2014 Ford Transit to have 3.2 liter Diesel Powerstroke and Ecoboost

[Diamondpilot]

Because GM's were being trashed while I was reading the thread...OK?...If there weren't some who take every opportunity to trash other brands,regardless of the thread subject, I wouldn't have said a word..Get it?

This thread could be about 1 7/8 vs 2" trailer balls and one of the posters would find a way to stuff a rant about how his co-pilots sister's cousin's sister-in-laws, husband's misteress boyfriends college roomates neighbor had a GM that failed at the task. Just stating the obvious at this point. Not buying it anymore. It's beyond stupid.

I hate 1 7/8" balls. Anything I have ever owned with 1 7/8" coupler got removed asap for a 2".

Have a great weekend everyone.

Chris

 

[Dmace]

I remember something from way back in mechanical engineering class that a 5-cylinder engine can be balanced better than a 4. Somehow, the 5 is a special case among odd numbers of cylinders.

I'd be curious to see this explanation.

In engine design, the odd cylinder configurations are not as smooth primarily because of firing overlap. For example, a 4 cylinder engine fires once every 720 degrees which means there's a "power stroke" every 180 degrees so two power strokes for every rotation of the crankshaft. The power stroke (explosion) can not last more than 180 degrees of the crankshaft rotation (or you'd have knock). So when one cylinder is at BDC (bottom dead center) at the end of the power stroke, another cylinder is firing. There are 2 cylinders firing and 2 cylinders exhausting for every rotation, so there is no overlap or vibration as is the case with any even number configuration. It's smooth.

A 5 cylinder has a power stroke every 144 degrees and since it last for 180 degrees that means there is overlap where one cylinder is firing while another is still in the power stroke. This overlap causes vibration (NVH) but is more noticeable at lower rpms. This overlap of power strokes also means a flatter torque curve so there is a pro to this layout as well. As you add cylinders to an odd configuration (7, 9, 13, etc...) the vibration is much less but still there. There's a reason 5 cylinder engines need large balancers.

Lastly again due to the power stroke overlap, odd configurations typically do not like high rpms. Of course an expensive well designed 5 cylinder will seem smoother than a cheap run-of-the-mill 4 cylinder but with all other parts equal the even configuration will always be smoother.

Since this is diesel, most won't notice excessive vibration at idle and the broader torque curve will only help the natural torque of compression ignition so this may well turn out to be a good design but only time will tell.

 

[PoorPlowboy]

I hate 1 7/8" balls. Anything I have ever owned with 1 7/8" coupler got removed asap for a 2".

Have a great weekend everyone.

Chris

Same here. 2" for bumper pull and 2 5/16" for goosenecks. No other way to do it! :laughing:

 

[Renze]

The European Fiat Ducato is only around 7,700 GVWR and 3,100 lbs of payload vs the RAM Promaster at 9,350 GVWR /12,500 lb GCWR and 5,145 lbs of payload capacity which is certainly not "overshooting" a 3500 badge. I highly doubt the 8,550 lb GVWR van will be a 3500.

The Ducato comes in several versions, biggest is 4 ton technicallly, (8800Lbs) but licensed at 3500kg to stay under the CDL limit. The Fiat website states load ratings of 1000 to 2000kg which is 2200 to 4400Lbs. Yes the payload capacity of a typical 1500 truck is a joke compared to its empty weight, but the drivetrain is a HUUGE difference compared to the FWD Fiat. Thats what i meant. I mean theres a reason why Merc downrated the Sprinter to 150hp for the US market, because when downrated, it will last as long as a 3500 domestic truck, though with a lower power output. The Ducato wont last when towing frequently to its GCWR limit.

 

[Renze]

In engine design, the odd cylinder configurations are not as smooth primarily because of firing overlap. For example, a 4 cylinder engine fires once every 720 degrees which means there's a "power stroke" every 180 degrees so two power strokes for every rotation of the crankshaft. The power stroke (explosion) can not last more than 180 degrees of the crankshaft rotation (or you'd have knock). So when one cylinder is at BDC (bottom dead center) at the end of the power stroke, another cylinder is firing. There are 2 cylinders firing and 2 cylinders exhausting for every rotation, so there is no overlap or vibration as is the case with any even number configuration. It's smooth.

A 5 cylinder has a power stroke every 144 degrees and since it last for 180 degrees that means there is overlap where one cylinder is firing while another is still in the power stroke. This overlap causes vibration (NVH) but is more noticeable at lower rpms. This overlap of power strokes also means a flatter torque curve so there is a pro to this layout as well. As you add cylinders to an odd configuration (7, 9, 13, etc...) the vibration is much less but still there. There's a reason 5 cylinder engines need large balancers.

Lastly again due to the power stroke overlap, odd configurations typically do not like high rpms. Of course an expensive well designed 5 cylinder will seem smoother than a cheap run-of-the-mill 4 cylinder but with all other parts equal the even configuration will always be smoother.

Since this is diesel, most won't notice excessive vibration at idle and the broader torque curve will only help the natural torque of compression ignition so this may well turn out to be a good design but only time will tell.

B.S, sir ! According to your statement Lamborghini V12 would run rougher than a Volkswagen Beetle four cylinder because in the V12, every power stroke is overlapped by three others... Probably thats why the modern four cylinder has counterrotating balancer shafts ? theres a gap in your reasoning.

 

[94BULLITT]

B.S, sir ! According to your statement Lamborghini V12 would run rougher than a Volkswagen Beetle four cylinder because in the V12, every power stroke is overlapped by three others... Probably thats why the modern four cylinder has counterrotating balancer shafts ? theres a gap in your reasoning.

Here is more of an explanation on wikipedia.

Straight-five engine - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

[Renze]

Here is more of an explanation on wikipedia.

Straight-five engine - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Yes a 5 cylinder has more vibrations than a straight 6.

However, this increase in smoothness of a six-cylinder engine over a five-cylinder engine is not as pronounced as that of a five-cylinder engine over a four-cylinder engine.

 

[Dmace]

B.S, sir ! According to your statement Lamborghini V12 would run rougher than a Volkswagen Beetle four cylinder because in the V12, every power stroke is overlapped by three others... Probably thats why the modern four cylinder has counterrotating balancer shafts ? theres a gap in your reasoning.

Obviously an engine with more and smaller pistons will seem smoother but mostly due to smaller explosions and better manufacturer design. You obviously didn't read everything I said as I explained that.

As you add cylinders to an odd configuration (7, 9, 13, etc...) the vibration is much less but still there.

By the way, 5 cylinder engines need counter balancing weights as well.

 

[94BULLITT]

The firing order also is a factor in the smoothness of a engine.

 

[Peacock]

All I know is that Kubota 5 cylinder engines are butter smooth!