I have not driven a diesel since circa 1972. This is purely personal.
I worked for Mothers Pride, the fleet for the 'salesmen' at that time were Austin/Morris LD with a special body. The engine was a BMC 2.2 litre diesel. My van was automatic, I know not why as my patch started in Launceston and ended in Wadebridge with the 30 miles drive back at a max speed of just over 40mph. One morning, about 2 miles from the depot, I smelt a very strong smell of diesel. Lifted off the engine cover, yes those were the days of luxury, a piece of bent tin between you and that beautifully quiet engine. There was a lovely spurt of diesel out of the pipe to the injector pump. So rather than wait hours for the mechanics to finish their tea, I drove back to the depot. That night,after visiting, I was so ill, our GP thought I had suffered a stroke. It scared him, me my Wife and Pa in law who had to lift me out of our car into his home I was completely paralysed.. ( My wife drove about 4 miles to Pa in Law being nearest no licence and little driving experience) .Since then I have avoided diesel like the plague and it saddens me to see people filling their diesel cars without either using the gloves provided or washing their hands afterwards. Yes I was stupid to do what I did BUT who would have thought diesel fumes could do that? Wonder fuel? it has lot to answer for. However, it means our haulage costs are considerably cheaper than petrol engined lorries etc. The boffins should be concentrating on alternative power for heavy transport before pandering to the motorist.
