Debating the merits of ethanol
I just returned from the National Hot Rod Reunion in Bowling Green, Ky. To get there, I traveled through some of the most fertile soil in America: The Mississippi River bottom in the Missouri “boot heel.” This land used to be planted in cotton as far as the eye could see. But we lost the
Oil analysis testing explained
Continually investing in fleet maintenance is a key priority for any fleet owner or owner-operator, and implementing an effective used oil analysis program can be a key component.
The ins and outs of engine, transmission and coolant filters
From engines to transmissions, there has been a massive amount of innovation in recent years. As the new API category oils—CK-4 and FA-4—find their way into heavy-duty engines, fleets should continue to monitor the performance of their engines and adhere to the necessary oil analysis procedures. Just don’t forget about the filtration. “With the
How fuel additives are enhancing engine performance
You don’t need to tell maintenance managers that contamination of even very small amounts of precipitated wax in diesel fuel can cause serious problems. Properly blended diesel fuel—with the right additives—keeps fuel clean and engines running properly. The blending of additives is an exact science, which continues to be perfected. Designed for performance Diesel engines
An update on FA-4 oils
Market acceptance of FA-4 oils has been slow. “Less than 1% of the current overall heavy-duty engine oil market is using FA-4 oils at this time,” says Mark Betner, product manager of heavy-duty lubrication for Citgo. “In addition, one major engine manufacturer factory-fills with API FA-4 engine oil. The use of FA-4 engine oils is
Inside the oil analysis process
Oil analysis provides fact-based information on the oil’s condition, which can then be used to determine the engine’s condition. The data will help answer questions such as is the oil and filter change interval appropriate, is there coolant, fuel, water or dirt in the oil, and is the oil viscosity within appropriate limits? But if
What’s the alternative? A look at hydrogen, natural gas and zero-emissions trucks
Physicists tend to be long-term thinkers. If you recall, I mentioned in January 2010 that we would eventually end up using hydrogen fuel for our vehicles and nuclear energy to generate electricity. I also mentioned that gaseous fuels made perfect sense as an interim alternative fuel for our fleets. I had high hopes for algae-based
An update on API CK-4, FA-4 oils
The transition from API CJ-4 heavy-duty diesel engine oils to the new CK-4 and FA-4 lower viscosity oils is proceeding smoothly, according to the API. After almost five years of lab testing and oil development has been completed, approximately 400 CK-4 and 60 FA-4 products have been licensed since December. Several diesel engine manufacturers are
Transfer Flow offers 60-gal. replacement tank for 2017 Ford trucks
Transfer Flow Inc. announced the release of the largest aftermarket replacement fuel tank for the 2017 Ford F-250, F-350, and F-450 Super Duty short bed, crew cab diesel trucks. The hot-dipped aluminum alloy steel tank nearly doubles the original useable fuel capacity, storing a total of 60 gallons of diesel. The 60-gal. replacement fuel tank
How biodiesel could be impacting your fleet
Here’s a fun fact: Every OEM producing diesel vehicles in the U.S. approves of the use of biodiesel blends of up to 5%. Additionally, nearly 80% of those OEMs support B20 blends. That number rises to almost 90% for medium- and heavy-duty truck OEMs. (Though your mileage may vary—always check with your manufacturer to ensure
Let’s talk fuel economy and engine emission reductions
I feel like Diogenes, the Greek philosopher who walked around with a lantern searching for an honest man. As a physicist, I forever search for the truth, but I’m often disappointed. Many people would have you believe that the truth is variable depending on your point of view, but that just isn’t the case. Science
Cummins, Valvoline Premium Blue extend oil drain intervals by 10,000 miles
Valvoline and Cummins Inc. have announced that Valvoline Premium Blue Heavy Duty Engine Oil is proven to extend oil drain intervals for an additional 10,000 miles, enabling a new maximum ODI of 60,000 miles in the 2017 Cummins X15 engines, compared to other API CK-4 engine oils. The results were proven through extensive collaborative development
