eli5: Why are big engines louder when idling?

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I’ve noticed that big, diesel things like locomotives and busses are really loud and shaky when idling but get noticeably quieter when they start to move. Why?

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4 Answers

Anonymous 0 Comments

It’s also the design. Car manufacturers are constantly improving designs for not only functioning performance but also smoothness and quiet. On large engines, that is less of a consideration. Compare a modern diesel pickup to a piece of industrial equipment. The design of pilot injection and other improvements have made them practically as quiet as a gas engine.

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