So, how exactly does a diesel engine work?
The diesel engine (also known as a compression-ignition engine), named after Rudolf Diesel, is an internal combustion engine in which the ignition of the fuel is caused by the elevated temperature of the air in the cylinder due to the mechanical compression. Induction draws in the air and fuel. Compression causes the air to compress, heat, and ultimately cause the spontaneous combustion of the fuel creating Power. The Exhaust stroke expels the heated air out along with a mixture of incompletely burnt particles.
The torque of the engine, or the amount of work it can do, is controlled by the air to fuel ratio during Induction, and it relies on altering the amount of fuel that is injected while using a high air ratio.
Ever wanted a picture to show you all those terms the shop throws out at you when describing your repairs?
Well here you go, from the turbo to the oil tank, here is your diesel engine. Even those little glow plugs that help heat your engine during the cold months.
The DEF is part of the Selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system. This system converts toxic nitrogen oxides (NOx) in the exhaust into Nitrogen and Water by adding the DEF into the exhaust flow just before the catalyst. Not only does SCR system reduce nitrogen oxides, but it also reduces Hydro Carbons (HC) and Carbon Monoxide (CO) by 50-90 percent.
It also helps on fuel consumption as well.