Diesel vs. Gas - Which is Better

[rking.1688]

As I am progressing on the Willys rebuild, the engine continues to concern me. I'm not entirely sure that the block is in sound condition. When I started tear down it was firing on 4&5, which is the number one spot for a cracked block in that motor. So, if I have a bad block, I may do an engine swap rather than finding a new stock motor.

Original Pros & Cons:
-Gas, less fuel issues
-Awesome torque
-Carbuerated, less than ideal in the open field
-Very low mpg

Diesel Swap Pros & Cons:
-Diesel, more prone to gelling, etc.
-Maintains torque
-Injected, less fuel delivery issues
-Better mpg

So, should I really consider a diesel swap if I can't use the stock motor? To me it looks like a better option out on the trail.

 

[Joey83]

Diesels usually have more range also :)

 

[Scott]

I'm biased because I own a diesel.. But the increased fuel economy, durability and just plain cool factor are all pluses in my book. When I can get more than double the fuel economy and range as my buddies similarly equipped truck that has a 5.7 hemi, it makes me smile.

 

[Mad Garden Gnome]

As I am progressing on the Willys rebuild, the engine continues to concern me. I'm not entirely sure that the block is in sound condition. When I started tear down it was firing on 4&5, which is the number one spot for a cracked block in that motor. So, if I have a bad block, I may do an engine swap rather than finding a new stock motor.

Original Pros & Cons:
-Gas, less fuel issues
-Awesome torque
-Carbuerated, less than ideal in the open field
-Very low mpg

Diesel Swap Pros & Cons:
-Diesel, more prone to gelling, etc.
-Maintains torque
-Injected, less fuel delivery issues
-Better mpg

So, should I really consider a diesel swap if I can't use the stock motor? To me it looks like a better option out on the trail.

Original Pro's & Con's
-Gas, less fuel issues
-Awesome torque
-Carbuerated, less than ideal in the open field
-You won't find yourself tearing down an injection pump for repair in the field. Won't happen, much less an electronic injection system, gas or diesel. At least a carb you could disassemble and repair, ie: drain contaminated fuel, unclog jets, etc....
-Very low mpg

Diesel Swap Pros & Cons:
-Diesel, more prone to gelling, etc.
Whats the lowest temps you plan on operating in? Current aftermarket additives address this.
-Maintains torque
-Injected, less fuel delivery issues
-Mechanical injection is probably the most dependable diesel injection system for field purposes.
-Better mpg




You may want to consider the Cummins 4BT. Many blocks use a common SBC bellhousing. Mechanical injection. Common parts support. Very dependable 4 cylinder version of the 5.9l 12v. There is also the Isuzu 4BT, same name, different motor. Also came in some SBC bellhousing configurations. Both can be found in "bread trucks".

 

[rking.1688]

The motor I would swap for would either be the Cummins 4BT or a Kubota V2203. Both can be adapted to the stock T90 transmission. Both also have about the same horsepower and parts availability.

 

[Mad Garden Gnome]

I love the little Kubota motors. I've rebuilt one of the 3 cyl. Stout and simple.

 

[expeditionnorth]

if you ever travel oveseas you'll want diesel, since all other options seemed to be mentioned here

 

[58-fc170]

Might want to rethink the transmission choice. A t-90 is a tiny transmission and I seriously doubt it would like having a diesels torque dumped into it.