On 5 Apr 2007 08:47:04 -0700, "Chuck Gould"
wrote:

Fortunately, the latest generations of electronically controlled
diesels don't seem to suffer from running at 1/3 throttle or so like
many of the older engines did.

I think the jury is still out on that. Virtually all modern diesels
are turbo charged, and at 1/3 throttle the turbo is not making it up
to speed or temperature. Traditionally this has resulted in
carbonization of the turbo bearings and premature failure.