Hello
Reading up some history and WWII warfare , i keep comming accross this , "tanks that have petrol engines are more vunerable " why is that compared to Diesel or paraffin?
My WAG is that it’s for the same reason petrol engines are less safe than diesel in boats. If there is a leak in the fuel system, the fumes settle in the interior of the vehicle, creating a potentially explosive atmosphere. Diesel doesn’t do that.
And I thought this thread was going to be about Thomas…
gasoline is a lot more flammable. Doesn’t take much to set it off compared to diesel. Just a guess.
As a side, Diesel was also more preffered since it wasn’t as refined a product as gasoline (I’m sure Anthracite will correct me if I’m wrong). This is kind of handy during wartime as high-grade fuels were already in great demand for piston driven aircraft. As well, Diesel engines produce a ton-o-torque[sup]TM[/sup]. Something good in a Tank. There generally really tough, too.
Petrol (gasoline) burns at far lower temperature, and much more readily produces flammible vapors, as compared to diesel, and gasoline vapors combust in an explosive manner fairly easily. Not a happy circumstance for the tankers.
Yo, ExTank! Where are you?
If you use petrol in your boat, be sure to turn on the bilge blowers for a minute before you start the engine to clear the fumes. If your boat is Diesel powered, turn on the bilge blowers anyway, since you never know when you might be in a gasoline powered vessel and it’s good practice.
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Diesel aircraft engines are being developed. They will run on Jet-A, which is basically kerosene and is cheaper than avgas.
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I agree with your reasons, but also diesel is a little safer, as it does not ignite quite so easily.
There is a push by many armed forces across the world to use only one type of fuel, this simplifies supply arrangemments, diesel engines are generally more economical then petrol which can be important if you have to carry it great distances.