark

• Gasoline engines use spark plugs. Gasoline is either distributed to the ignition chamber by way of a carburetor or is injected into the spark chamber using fuel injection. When the fuel enters the chamber, the electrical charge from the spark plug ignites the gasoline. A diesel engine, as opposed to a gasoline engine, uses air compression to ignite the fuel in the chamber. When the diesel fuel enters the compression chamber, it is combined with warm air. When the air is compressed by a piston, it heats up rapidly. The fuel is injected into the chamber as the air is compressed, causing it to ignite, explode and drive the piston back down.
  
  

Under Pressure

• Due to the amount of energy released in the compression chamber and the high pressure a diesel system is under, diesel engines are constructed with thicker and stronger combustion chambers and pistons. This is why diesel engines tend to last much longer than gasoline engines, because they are built to withstand the pressure required. In the past, some auto manufacturers attempted to convert existing gasoline engines into diesel engines. This resulted in premature damage to the engines with cracked engine blocks and blown head gaskets.
  
  

To Convert or Not

• Because gasoline engines are constructed to operate with gasoline, and the lower pressure and energy that is needed in the system, they are not as strong and long- lasting. Diesel engines, by contrast, are necessarily stronger all-around engines. As a result, while it may be theoretically possible to convert an existing gasoline engine to a diesel engine, it is certainly not advisable. The resulting engine would not last long enough to be of any benefit and would likely cause more damage to the engine and the vehicle itself.