Phillips 66 unveils new FA-4, CK-4 products
Phillips 66 and Kendall have announced a new line of FA-4 and CK-4 diesel engine oils. Shawn Ewing, coordinator product technical services—commercial at Phillips 66, added, “Phillips 66 is committed to developing oils that support OEMs’ advanced technology and modern engine design, reduce emissions and offer performance benefits to fleets. We’ve spent the past four
Counterpoint: The full truth about biodiesel
As a scientist, I think it’s important to have as many facts as possible about a topic before drawing a conclusion. That’s why I feel compelled to respond to a column about biodiesel published in September’s Fleet Equipment. (Editor’s note: You can read the column here). Full disclosure: I work for Renewable Energy Group
Preventing fuel gelling in the common rail engine
The efficiency of fuel filters has come a long way over the past decade. In fact, most common rail engines being produced today include a factory fuel filter rated at a 2-5 micron efficiency, while just a few years ago they were being produced with a 10-20 micron rating. Although the tighter tolerances of
A zero emissions reality?
Given the current surge of interest in electric vehicle technology, “zero emissions” is a popular product bullet point to tout. Yet, as far as I know, of all transportation fuels, only hydrogen emits no pollutants when it is combusted. In electric vehicles, batteries must be charged, and that charge electricity is provided by your friendly
Is a single automatic transmission fluid possible?
For years, individual hydraulic automatic transmission manufacturers have specified proprietary automatic transmission fluids (ATF) for a variety of reasons. In the early years of ATF development, two manufacturers had significantly differing philosophies about automatic transmission clutch plate friction. Ford used clutch plate materials and fluids that maximized static coefficients of friction and would result in
Dealing with the coming changes to the fuel industry
Inertia is a powerful motivator. When extreme changes are on the horizon, the easiest thing to do by is to ignore them and keep doing what you’ve been doing. “That’s the way it’s always been” is a phrase that has inhibited progress in many areas. But not everyone is content with waiting for inertia, easy
Preventative maintenance to ensure stiction removal
Today’s engines rely heavily on proper lubrication to run at maximum efficiency. Even a properly maintained engine can lose up to 4 HP per year. Of course, some of the loss is due to component wear such as worn cylinder rings. Other losses are due to sludge or varnish build up that degrades performance. Sludge
Hot Shot’s Secret Stiction Eliminator reformulated for use in all diesel engines
Hot Shot’s Secret Stiction Eliminator, first introduced in 2004 to resolve issues related to clogged or malfunctioning HEUI injectors for the 6.0L Ford Power Stroke, is now available with a new formulation that the company says removes close to 100% stiction from any gas or diesel engine, including those from GM, Ford, Cummins, Caterpillar, Power
The truth about biodiesel
My latest rant is the result of reading that Minnesota is going to require B20 biodiesel fuel usage in all diesel engines. Please, don’t misunderstand me: I’m all for biodiesel as an alternate diesel fuel. However, the EPA, environmental activists and “Big Ag” often don’t let the truth get in the way of their mission.
Hot Shot’s Secret introduces Every Day Diesel Treatment
Hot Shot’s Secret Everyday Diesel Treatment (EDT), manufactured by Lubrication Specialties Inc., is a daily diesel fuel additive treatment formulated to improve engine power and performance for diesel and biodiesel fuel. The company says that its EDT line correct some of the issues related to Ultra Low Sulphur Diesel (ULSD), such as the lack of cetane and
The impact of CK-4, FA-4 oils so far
How has the market responded to the launch of API CK-4 and FA-4 oils? And for fleet owners who haven’t yet transitioned, what do they need to know about the how the new categories can benefit their operations?
The reality of electric commercial vehicle use
I recently came across two articles that I found staggering. The first asserted that France wants to quit selling gasoline and diesel fuel by 2040 (Britain made a similar announcement a few weeks later). The second detailed Volvo’s announcement that it will equip every car it sells with an electric motor starting in 2019. Since California