Why do diesels have lower rev limiter?

[paddyhasneeds]

Sorry to show my lack of engine knowledge here, but why do diesels always have a much lower rev limiter than petrol cars?

[paddyhasneeds]

eldar said:

This is the answer. Plus the risk of scouring lubrication oil and using it as fuel...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5zx3qKX_Pno

WTF is going on there?!

[paddyhasneeds]

Marf said:

Diesel engines can run on pretty much any oil, including its own oil supply.

If for whatever reason the piston rings do not seal the combustion chamber from the bowels of the engine, it can start to run on its own oil and will continue to do so until either the engine explodes, the oil runs out, or you block the intake.

Presumably that just comes down to bad luck? As a diesel owner there's nothing you can do other than follow the maintenance schedule?

[paddyhasneeds]

Oh crap I thought I'd put this in General Gassing. Sorry.