How does the fuel system in a diesel engine differ from that of a gasoline engine?

The fuel system in a diesel engine is characterized by its reliance on fuel injectors and high combustion compression, distinguishing it significantly from that of a gasoline engine. In diesel engines, air is compressed to a very high pressure, which results in a significant increase in temperature. Fuel injectors then spray diesel fuel directly into the highly compressed hot air within the combustion chamber, leading to spontaneous ignition of the fuel due to the extreme conditions. This method allows for a more efficient combustion process, contributing to the overall effectiveness of diesel engines in applications requiring high torque and fuel efficiency.

In contrast, gasoline engines utilize a different approach with fuel mixing and vaporization, typically employing carburetors or fuel injection systems designed to create a fuel-air mixture before it enters the combustion chamber. The lower compression ratios in gasoline engines also contribute to differences in performance characteristics compared to diesel engines.

The assertion that diesel engines are less efficient than gasoline engines does not align with the operating principles and efficiencies observed in real-world applications, where diesel engines tend to be more efficient, particularly in heavy-duty and long-haul scenarios. Thus, understanding that diesel engines operate on the principles of compression ignition and high combustion compression reinforces the distinction in fuel systems between diesel and gasoline engines.