Fumoto releases SX-series engine oil drain valve
Fumoto has released the next-generation version of its SX-series engine oil drain valves, with new features. The new valves are comprised of two distinct yet fully integrated parts: the through bolt and oil-flow control body. The SX can rotate 360°, which allows orientation to achieve a smaller profile and maximum protection. The through bolt design can be
Shell Rotella updates portfolio to meet API CK-4 and FA-4 categories
Shell Lubricants has introduced a new portfolio of Shell Rotella heavy-duty diesel engine oils. New Shell Rotella T4 Triple Protection 15W-40 and 10W-30 along with Shell Rotella T5 Synthetic Blend 10W-30 are formulated to meet the specification criteria for the new API CK-4 service category for diesel engine oil. New Shell Rotella API FA-4 oils
XL Hybrids offers GM van hybrid conversions
XL Hybrids Inc. has received approval from the California Air Resources Board (CARB) for the first California Heavy Duty Voucher Incentive Project (HVIP) vehicle eligibility, allowing discounts for aftermarket conversions of gasoline-powered General Motors (GM) 2500 and 3500 passenger and cargo vans into hybrid electric vehicles. Businesses and organizations with fleets in California can receive $2,500
Where is our national energy policy?
Our lack of a technically based national energy policy has, and will continue to, cost us billions. You and I have financed such ridiculous schemes as corn-based ethanol and solar-powered home devices, and the cash outflow shows no sign of abating. It seems some of our environmental activists (specifically, the Alliance for Green Heating) are
The skinny on low-viscosity oils
The North American Council for Freight Efficiency (NACFE) has released its Confidence Report on low-viscosity oils. It begins with the premise that truck engine mechanical losses occur from pumping and friction and consume approximately 16% of the total energy input of the vehicle. Lower-viscosity oils (those with less internal resistance to flow) will reduce these
Verizon Networkfleet introduces Expressfleet
Verizon Networkfleet has launched Expressfleet, a new fleet management solution for small business owners. It’s designed to provide a complete view of a fleet’s performance, allowing owners to keep their vehicles on the road and out of the garage for costly repairs, monitor unsafe driving behavior, reduce fuel usage and ensure that drivers and technicians can be as efficient
ATRI seeks fleet manager input on fuel economy and fuel usage
The American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI), in conjunction with the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute (UMTRI) and ExxonMobil, has launched an online survey seeking fleet manager input on fuel economy and fuel usage. The survey will be investigating current and future approaches to improving fuel economy in heavy-duty truck fleets. Current and future trends in
Wrightspeed’s all-electric powertrain technology continues to grow in use by fleets
If his company needs an indication that its range-extended vehicle powertrain technology is on track, according to Wrightspeed Project Manager Arlan Purdy, it doesn’t need to look any further than its recent orders from FedEx and from the Ratto Group, a refuse collection company in the San Francisco Bay area. “To Wrightspeed,” Purdy said, “that’s
Corn-based ethanol: A case study in fuel follies
When I consider the renewable fuels legislative mess our states have created, I’m appalled. The lack of a coherent national energy policy has provided fuel (pun intended) for institutions as the Renewable Fuels Association, which is still trying to convince us that corn-based ethanol is a viable alternate fuel. We’ve also enabled state environmental agencies,
Three new ways oils will be identified and utilized
This December we get a little extra bonus: Three changes in the way lube oils are identified and utilized. First, the API will discontinue the use of the term “energy conserving” on their SL and SM passenger car motor oils (PCMO). The term is discontinued because the engine parts needed to run the laboratory engine