Why do Diesel engines have that distinctive sound to them when compared to gasoline engines?

Question

Why do Diesel engines have that distinctive sound to them when compared to gasoline engines?

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Answer 1

Diesels use *very* high pressure fuel injectors that pulse on and off with each power stroke. This is very different than a petrol engine, which has continuous injectors at much lower pressure.

The distinctive “clack clack” sound of diesels is the fuel injectors pulsing.

If you just mean the lower “rumble” of diesels that’s because, at equal power, they spin considerably slower but with much higher torque (cylinder pressure).