Is your oil “swelling?”
Recently, I was contacted by a reader who thought his oil might be “swelling,” because he got dipstick readings above the full mark immediately before changing oil. He wanted to know if oil could possibly “swell.” Many modern low oil-consumption diesels could easily give the operator the impression that oil was swelling in service. The
Operational advantages: Powerplant components
“One thing fleet managers have learned,” says Darry W. Stuart, principal at DWS Fleet Management Services, an independent, limited-time executive transportation and fleet management business, “is that their choices may be limited when it comes to spec’ing certain vehicle components.” For example, Stuart points out that due in part to the need to enhance aerodynamics,
Bar’s Leaks offers original formula heavy-duty stop leak
Bar’s Leaks Heavy Duty Radiator Stop Leak, the original pelletized formula that has protected hundreds of millions of vehicles worldwide since 1947, solves most common cooling system problems, sealing internal, external and coolant-to-oil leaks in radiators, freeze plugs, gaskets, heads, blocks and heater cores, the maker said. It is specially formulated to seal larger leaks better than other stop leak products, the company added.
Toward a cleaner, greener fleet
The trucking fleet of the future — in all of its fuel efficient, low emissions, lead-free glory — isn’t as far away as you might think. It’s also not difficult to transform your own fleet into a cleaner one, according to IMI President, Bob Fogal, Jr., whose EQUAL Tire Performance ushered in a new era
Aftermarket warranty worries?
If you have concerns about warranties on aftermarket filters and mufflers, read on. According to the experts at Donaldson Co., there is no need to worry about voiding your warranty if you purchase aftermarket filters or mufflers. However, you still need to follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance practices. Donaldson points out that the Magnuson-Moss Warranty
Troubleshooting hydraulic hose
Hydraulic hose and fittings found on modern diesel trucks can have a limited service life that is directly dependent on the conditions to which they are applied. Continuous use of hydraulic components at maximum working pressure, maximum recommended operating temperature and minimum bend radius can lead directly to premature failure, which could result in damage
Preparing diesel APUs for winter
Don’t neglect proper cold-weather care for Auxiliary Power Units (APUs) with single-cylinder diesel engines. The experts at Frigette Truck Climate Systems offer these guidelines to help maximize generator performance: Oil: Use oils designed for cold temperatures that lower the pour point. For temperatures of -10 to -20 degrees F, use a multi-grade SAE 5W40 viscosity
Pressure-checking cooling systems and radiator caps
Darry Stuart gives good advice regarding today’s hot issues
Thermo King adds programmable controller to TriPac APU system
Thermo King Corp. announced the addition of a controller with more programmability to its TriPac hybrid auxiliary idle reduction and temperature management system (APU). The company said this latest feature, standard on all new TriPac systems, adds selectable functions that allow the driver or fleet to select the parameters that the system will automatically control after a tractor on/off cycle.
Shell Lubricants offers 2010 emissions symposium
The EPA 2010 emissions regulations affecting the heavy-duty, on-highway diesel engines will become effective soon. The Shell Lubricants 2010 Emissions Symposium will tour 10 cities in September and October. Shell experts will present and discuss the various new emission control technologies, equipment changes, lubricants and coolants.