# Diesel Only at Green Bank Observatory

> Green Bank Observatory uses only diesel vehicles to avoid radio interference.
- Title: Diesel Only at Green Bank Observatory · Road & Track
- Summary: Green Bank Observatory uses only diesel vehicles to avoid radio interference. Green Bank Observatory in West Virginia requires all on-site vehicles to run on…
- Keywords: green bank observatory, diesel vehicles, radio quiet zone, west virginia, national science foundation, radio telescopes, radio frequency interference, vehicle maintenance, cars, sports, Diesel, Only
- Source: Road & Track — https://roadandtrack.com/car-culture/a73572219/without-a-spark-volume-37
- Author: Brett Berk
- Published: 2026-10-09T12:00:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: green bank observatory, diesel vehicles, radio quiet zone, west virginia, national science foundation, radio telescopes, radio frequency interference, vehicle maintenance, cars, sports
## Green Bank Observatory
Green Bank Observatory is a U.S. National Science Foundation facility with radio telescopes in West Virginia.
## Radio Quiet Zone
Green Bank sits in Appalachia’s 13,000-square-mile National Radio Quiet Zone to avoid radio interference.
## Diesel Vehicles Only
All on-site vehicles must run on diesel to prevent radio frequency interference from ignition sparks.
## Henry Taylor’s Diesel Family
Henry Taylor, a 59-year veteran, says his family has driven diesel since the 1980s.
## Checker Marathon Diesel
Green Bank acquired half a dozen Checker Marathon diesel cars in the 1960s, but they were slow and unreliable.
## Screamin’ Jimmy
NSF converted a 1968 Chevy truck with a Detroit Diesel 4-53 engine, nicknamed Screamin’ Jimmy.
## Bedford Diesels
Mechanics installed Bedford diesel engines from Vauxhall in the 1970s, but they lacked power and needed repairs.
## Volkswagen Rabbits
Green Bank purchased two Pennsylvania-built Volkswagen Rabbit diesels in the early 1980s, but parts were hard to find.
## Modern Diesel Trucks
Chevys with Detroit diesels, Dodges with Cumminses, and Power Stroke Ford F-250s now replace older models.
## Diesel Hybrid Bus
A 2016 diesel-electric hybrid tour bus was purchased but its battery pack depleted after short trips.
## 2025 Chevy Pickup
A 2025 Chevy pickup is used by electronics technician Chuck Niday for monitoring radio interference.
## RFI Mitigation
Staff disable Bluetooth, remote start, and tire-pressure sensors to reduce radio interference.
## Future Plans
Staff research enclosed diesel-powered side-by-sides or golf carts to avoid interference.
## Vehicle Maintenance
Green Bank’s vehicles have high odometer readings due to frequent short trips, causing wear on parts.
## Restoration Project
Henry Taylor plans to restore a 1960s Checker Marathon diesel car after eight years of inactivity.
## Key takeaway

Green Bank Observatory in West Virginia requires all on-site vehicles to run on diesel to prevent radio frequency interference.