Considerations in Redesigning a Gasoline Engine into a Diesel Engine for Passenger Car Service

Conversion of an automotive production line from manufacture of gasoline engines to manufacture of diesel engines requires redesign of many component parts if the diesel engine is to provide good performance. Factors to be considered in this redesign and the design solutions that were developed for a successful production line conversion at Adam Opel AG are discussed. These include ways to improve critical engine parts, such as crankshaft, connecting rods, cylinder head bolts, camshaft drive, within the existing manufacturing limitations.