Nitrous oxide injection, often associated with gasoline engines, can also significantly enhance the performance of diesel engines, particularly turbo-diesels. This article explores the mechanics of nitrous oxide, its effects on diesel combustion, and the potential benefits and considerations for using NOS on a diesel engine.
How Nitrous Oxide Works in a Diesel Engine
Nitrous oxide (N2O) is a non-flammable gas composed of nitrogen and oxygen. At high temperatures, around 565-575º F, N2O decomposes into its constituent elements. This characteristic is key to its performance-enhancing capabilities.
In a diesel engine, the intake air is compressed, raising its temperature significantly. When nitrous oxide is injected into this hot compressed air, it breaks down, releasing oxygen. This extra oxygen allows for the combustion of more fuel, resulting in a substantial power increase. Unlike gasoline engines, which require a precise air-fuel ratio, diesel engines operate with excess air. This means that adding nitrous oxide to a diesel doesn’t necessitate simultaneous fuel enrichment, simplifying the injection process.
NOS Injection on a Diesel Engine
Benefits of NOS on Diesel
The primary advantage of using nitrous oxide on a diesel engine is the significant power boost it provides. This extra power can be particularly beneficial for applications like truck pulling or racing, where maximizing short bursts of power is crucial. Furthermore, in overfueled diesel engines that produce black smoke due to incomplete combustion, nitrous oxide can help lean out the air-fuel mixture. The added oxygen allows for complete combustion of the excess fuel, reducing black smoke and lowering exhaust gas temperatures (EGTs). This reduction in EGTs is critical for protecting the turbocharger and engine components from excessive heat. The cooling effect of the vaporizing nitrous oxide also contributes to denser intake air, further enhancing power output.
Considerations for Using NOS on Diesel
While nitrous oxide offers substantial power gains, its use requires careful consideration. Primarily, nitrous oxide injection is most effective on already modified diesel engines operating in an overfueled condition. Injecting NOS into a stock diesel engine might not yield significant benefits and could potentially cause damage. The duration of nitrous injection is also limited due to its rapid consumption rate. Typically, injections last only 10-15 seconds at full throttle. Prolonged use can lead to excessive heat and potential engine damage. Furthermore, the nitrous oxide system itself requires proper installation and maintenance to ensure safe and effective operation.
Conclusion
Nitrous oxide injection can provide a substantial power boost for diesel engines, especially in overfueled, high-performance applications. By providing extra oxygen, NOS facilitates more complete combustion, leading to increased power, reduced black smoke, and lower EGTs. However, it’s essential to understand that NOS is most beneficial for modified engines and requires careful consideration regarding installation, usage duration, and overall engine health.
