S2E28 We test the Kubota diesel powered Saturn and find out MPG plus top speed fuel consumption

Season 2 Episode 28. Jimbo puts the finishing touches on the Kubota powered Saturn. A series of road tests are conducted to evaluate performance.. How fast will the Saturn go?.... what is the MPG? ... tune in and check it out.
Hi Ya folks! Beware of a GIVEAWAY SCAM. This channel is NOT doing a Giveaway and we are NOT asking for personal information. If you get a message asking for info, please ignore it.
Jimbo
The walls in our new studio are bare, if you want to send swag please send it to:
Robot Cantina
207 S. Sedgwick Ave
P.O. Box 28
Haven KS, 67543

[@lancecluster]

As a former Saturn owner that had to replace an engine in it a 50k and then had to scrap the car due to the frame holding the plastic body panels in place completely decomposing from rust, I think you are putting way more effort into this than GM did in the first place. These are fun to watch. Thank you for making them.

[@JohnGalt-vr3lx]

I bought a used Saturn maybe 12 years ago. Had around 70,000 miles now its around 580,000 miles. Besides tires brakes belts and hoses, I have had zero problems. My ex wife has a Saturn convertible. She bought it new 20 years ago or so. I think she has 300,000 miles problem free. I also gave a 2003 ford f250 with a 6.0 diesel. According to "everyone" they blow up the moment you start them. I have a little over 1,000,000 miles with no real problems. A new water pump and leaking valve cover seals. I have found that how people drive and treat and maintain cars (or anything else) has a lot to do with how long they last

[@americansmark]

I had a Saturn Ion Sport with the LE5 engine. It was a turd that cost me a lot of money to deal with. My engine would shoot to max RPMs whenever I put my foot on the clutch. I still wondered what the cause was. I sold it to a salvage mechanic for what I owed and he replaced the engine and transmission with a LSJ and made it his daily.

[@retrocompaq5212]

@@americansmark made 400k km with a similar chevy cobalt, had 7 of them the real issue those cars have if you maintain them correctly is the clutch, its not strong enough, ouside of that its only users fault

[@retrocompaq5212]

@@americansmark btw you cant swap a gen 3 engine(lsj) in a car with a gen 4 engine (le5), the only way is to install the sc on the 2.4 or swap the entire car

[@americansmark]

@@retrocompaq5212 le5 isn't a gen 4. It's a Gen 2. It was about in 06. Afaik, there are no Gen 4 ecotecs. As for swaps, I've seen guys swap LNFs into their LSJ cars. I don't see how the 2.4 would be any different. Still the Delta platform with the exact same engine and transmission mounts.

[@ThriftStoreHacker]

Other KZbinrs are making 1000hp engines yet I'm rooting for the Kubota Saturn to hit 70mph :)

[@adamt195]

I'm rooting for it to hit 70mph AND 70mpg at 50mph.

[@kansasrose2909]

@@adamt195 To all the ROBOT CANTINA family of viewers, It's been a pleasure getting to know you this year. May the holiday season bless you and your loved ones with joy and happiness. In this loveliest of seasons may you find many reasons for happiness. 😊😊😊😊

[@ronarmstrong835]

A guy named Crazy Jerry has a KZbin channel and did just that. His car does 70. Gets 200 MPG and uses a D 850.

[@someguyto4675]

I always like the kis motto. Keep it simple.

[@millertime8835]

4cyl turbo would be all you need

[@pappytron]

Years ago, Popular Mechanics magazine, did a project called Project Centurian. They took a Triumph Spitfire chassis, built a fiberglass/foam composite body for it, and powered it with a Kubota engine, about the same size that you are using. They were able to get mileage of about 65mpg at 65 mph. At 35 mph, the mileage was around 125 mpg...if memory serves me correctly. It's good to see someone tinkering with these types of combinations, still. I look forward to seeing how things progress when you install the turbo. Thanks, and keep up the good work.

[@marzsit9833]

project centurian was created by robert q. riley, he used to have a website and sold plans for all of his interesting designs. sadly, he passed away last year and his website has been taken down, and apparently nobody is continuing his business..

[@danw1030]

Pappytron, yeah I remember that project also.

[@semifavorableuncircle6952]

As for the thermostat, its always surprising how small a leak keeps the engine from warming up. On my Mercedes, the thermostat had a barely visible, maybe 0,5mm gap when closed and the engine would stay at 60°C on the highway and take half an hour to even get to that temperature. I really didnt expect that small gap to be the problem, but a new thermostat fixed it.

[@ocdman202]

May the holiday season end the present year on a cheerful note and make way for a fresh and bright New Year. Here's wishing you a Happy Holidays!

[@BubbaSnipe]

I strongly disagree. My Hyundai i 30 1600 cc with 116 horsepower to 1400 kg curb weight gets the same mileage on average on a straight road.

[@timothywilliams2021]

It's amazing how small of a leak can affect the temp either way. Leaking thermostat and it won't get up to temp. Leak somewhere else and it overheats. I had a pinhole in a waterpump housing make a work truck overheat. Tiny pinhole would take day's to see noticeable loss of antifreeze. But it made the truck overheat.

[@benjaminmathon7417]

Thanks for the video. I Would really like to see the Kubota on the dyno bench, without modification, after mod and after turbo

[@kansasrose2909]

To all the ROBOT CANTINA family of viewers, It's been a pleasure getting to know you this year. May the holiday season bless you and your loved ones with joy and happiness. In this loveliest of seasons may you find many reasons for happiness. 😊😊😊😊

[@iceman45ification1]

I knew turning up the governor would help. And 56 mpg? That's way more than I expected, too!! 😳 One thing to note, you're probably going to have to upgrade the fuel pump to meet the fuel demand when you add the turbo. Nice work my friend!! 👌

[@SHSPVR]

LoL no upgrade the fuel pump will not help in case Danny due the way a diesel work but adding a Turbo will help with HP and Torq figures up much as 40/50% over stock which should in the neighborhood of 30hp/43Torq tops the real trick is going to be modify the stock injectors to allowing more Fuel CC to be passed on to combustion chamber

[@GoldenCroc]

@@SHSPVR Uh... all little bit to generalised, adding a more powerful fuel pump certainly will help a lot of diesel engines to give more power..

[@GoldenCroc]

56mpg is more or less as expected. Even small diesels arent as terrible for efficiency as small gas engines are. If you do 55 mph and use about 20hp to do it, you can pretty much gaurantee the fuel consumption will be something along those lines, for a small diesel.

[@SHSPVR]

@@GoldenCroc I hate to tell you this but it does not work that way it is called an injection pump which need be modified to directly increase the fuel flow rate stay open longer think of it like gas engine cam there's a reason because there are many parts to this a lift pump and a high 15/20k pressure pump but the other key ingredient in making more power is also at the bigger injector and your higher turbo boost pressure and few things.

[@GoldenCroc]

@@SHSPVR Uh, I think you must have misread my post, because surely you arent arguing that every diesel engine arent dependent on the fuel pump for how many horsepower you want in any way? Btw, I have done some diesel tuning.. and just fitting a larger fuel pump + accompanying software taking advantage of that will indeed increase power.. as is proven by the dyno and simple physics... So I am really not sure what you are arguing here... Again, can only assume you misread my post, I was replying to the fact that SOME diesel engine will indeed be able to make more power with a fuel pump of more capacity. So "due to the way a diesel work" isnt really correct, its too generalised ("a diesel" means "all diesels" the way you have written it).

[@michaelfiber4324]

This is the most chill mad man KZbin channel.

[@ocdman202]

TO to community of viewers of our favorite you=tube car channel... ROBOT CANTINA May your eggnog be spiked with plenty of rum to get you through this holiday season. Season's greetings and a Happy New Year! WE LOVE YOU JIMBO!🔧🔧🔧🔧🧙‍♂🧙‍♂🧙‍♂🧙‍♂

[@dustcommander100]

I've always been interested in fuel economy, and I like Saturns. I rebuilt a 1981 VW Rabbit pickup truck and had planned to do some testing as I drove it back and forth to work. I was surprised to find that when I rebuilt the injection pump, the timing was controlled by the pressure built up in the injection pump housing. This was due to an orifice built into the banjo bolt for the excess fuel going back to the fuel tank. The lift pump was of the vane type, and it pushed more fuel into the housing than was needed, with the excess returning (along with fuel from the injector drain lines) back to the tank. I measured about 15 PSI at 900 RPM and 85 PSI at 4000 RPM in the housing. I measured max travel of the piston at 90 PSI. The piston moved against a spring and moved the roller cam for the injection piston. My plan was to control the pressure on the fly in order to control the timing, but alas, a dope-smoker in a Kia wrecked me out. To add insult to injury, no witnesses stopped and the dope-smoker lied to the State Patrol about the traffic signal. So ended my research, but I'm happy to learn of yours! The VW was a 1600 cc with a rating of 52 HP at 4800 RPM. The truck weighed just under 2000 lbs. My best-ever fuel economy was 45 MPG, but I never got the chance to make timing changes and see the results . The turbocharged version was said to have 68 HP. Its injection pump had additional controls to increase fuel when boost pressure from the turbo was present.

[@mommapanda5736]

THANK YOU for this well articulated thoughtful comment

[@bennyboogenheimer4553]

I laughing myself sick, as my best friend Gary at Lehigh University, did something like this to his 1976 waterhead VW THING in the late 70's. He used a 1960ish(?) Mitsubishi 60 horse, diesel garden tractor's non turbo 4 cylinder engine. Just a AM/FM radio, and heat, he was able to go 65 on the Pa turnpike, and get a consistent 82 MPG. It even got the attention of VW who sent over some "real" engineers from their Pa. plant to check it out. They loved it! He kept the Thing's radiator, but added a remote double oil filter with 12" tall filters for extra oil, and cooling, and some duct work behind the back seat. Even installed a 220 volt generator, to keep the lights on when a winter storm would knock out our collage dorm. It got beaten, and torched at an Eagle's game in Philly, after President Reagan told everyone the economy was down because of imported cars. The city towed and crushed it before we could get back to pick it up. It was burned on a city owned lot. No surprise.

[@MilesPrower69420]

yeah there is a TON more power left on the table, diesels have a ton of ways to add power, increasing the pop off pressure of the injectors, more fuel, timing, timing is a major helper in power and from the factory most diesels are set very conservatively for emissions reasons and therefore make more heat and make less power and waste more fuel. turbo size is also very important! maybe a subaru turbo from one of the jdm twin turbos would be good. egt guage would be pretty much mandatory but theres zero reason you cant get 75 mpg and cruise at 70! really interested in this build and would love to see this thing keep up with the gas verson

[@lasskinn474]

the energy rob from alternator is pretty hard to calculate as it depends also on how much power you're using or not using from it, it's not like it takes 90 amps x 14.4v x efficiency all the time

[@bigiron4018]

remove the battery and use an inline amp-meter on the alternator positive cable.

[@davidjernigan8161]

@@bigiron4018 Also possible to use an inductive DC ammeter. No worries about a needing a shunt, or fires.

[@mickonanisland4281]

I think the alternator used is a shunt type, that alternator will be putting out 20 amps continuously regardless of battery needs. Any current not needed by the battery is shunted to ground resulting in heat. Probably not as efficient as a small auto field controlled alternator

[@bigiron4018]

@@mickonanisland4281 I think the same, but I think its worth testing if it is in fact spinning fast enough to make those 20A at idle speed.. 20A should be plenty for this application given no electric fuel pump, coils, injectors, or radio. main consumption sources would be blower motor and lights I bet

[@kimmer6]

The alternator is a 3 phase permanent magnet unit. The magnets are in the interior diameter of the stamped out rotating shell. It has to spin up pretty fast to get decent output. There is an external regulator that turns it from 3 wire to 2 wire DC output at14.6 volts. I have a GX50 Honda engine turning one with direct drive and it put out full load 20 amps at wide open throttle. Not much power loss is caused by this little alternator. I think the little Honda engine is rated 1.5 horsepower. With full battery, the fuel pump and instruments draw very little current from the alternator.

[@truckgotstuck]

It sounds like you have a wheel alignment problem. I swear I can hear the front tires howling. With the lighter weight on the front end, it will give it a positive camber, which you can see, and it may have given it some toe in, or out, depending on how the suspension is setup, but I suspect in. Did you notice the steering is any faster responding or if it returns to center quicker or is just wonky? A laser level and tape measure alignment might help you pickup a few mph by educing the drag. Feel the tires all the way around and see if they are noticeably warmer on the inside or outside of the tread face. I suspect the outside will be a bit hotter. You can do this with a heat gun or thermal camera too. If it's patches of heat, it's a bad tire, rim, or out of balance tire. If it's consistent all the way around the tire, it's alignment.

[@mski907]

TURBO TURBO TURBO!!! So stoked to watch that video cause I really like these ones.

[@cobbleup]

Just for reference, the original VW Beatle had 25 hp and was designed to maintain 60 mph. So that little 20 hp naturally aspirated diesel is doing well.

[@davidwright1752]

Oddly enough people learn more from these videos about the engineering side i.e. horsepower required power the motor vehicle. Fuel consumption. Plus engine swapping issues in general. These videos are good enough to introduce into high school to make learning maths engineering etc a bit more fun I have myself been rather surprised at the results

[@yurishnirman3847]

Oh wow, so many project possibilities. Can apply all kinds of hypermiling aero tricks to the car (max out tire pressure, rear tire cover, aero panels on the front of the car or just duct tape job, flat bottom, lower the car, etc...). Turbo the engine, and do LPG injection. It be dope to do a dyno measurement though a dyno shop probably have a fun laugh out of this. Can try different fuel mixes like hydrodiesel, biodiesel, kerosine diesel mix, gasoline diesel mix, ... so many possibilities

[@ravenx4907]

Love the project you can improve drag by duct tape evrything open in the front you dont need cooling air flow as you said and undertray if eazy

[@americansmark]

The turbo setup should do wonders for this engine. They struggle with top end power, so an air cooled turbo and a better intake should do you wonders.

[@ocdman202]

May the holiday season end the present year on a cheerful note and make way for a fresh and bright New Year. Here's wishing you a Happy Holidays!

[@rjolly87]

I'd love to see this car on a dyno. It will also show you power curves, and hopefully give a better understanding on the best way to run the car.

[@limyrob1383]

A turbo will help power and economy. At 20hp you will really slow down on hills, especially with a passenger. I drive a 63hp 5000lb truck and we get down to 40 on a long hill, 25 if its steep. The slow acceleration becomes dangerous at junctions when other drivers assume you can accelerate when you can't.

[@prizedcoffeecup]

From a Canadian owner of a 2007 Honda Fit with an engine double the size that has overcooling struggles by nature during the winter months, most small cars start making noteable heat about halfway up the thermostat. Anywhere from half to 3/4 turned up is a good balance of engine heat and cabin heat I find, though yours may be moreso around the 1/3 to 2/3 mark due to the engine displacement and power output.

[@kansasrose2909]

To all the ROBOT CANTINA family of viewers, It's been a pleasure getting to know you this year. May the holiday season bless you and your loved ones with joy and happiness. In this loveliest of seasons may you find many reasons for happiness. 😊😊😊😊

[@johnkaminski646]

Turbo turbo turbo Jim. I love this build.

[@raykrv6a]

LOL. I had a 1981 VW Rabbit with the 48 hp diesel. It had a top speed of 77 mph and got 60 mpg tucked in behind a semi coming back from Atlanta to Minneapolis. It had the best heater in a car I've owned. It was great when I lived 57 miles away from work.

[@isaaccan3155]

I grew up driving Vw diesels with 49 horsepower. I preferred the 4 speed over the economy 5 speed because of the better top speed. Sometimes it varies as much as 10mph as I had a 4 speed that would cruise at 80.

[@ocdman202]

The end of the year is a time of year for remembrance. We take stock of where we came from, and have a moment to think about where we are going, as we pursue the future with hope. May your new year be all that you hope for, and may it be sprinkled with love and friendship. Happy Holidays!

[@Psyducklets]

Building an under tray out of abs would be awesome I'm more interested in aerodynamics than HP

[@ocdman202]

May the holiday season end the present year on a cheerful note and make way for a fresh and bright New Year. Here's wishing you a Happy Holidays!

[@rodneyross5282]

Bring on the turbo LOL. Great video thanks again for the wonderful entertainment and knowledge.

[@stefanp7603]

Watch out backing the governor screw out all the way. Those diesels aren’t meant to rev that high and will bend pushrods

[@cheerdiver]

14:28 All current is going into the fuse block, while DC voltage drop to the battery is too significance. AC travels better, running the alternator wires to the battery will result in more current lost, as 1.5 amp won't go far (bet the tach draws that). The car alternator is 1080 watts (/746=1.45Hp), at 90 amps. Even if the starter cable is thicker, too much resistance. Trade off, SUPER CAPACITOR bank located by the starter. Attache a hardware store (N.tool&hyd) solar panel to the trunk lid, to keep the battery charged.

[@frankbart1018]

Very cool. Try a fuel economy run at 45mph. You should be able to get it up over 60mpg.

[@mommapanda5736]

Winter: My new excuse for drinking more coffee.

[@mommapanda5736]

My favorite outdoor activity is going back inside.

[@mommapanda5736]

Winter hibernation mode on.👍👍👍👍

[@mommapanda5736]

How is Christmas exactly like your job? You do all the work and some fat guy in a suit gets all the credit.

[@mommapanda5736]

. What do you call Santa’s little helpers? Subordinate clauses.

[@mommapanda5736]

Where does Santa keep all his money? At the local snow bank.

[@8alakai8]

yes a bigger alternator will use power but it will only use the power you are using so most times its not going full with older carb cars you can even hear it in the rpm when asking more apms or mot

[@luckyedwards4870]

Wow, 56 mpg is pretty impressive, considering my Jetta gets a high of 49 mpg's. And now I'm very curious to c the power and mileage after u install a turbo, and I assume an intercooler, considering these typically provide an increase of 30% or more power. So interesting and fun to watch. 👍👍👍

[@stevebot]

Mileage will go up with the turbo when properly tuned. I don’t pretend to know all the physics involved, but one factor is the increase in power means the ratio of power loss in the engine gets better. Not sure if he’s running synthetic in engine and trans, but those are factors also. Another savings would be to use an electric coolant pump. FWIW my Jetta got better mileage after I chipped it, as long as you didn’t put your foot into rolling coal mode. Other Econ tricks included shifting right around the point in the power curve where horsepower and torque cross and keeping boost on acceleration high.

[@DarkLinkAD]

Your Jetta is 1000lbs heavier.

[@stevebot]

@@DarkLinkAD It's a Festivus miracle.

[@luckyedwards4870]

@@DarkLinkAD well crap, I forgot all about the weight issue, good point.

[@REPOMAN24722]

Surprisingly good, a turbo and intercooler would increase fuel economy and performance making a constant 60 and more easily achievable, crank that boost up. A small turbo would suit best, something like a VP58.

[@kansasrose2909]

To all the ROBOT CANTINA family of viewers, It's been a pleasure getting to know you this year. May the holiday season bless you and your loved ones with joy and happiness. In this loveliest of seasons may you find many reasons for happiness. 😊😊😊😊

[@olmstead25]

I would love to see a test with the fuel turned up also. It will need to be do e for the turbo anyway.

[@ocdman202]

The end of the year is a time of year for remembrance. We take stock of where we came from, and have a moment to think about where we are going, as we pursue the future with hope. May your new year be all that you hope for, and may it be sprinkled with love and friendship. Happy Holidays!

[@mommapanda5736]

The Magical, Wintry Ursids Meteor Shower Is About To Peak💥💥💥💥💥

[@mommapanda5736]

It’s time to mark your calendars again because another incredible meteor shower is about to reach its peak in just a few days.

[@mommapanda5736]

This meteor shower, called the Ursids, has the potential to be a big show, producing as many as five to 10 meteors per hour. If catching these sky shows is a fun tradition with the kids, or you’re looking for something different to do this December as the holidays ramp up, here’s everything you need to know.

[@mommapanda5736]

What are the Ursids meteors?

[@mommapanda5736]

The next time the 8P/Tuttle comet will return is March 2035, but the meteor shower is annual.

[@mommapanda5736]

When will the Ursids meteor shower peak?

[@1993ka24det]

Smooth out the front bumper, if you don't need the radiator opening then cover it. You should gain 2-3 mph

[@mark_osborne]

Very interesting The first VW diesel Rabbits did 55 mpg

[@theundergroundlairofthesqu9261]

It feels like you're working hard to make something less good than the 1977 VW Rabbit diesel. Then, in the 80's, they added a turbo.

[@VinnyMartello]

Now this is an engine swap I can get behind.

[@imbadwrench]

3800rpm = 4 little holes in the hood.. coming soon.

[@charleshoward2685]

Install a 3 cylinder kubota engine. It has more torque and h.p. Show the adapters and installation proceeures. I like the idea. How many gallons was the original fuel tank? Imagine the distance with 14 gal of fuel. More torque from the 3 cyl.will overcome the drag.

[@maxxlr8tion578]

I think the turbo is going to take this project back to 1776!

[@geoffmolyneux9173]

From gasoline mileage to Diesel mileage 45*1.3 (Diesel has 30 percent more energy content.)= 58.5mile per gallon, and you got 56 mile per gallon at a higher speed. I think you are doing pretty good.

[@phil955i]

I think the addition of the turbo charger will be what it needs, not only for usability but for fuel consumption as well

[@macinfloydvolk]

Here we go with “we” and it’s just one dude … who ain’t his dudes invisible friend?

[@phprofYT]

I'm putting my money on the crankshaft snapping.

[@corborst4872]

4.16ltr/100km, that's what I get in a eurospec diesel car at 90kmh, (old Alfa 159) but it can do 220kmh as well, so despite the effort, it's still not that great. A turbo would certainly up those efficiency numbers, slightly more power to get into 5th gear at lower RPM and maintain speed, diesels simply don't like 3000+ rpm.

[@polaris6644]

Before the turbo it would be interesting to see the benefits and improvements from giving it more fuel with better timing. I think going to a local Kubota dealer for someone who knows these engines well would help with getting the optimal setup, plus the look on the face of the service manager and tech, would be worth it on its own.

[@SchoolforHackers]

I want to see that video!

[@averagesouthtexan5269]

To be honest most people coming from the dealers won't really know the performance side of tuning and timing, just the repair side. But that's just from my experience in kubota mechanics.

[@juliogonzo2718]

@@averagesouthtexan5269 how do they time these? Shims on the pump? I have no idea what you would do to change fuel dose either. I'm guessing different pintle springs or shims but I could be off on that. I've had injectors apart but never modified or crack pressure tested them.

[@averagesouthtexan5269]

@Julio Gonzo for the rtvs I'm not sure, it's probably timing gears like the v3800 td in the m110s and other style tractors and skidsteers. But most of the engines are common rail and done on kpad with a dsti.

[@juliogonzo2718]

@@averagesouthtexan5269 I haven't looked too hard at Kubota engines in equipment I've hauled but think they are just an inline pump with the little 3/4 cylinder ones. Brand new who knows with the quest for emmisions compliance might be common rail now

[@MArcin91]

Before you install the turbo, I would try to turn up the dose of fuel first. In the video below at 11:59 you can see which screw is for adjustment. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fYLac4qdm6mLqac

[@jurriendw050]

Turning up the fuel makes alot of difference on these engines

[@JoeSmith-lp8fl]

I assume at some point they will since tuning the fuel system is a pretty standard performance modification for any engine, but especially diesel engines.

[@comethiburs2326]

@@jurriendw050 lol bruh, diesels are fuel activated, of course they are... no throttle..

[@jurriendw050]

@@comethiburs2326 someone spilled his coffee😂

[@MostlyInteresting]

Yea and the governors for fixed rpm operation and use automotive are different.

[@flb78]

You should try a propane injection kit first before the turbo

[@wintonhudelson2252]

I'll bet you could get some help from "Bullydog" propane injection people.

[@denisohbrien]

Figure out how to adjust the fueling, turn it up till you get smoke and back it down to a very light haze. im sure the pump timings a mile out at hight RPM but this should gain you some ground.

[@nopadelik9286]

Really like how the skills you gained with mastering the street legal go-kart pays out while fiddling around with the Saturn ☺👌

[@ocdman202]

May the holiday season end the present year on a cheerful note and make way for a fresh and bright New Year. Here's wishing you a Happy Holidays!

[@erickvorst5776]

I'm impressed on the mpg of that little engine working as hard as it was getting that milage. I was expecting 35-40mpg with it like it is currently. Looking forward to the turbo wake it up little bit more. Can't wait for the next video!!!

[@rokuplayz464]

Engine do run more efficiently the more throttle u give it but I didn’t think it would be THAT efficient

[@proksalevente]

@@rokuplayz464 that's for gasoline engines, because they have intake restrictions (throttle plate) and it increases pumping losses. In diesel engines consumption is proportional to load, which depends on the load the engine is driving and internal friction of the engine. Internal friction of the engine increases with engine displacement and maximum power potential, because the parts have to be built bigger to accomodate larger loads.

[@TiltedArc]

No throttle here as its a Diesel.

[@AsekiBekovy]

Why would you be inpressed though? It's a small Diesel engine driven at high load in an efficiently shaped car at low speed. Conditions are pretty much optimal, I don't find the result great at all since a proper economy eurobox with a small Diesel will run in the high 80s at 60 mph...

[@hojnikb]

@@AsekiBekovy Yep... that's certanly true. At 55mph equivalent i hit 75MPG in my 3er diesel with 10 times the power of this kubota. So a turbskie, fuel and timing adjustment on the pump so it has enough power for 5th gear and even this project can start going deep into 60s, maybe even 70 is possible. Just needs more torque/power.

[@chupposity]

Fun experiment! I have been doing budget endurance road racing with a Saturn for over 10 years. I have some suggestions: 1) You can take a lot of weight off that car by removing most of the interior. Test car should not need inside trim panels, carpet, rear seat, seat belts, speakers in the doors and rear deck. The sawtooth aluminum wheels are the lightest at about 14.5 lbs each they are from the mid 90's. If you want to go into the dash, the remainder of the A/C and a lot of extra wiring can be removed since you are eliminating radio, A/C. My guess is you can save a lot of weight with a smaller exhaust pipe, and you can remove the heat shields from the bottom of the car since not nearly as much heat will be generated. You can eliminate the hinging mechanism for the trunk and use a couple hood pins and the stock trunk latch to hold it in place (assuming they didnt change it after 96) 2) Aero: drop the passenger mirror and get a convex Longacre mirror inside - save a lot of wind drag. In the racecar we run a small round mirror on the A pillar but the driver side mirror is a lot easier - if you want to try this you can drop the driver side mirror as well. You might also consider smoothing the outside surface with a polish/wax - at the power range you are in it should make a difference. Might be more /some edits after I watch the rest of the videos.

[@280925henry]

Fit smaller diameter wheels to lower the final drive and make 5th gear useable

[@burnmproject7077]

Nahhh add a turbo

[@Thorkell6969]

@@burnmproject7077 both

[@Onethirtytwo]

You need 13.2 volts coming out of the alternator to charge your battery to overcome the 12.7 volts of resistance to the charge . Carry on!

[@jeffreyc9183]

Impressive power and economy. This is fascinating. These are the kinds of builds KZbin was naked for. Not the commercial product placements we get today.

[@kansasrose2909]

To all the ROBOT CANTINA family of viewers, It's been a pleasure getting to know you this year. May the holiday season bless you and your loved ones with joy and happiness. In this loveliest of seasons may you find many reasons for happiness. 😊😊😊😊

[@ScarletKnightmare]

I'm naked for all my builds, and I could not agree with you more 👍🏼

[@kansasrose2909]

@@ScarletKnightmare If a turtle doesn't have a shell, is he homeless or naked?

[@kansasrose2909]

I am never naked in my garage, I always have the radio on😜😜😜!!

[@crusiethmaximuss]

I'd probably give a light boost of 10psi max for its sake... Not sure how long it can handle boost either regardless of it being a high compression diesel application. It simply wasn't designed for this kind of work. Definitely keep fire safety and spill clean up equipment in the back if it goes boom on the road after a mild turbski install hahaha!!!

[@justinderksen6907]

Drinking my coffee this morning on the couch waiting for this episode! Yay!

[@timothyplayzx9961]

ME TOO 🤣

[@juhomaki-petaja]

It's 4.00PM here in Finland, but I am at couch too.

[@kansasrose2909]

@@juhomaki-petaja Sometimes I stay up so late that I have my morning coffee before I go to bed.🤓🤓

[@kansasrose2909]

The powers of a man’s mind are directly proportional to the quantity of coffee he drank.👍

[@NuffMan_]

Seeing how your steering wheel is not straight, it could be that the front wheels arent pointing straight forwards. It could be really hogging alot of power if they are off even a little bit.. Yes there should be some angle but thats only like +-1degree max

[@jdspeed99z]

I'm very curious what some aerodynamic mods would do for your N/A top speed and efficiency. A radiator/grille block, a belly pan, and an air dam up front, maybe even lowering the suspension would all help a little and be interesting data. Love the vids! thanks for sharing.

[@darrenfloen2693]

Skinnier tire's too, inflated to 60psi

[@swecreations]

@@darrenfloen2693 Skinnier tires for sure, 60psi would barely help though, keep it at rated pressure +10%

[@zomgz932]

i would do the tape mod use tape to block most the grille and use clear over the lights to smooth everything off.

[@rensvanbreukelen3762]

Probably just closing the window would help a lot as well. I thought i read somewhere that an open window robs around 3-5 hp at 60mph, so thats a 25% decrease in power haha

[@Dogmaticopia789]

Sense overheating isn’t an issue I’d definitely block off the grille opening with 100mph tape. I’d bet the air is getting trapped under the hood. Love the channel.

[@84gssteve]

It might be a pricey addition but investing in some skinny, low rolling resistance tires will probably help with top speed runs. Not a lot you can do about aero, and it's not a terribly blunt looking car to begin with. Max pressure those tires and retest...Ill bet you pick up 5-6 mph.

[@usget]

Really enjoying this series so far. Since you've mentioned aerodynamic drag a couple of times, and you're blocking off the bottom half of the rad anyway, why not cover the front airdam and make it completely smooth - I bet that would make a big difference.

[@kansasrose2909]

To all the ROBOT CANTINA family of viewers, It's been a pleasure getting to know you this year. May the holiday season bless you and your loved ones with joy and happiness. In this loveliest of seasons may you find many reasons for happiness. 😊😊😊😊

[@Cmdrbzrd]

@@kansasrose2909 Wish the YOU stopped spamming this message, it's really unnecessary.

[@mommapanda5736]

@@Cmdrbzrd no need to be a scrooge about it..💖💖💖

[@kansasrose2909]

@@mommapanda5736 I would rather be a scrooge than a grinch.. It is completely unnecessary to spread any love at all, just keep it all to yourself. But at this time of year, I just can't help myself!💖💖💖💖

[@mommapanda5736]

@@kansasrose2909 What the world needs now, Is love, sweet love, It's the only thing that there's just too little of. What the world needs now, Is love, sweet love, No, not just for some but for everyone.☺☺☺

[@twistidclowns]

Honestly in the winter it doesn't even look like you will need a radiator, you might be able to block the grill and reduce your drag. Better yet just go full aerocivic with a tail and wheel covers.

[@rksg2003]

Like a Tesla?

[@100PercentJake]

Brilliant stuff. I love the amount of effort you're putting into fabrication on this project!

[@kansasrose2909]

To all the ROBOT CANTINA family of viewers, It's been a pleasure getting to know you this year. May the holiday season bless you and your loved ones with joy and happiness. In this loveliest of seasons may you find many reasons for happiness. 😊😊😊😊

[@ProTimax]

Since the radiator is for show anyway, maybe patching the giant hole in the bumper, and duck-taping the gapes between panels would reduce the drag enough to get it to 60 :D

[@herbiehusker1889]

The radiator is why there is heat inside the car.

[@charlesakin1908]

@@herbiehusker1889 not really, the heater core makes the heat in the car. Since it's cold he could take out the radiator and use the heater core as the radiator, just increase the fan speed if the engine gets hot. After he puts on a turbo the radiator will be more useful though,

[@kansasrose2909]

@@charlesakin1908 To all the ROBOT CANTINA family of viewers, It's been a pleasure getting to know you this year. May the holiday season bless you and your loved ones with joy and happiness. In this loveliest of seasons may you find many reasons for happiness. 😊😊😊😊

[@danielleichtweis7101]

Think we're going to need to see a drag race between the Honda big block and the Saturn diesel when it's finished. Pretty surprised by those MPG numbers.

[@GoldenCroc]

Yeah, so even small diesels arent as terrible for efficiency as small gas engines are. If you do 55 mph and use about 20hp to do it, you can pretty much gaurantee the fuel consumption will be something along those lines, for a small diesel.

[@psalm2forliberty577]

Ah, memories ! I had that same 3 Cylinder Kubota 750cc engine in my B1600 Tractor 🚜. Great, super reliable but the HP a bit modest to move a 1 ton vehicle. I'm impressed it made 59 mph. My Mom had the "other slowest car ever sold" a 1982 Isuzu I-Mark Diesel, powered by Isuzu's great but anemic 1.8 liter NON-Turbo Diesel. We used to joke you needed a calendar to measure its acceleration. Then again, this sturdy but ungainly heavy & homely wart of a car weighed another 500# MORE than your Saturn, and was propelled by its modest 48 horsepower. It DID however, routinely return /52 mpg,, making MPG it's Forte. We had a custom 50 gallon tank made & would in the mid-80s fuel up in Tijuana at 28 cents / gallon, being a whopping $14 to fill. We'd make quarterly trips to Tijuana, as the tank made it's range 2,600 miles per tank ! It's a pity, now to think of it, we could have driven from San Diego (my hometown) to New York, and had plenty of fuel left. Crazy stuff, huh ? Mom paid $8,000 for it - sounds cheap in 2023, but that was HIGH in 1982 - the exact car with a gas engine was fully $2200 less, if memory serves. Anyhow, I hope you read this because truly your experiment is NOT out of line with our fuel sipping but underpowered reliable Isuzu. I think full out she'd hit 75 but not on a grade. It was 5 speed manual & any hill required 4th. Cheers - David in Texas

[@jamest.5001]

I'd love to have that car, especially if a turbo would get it to 60 in about 45 seconds or so, I'd drive. It daily, I need a engine like this also, or something similar, even a old 2cylinder Detroit 2stroke 2-71 I need something that can run on alternative fuels to generate power! 30v dc and possibly 120/240vac in the 10-15kw range, for my off grid home when the sun isn't producing power! Something that can burn used oil, vegoil/biodiesel, kerosene, awesome project, I been wanting to do this for years, I was thinking about a VW diesel in a 1/2 ton truck, possibly using two transmission, to split the gears, two 5 speeds, I doubt it would work with it in O.D./O.D., maybe 4/O.D. or O.D./4 if it works out to a different ratio, run 4.10-4.56:1 gears with 31" tires maybe use a. Auto trans , with 5speed behind it, to allow swapping between 4th and , O.D. , as in 1st/4, 1st over drive, 2nd/4th, 2nd overdrive, 3rd/4th , 3rd overdrive, 4-4, 4 overdrive, doubling the gear ratios, possibly using a 700r4 with a T-5 behind it, with a locking converter it would be similar to another gear, basically a 9 speed, while only using 4&5, it could get interesting using all the gears, 1st, 1st it should climb a tree, if you don't mind waiting, it may take all day, roughly 4:1 reduction on each in first gears, plus another 4:1, plus the 4.10 rear diff ratio, I'm not shure but wouldn't 1k rpm be about half past no RPM! Haha. Sorry to ramble, HAPPY HOLIDAYS and merry new year!

[@MattsMadnessOfficial]

Also another thing I did was put the alternator on a switch for extra power during takeoff lol, these videos are making me want to work on my little diesel sonoma

[@WARD5KUSTOMZ]

Something to keep in mind, a gas muffler and a diesel muffler are different. Watch it close. The soot will stop up the muffler

[@AlexanderBurgers]

Unless you're smoking like a coal train, it shouldn't be that bad. In fact, diesel cars use the exact same mufflers, same part numbers and everything..

[@WARD5KUSTOMZ]

@@AlexanderBurgers my dad's all stock f250 diesel stopped the muffler up at 100k. My 80 diesel Vw all stock stopped it up at 75k. A true diesel muffler and a gas muffler are way different

[@5.43v]

@@WARD5KUSTOMZ yeah what year F-250

[@AlexanderBurgers]

@@WARD5KUSTOMZ I drove all the way to 350k on my 90's AX Diesel and never once stopped up a muffler. True, there was some soot on the inside, but not nearly enough to plug it up.

[@crackedemerald4930]

@@WARD5KUSTOMZ i think your dad's f250 creates more soot in one crank rotation than that kubota will all it's life.

[@crushthequarter6863]

I have an 01 Saturn 5 speed. New it would get 42 mpg. Now with 330K miles it gets about 36mpg. Hopefully you get a wee-bit more power out of that diesel and still retain 50+mpg!!! That would be sweet.

[@ElderlyIron]

Terminal Velocity! The turbo should put you into the drivability range!

[@nostreamavailable9090]

I think the inability to build speed is more a case of the gear ratios being totally wrong for use with an engine with not only lower output but lower output at lower rpm. The kubota lump simply isn’t turning fast enough to turn that transmission imho, cool project though and im really glad I found your channel. Now really impress us and drop a five nine cummins in it 😅

[@ocdman202]

May the holiday season end the present year on a cheerful note and make way for a fresh and bright New Year. Here's wishing you a Happy Holidays!

[@pauliewalnuts240]

You could sell these vehicles- old cars with blown engines but clean bodies, swapped with small predator, diesel, or similar engines. Maybe even stick with a specific model or brand your most familiar with, whatever you could build the quickest. There are a ton of poor people simply looking for a reliable vehicle, regardless of speed. Like 2-4k depending on working options and features you decided to include.

[@WARD5KUSTOMZ]

A turbo will definitely help out. Advance the Injection timing too

[@JohnNecirRebellion]

Agree. And, it will be interesting to see if he can make improvements by adding aerodynamic parts or even reducing weights

[@yieldingfish4796]

Is that possible on these engines?

[@jurriendw050]

@@yieldingfish4796 yes you can advance the injection timing by removing a shim/filler plate under the injection pump.

[@SilverX95]

it should be the smallest turbocharger that he can find.

[@WARD5KUSTOMZ]

@@jurriendw050 removing all of the advances the timing up to 16 degree

[@802Garage]

I'm not too surprised by the MPG. Makes sense for the most part! You could block off all the holes in the front bumper and smooth over the fog lights to reduce drag and block some cool air to the radiator. Add some under trays in key areas. Lower the car a little bit. Make sure the hub caps are smooth. Possibly tape up some other rough areas on the car. Could likely see 60-65 MPG if you can get it to cruise in 5th!

[@Johann52005]

I would love to see this engine ran on straight vegetable oil, my VW MK2 golf is doing it quite well for the past two years

[@JH-oh1in]

The low power at high rpm is indicative of backing out a governor screw. You still need to adjust the fuel delivery. Find an old CAT manual and they explain it well. Also with a pump line engine there is a timing issue that creates an offset or retard of timing you can also develop a wave pulse that can cause the poppet to un-seat. So advance timing a smidge and add fuel till it smokes then back it down to tolerance or tolerable.

[@rdkevin7729]

Love it. Looks like I’m not the only person on the planet thinking of sticking a tractor diesel in a car.

[@drewzero1]

Somebody did it in a Crown Vic a couple years back as well.

[@ocdman202]

@@drewzero1 TO to community of viewers of our favorite you=tube car channel... ROBOT CANTINA May your eggnog be spiked with plenty of rum to get you through this holiday season. Season's greetings and a Happy New Year! WE LOVE YOU JIMBO!🔧🔧🔧🔧🧙‍♂🧙‍♂🧙‍♂🧙‍♂

[@teknikmadaniofficial]

Nice

[@Ratkill9000]

If it could hold 65-70mph with just a turbo swap, I think it would be a huge win. Most who swap Kubota diesel engines into vehicles tend to use the larger V2203 DI and IDI out of Carrier refrigerator trailers.

[@tturtle1659]

Spot on. They basically created a European diesel car from the 90s but with a slightly too small an engine. We did not get any Saturns here in the EU but there was an equivalent, sort off, namely the Opel Astra F with a normally-aspirated 1.7L diesel having 56 hp. I never drove one but I did the similar VW and Ford offerings; my 1992 Ford Escort CLX with the 1.8 atmospheric diesel could cruise all day at 70 MPH and returned 45 MPG. I have a feeling it was a bit heavier than the Saturn SC1 and less aerodynamic so let's see what results they get when they turbocharge the Kubota...

[@Killerclown360]

Random suggestion: replace the gear oil in the gearbox with 20W50 motorcycle oil? Theory being thinner oil will have a lot less parasitic power loss in transmission, and given how little power the engine is making I don't think it needs full spec gear oil.

[@Mitchd03]

Instead of blocking the radiator to keep the engine warm, try blocking the giant vent on the nose of the car? The airflow obviously isnt needed for cooling, so may as well make the front smooth. I don't know much about aerodynamics, but thats what salt lake top speed racers seem to do, im just copying their homework.

[@captaininsano2777]

Ask a Kubota dealer how to get more power out of that lil motor. Moving that lil Saturn is easy for that thing compared to the heavy work it does in a tractor. It definitely isn't any harder on it. Love those lil Saturn's. Subscribed👍

[@jeffdeines1725]

Filling in the space where the fog lights would be, as well as the bottom access for the radiator would help with aerodynamics. The biggest help would be putting a flat plate under the entire car, it's the dirtiest part for aero. The back bumper is typically just a small plastic parachute.

[@HebrewHammerArmsCo]

All you need is a small turbo off a SMART Diesel and a decent intercooler.... Run that baby at 10-12 lbs of boost....

[@chrisdrippe]

Get rid of the mini alternator and put on a 200 Amp alternator that doubles as a 3 phase electric assist motor.. hybrid diesel concept with good power and much better performance..

[@grndiesel]

I converted a saturn SL2 to electric power years ago. The kilowatt meter I installed allowed me to directly measure the power needed to sustain various speeds. Although my car was heavier, at 3000lbs, it required about 20hp to hold 55mph. Just another datapoint that you might find useful. Can't wait to see the turbocharger and MPG results!

[@lucasvanhamburg4937]

did you run normal tire pressure? Ive read higher tire pressure will help alot especially lower cruising speeds

[@grndiesel]

@@lucasvanhamburg4937 Yes, I did. Especially on the front tires, where most of the weight was. This also allowed better wear pattern.

[@DarkLinkAD]

@@lucasvanhamburg4937 His footprint with that weight increase would likely be similar to standard weight with standard pressure. Likely no gains to be had, just the avoidance of a blowout.

[@phialdictator6493]

5th Gear causes bout a 20% efficency loss. 4th gear is a direct connection so has the best efficency as a gear box. I'd abandon any thoughts of using 5th.

[@truhver]

i have A LOT of trust in JB weld, my whole rear strut tower is held up with the quick setting stuff and like 8 self tappers lol

[@ocdman202]

To all the members of ROBOT CANTINA fan club, and I know there are so many of you, Wishing you peace, love, and joy this holiday season and throughout the NEW YEAR... can't wait to see what jimbo brings to the NEW YEAR and beyond👍👍👍👍

[@InDreamsYourMine]

Would be interesting to see this engine in a early gen Geo Metro since it's lighter and comes stock with a 3 cylinder engine.

[@stclairstclair]

I built engines all day when working for GM, when I ordered a short block for the 1 liter it came in a cardboard box and it was handed to me🤣

[@timothylessing4774]

1817cc Diesel came factory in a 1981 Chevette similar size car slightly larger engine, older technology, maybe but Kubota engines aren't exactly super modern either. Cool to think about 👍

[@timothylessing4774]

I have been wanting to get ahold of a small 3 cylinder Liquid cooled Diesel engine for a while now. Any Suggestions on where / how to find one? Thanks 😊 🙏 Keep up the good work!

[@MattsMadnessOfficial]

@16:55, more fuel more power adjust the fuel delivery screw :)

[@anidiotinaracingcar4874]

Are you sure the efficiency of your tiny alternator is really better? 'cause that big alternator is not gonna produce 90 A in this car anyway.

[@RAWRMotorsports]

I'm just waiting on the triple compound turbo setup 🤣🤣

[@bytesandbikes]

I'm sure you're aware that non turbo diesels have real trouble making power at high rpm due to the ever shorter timing. I expect the turbo will make a big difference to the top speed if you can get enough pressure. Looking forward to it! 😁

[@kansasrose2909]

ROBOT CANTINA== does your workshop have any elves in it?🧙‍♂🧙‍♂🧙‍♂🧙‍♂🧙‍♂The end of the year is a time of year for remembrance. We take stock of where we came from, and have a moment to think about where we are going, as we pursue the future with hope. May your new year be all that you hope for, and may it be sprinkled with love and friendship. Happy Holidays!

[@logical_volcel]

with a turbo you'll probably get to 70-80mph since you'll then give the engine 40-50hp

[@bobroberts2371]

Many diesel engines use a center tap on the alternators 3 ph stator winding as a frequency source to run a tach. If this isn't done, there is typically a place on the bell housing for a sensor that reads the flywheel ring gear teeth. Murphy makes lots of this stuff.

[@LeftyLucyRightyTyty]

Ok...lets talk about a few supposed " known givens".Tourqe is what accelerates. Max HP output is what you use to maintain a max aerodynamic based velocity.HP is a product of tourqe versus rpm over time.An engine is most fuel efficient at its tourqe peak. I feel you need a dyno tourqe/HP graph to inform/ guide some of your experimemtation. Yes, 5th gear doesn' result in max speed...BUT you might find that using it might result in max MPG at what ever speed it settles down to. From experience, i know that diesels do thier BEST...Mpg...driveability...when you chose to live on the tourqe peak. Shift there...cruise there.

[@KirkFickert]

Had a 1996 SL2 as my first car. It was a good car. I replaced an alternator at 90,000 and then standard maintenance. Only problem I had was that the tires were an odd size only made by Firestone and they were about $150ea.. So anytime you ran over a nail that was costly. Made it 120,000 miles under me, gave it to my cousin and it went to 210,000.

[@gabrieldmf95]

Not only the possitive wire from the regulator but the ground too should go directly to the battery, or at least to a good grounding point. Because it is a circuit (from positive to negative), the 20 amps pass through the black wire too. A bad grounding point could be the cause of the slow charging.