On this page we take a quick look at legendary diesels (in OUR opinion).
Our info here is a little biased towards the diesel engines fuel system and certainly does not take into the account any details of the rest of the vehicle or machine.
This engine set new levels for power and refinement during the mid nineties, the sound of this straight 6 was (and still is) rather impressive. Gave bags of power in the BMW 325/525 and Vauxhall Omega but struggled a bit when plonked into a RangeRover. Fitted with the Bosch VP37 pump giving it the ability to run on veg oil/bio diesel without too much hassle.
German engineering delivers an incredibly powerful, smooth and reliable motor. Does suffer from injector issues (as all common rail diesels do) but despite this an excellent engine.
For truck engines the Cummins was king. Gave incredible low down torque and with good mpg. A shame they ruined it by adding electronic control.
Never was a popular engine which is a shame as it was incredibly reliable and took abuse very well. Excellent lugging ability and fitted with VE type pump making veg oil/bio diesel use feasible.
The 4.98 engine was fitted to numerous applications including JCB and Leyland/Marshall tractors. A good solid engine with plenty of torque and not too bad on fuel. Essential to keep the anti-freeze mix just right though.
This engine found it's way into the Sprinter and SsangYong Musso (though in the Sprinter it generally had the Bosch VP37 pump). A good low revving grunty engine which if maintained goes on and on and on.
Although a thirsty engine it proves to be virtually indestructible. Plenty of torque making it ideal for towing purposes. Fitted with VE type pump making it suitable for veg oil/bio diesel though pump seals prone for giving issues. May lack the power compared to the newer 2.5/3.2 DiD but a darn sight more reliable and less costly to put right.
Was the biggest manufacturer of diesel engines (maybe still is?). Although Perkins made many engines of different types perhaps the best where the 3.152 (as fitted into the MF35X and MF135) and the 4.236. These engines still work hard today many of which have never had a rebuild. Less good Perkins engines where the V8 the 6.354 and Prima as found in the Maestro enough said?
Possibly the first diesel engine to be considered acceptable for car use as at the time it was reasonably quiet and powerful and also pretty darn good for economy, indeed many past clients state far better mpg for this older engine than the HDI. Cam belt replacement at the correct intervals was essential, engines fitted with Bosch fuel system suitable for veg oil/bio diesel.
Many say this was and still is the best engine fitted in the Ford Transit. Although lacking the punch of it's replacement (DuraTorq and TDCI) it is far more reliable and far less costly to maintain. Engines of 1994 onwards generally had a Bosch injection pump making veg oil/bio diesel a viable option. Beware of the 2.5 Dl Turbo as this was cursed with the Epic injection pump (Epic injection pump = Bad diesel).
We may divide opinion here but despite the original issues with the injection pump this engine is good. A solid engine and all round good performer. Once the injection pump is overhauled with the latest parts it has a good chance of being problem free for the life of the engine. We see these engines covering over 300k miles and still going strong. Beware though of the engines fitted with the VP44 PSG16 pump!
The good 1.9 TDI (90/110bhp) and even better 2.5 TDI (5 cylinder) set new standards during the mid nineties in terms of power. Although looking a little lame compared to newer diesel bhp figures and sounding rather noisy these engines still deliver incredible mpg figures and provide excellent reliability. Cam belt replacement is essential though along with regular oil changes. Fitted with Bosch VP37 pump (EDC) making it a good candidate for veg oil/bio diesel. V6 2.5 TDI's are also a good solid engine though cam belt replacement is ESSENTIAL and the injection pump (VP44) is fragile and costly to service. The PD engine has also proved itself to be quite reliable with reduced noise and higher power ratings available. Whether the common rail VW/Audi engines prove to be as good as there predecessors is yet to be seen.