Where Do You Turn When You Have Trouble?

I'm not talking about trouble with the law here. I mean, who do you turn to when the Check Engine light comes on or you fry some wires, or your engine keeps shutting off while driving?

In the old days, it helped to have a friend who was a mechanic whom you could call in time of need, assuming you were near a phone. We didn't have cell phones then. (Even better would be a brother.) Today we have something still better. Diesel forums.

Yesterday someone had a dash fire in their Powerstroke and has been dealing with shorted brake light switch wires. Within 16 hours he had five people discussing the situation with him.

Nine hours ago someone named Juniebuck posted some steps they had taken to resolve some issues in their Powerstroke and less than an hour ago there were suggestions of steps that could be taken.

In short, online forums have been a real life saver for all kinds of vehicle owners, especially those in the Diesel World. Instead of relying on your brother, you have a whole family of diesel lovers, many of them directly experienced with your engine type, whether Duramax, Powerstroke or Cummins.

IF YOU LOOK below in the right hand column you'll find links to a full range of diesel forums. If yours isn't listed I would like to add it. Please leave the name and URL in the comments.

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Blackout in the Country: Cool Beans! Live Diesel Competition Is Happening October 10 along with an Online Live Feed

THIS EVENT HAS BEEN POSTPONED TO OCTOBER 24 DUE TO WEATHER

BUT IT IS STILL HAPPENING AND WE'RE STILL STREAMING IT LIVE.

We're just over 10 days away from Beans Diesel's Blackout in the Country, a day-long diesel fest in Woodbury, TN. Woodbury is a small town in Cannon County, 55 miles Southeast of downtown Nashville. It will be a three-ring diesel circus with all the usual features: Show and Shine, Dyno Competition, Dirt Drags, Burnout Contest and Sled Pull.

The Host of this event is Beans Diesel Performance, a full service maintenance, performance, & tuning shop specializing in Power Stroke, Duramax, & Cummins engines.

 

Beans Diesel Performance

210 Rollin Coal Ln

Woodbury, TN 37190

United States of America 

$20 entrance fee 12 and up - Gates open @ 8:00 AM

Champion Oil, one of the sponsors of this event, will share a live feed  

for any and all diesel enthusiasts who are unable to attend. 

Who said “Diesel Engine Oil Doesn’t Break-Down"?

Diesel oil doesn't break down? Who said that? We don’t know for sure, but some understanding of oil shearing and viscosity loss makes you wonder what they were thinking. 

Let’s start with oil change regimens and extending drain intervals. Most diesel enthusiasts are more concerned with how long their engine last than how long their oil can last.

Messing around with drain intervals, though, has risks. Many who try extending drain intervals risk voiding their original equipment manufacturer (OEM) warranties. And even if you’re changing your oil at the intervals recommended by your OEM, it doesn’t guarantee that your engine’s protected. If you have issues with oil consumption, or oil dilution, your engine cannot be protected to the degree you might expect. 

What causes this breakdown to occur, and how can you ensure your vehicle’s engine is protected?

Understanding oil composition will give you an insight as to why engine oils break down over time. Motor oil is comprised of a basestock and additives. The additive package is designed to satisfy specific engine requirements. Additives, however, are like a bar of handsoap. They get used up over time. Toward the end of a drain interval, a lower-quality oil may drastically lose its ability to prevent wear. The constant heat, intense pressure and stress that is put on an oil causes it to impact these important chemical additives over time. 

One of these ingredients is the viscosity modifier. Viscosity modifiers compensate for the poor temperature response of base oil alone. Oils tends to get thinner at high temperatures and thicker at low temperatures. Viscosity modifiers are a critical component of nearly every engine oil.

The trouble is, under the intense heat and pressure inside a diesel engine, traditional viscosity modifiers break down over time. This is because the molecules that compose them are arranged in a linear coil shape, which is prone to breaking up as oil is squeezed between moving parts.

This deterioration of the viscosity modifier and the oil is referred to as shearing. Shearing can be a major issue for your diesel engine, because if an oil isn’t running at its specified viscosity, critical engine parts will be left without the protective layer of a lubricant. And when that happens, wear and corrosion can literally cause a catastrophic failure.

By understanding shearing and viscosity loss, it becomes clear why a standard diesel engine oil may not protect your vehicle as well as you think it will toward the end of its service life.

To keep your diesel engine protected through the entire length of its OEM-recommended or extended drain interval, it’s important to use a top-tier diesel engine oil with strong shear resistance and viscosity control. In addition, doing a periodic oil analysis (some recommend after every other oil change) can identify other potential problems that could drastically shorten your diesel engine’s life and result in costly repairs.

If you find this information useful, feel free to share it using our social media buttons on the left. In the meantime, ride on.

Education Schedule Announced for SEMA360

SEMA360 is this year's virtual alternative to the annual SEMA Show which has been the heartbeat of the Automotive Aftermarket for more than half a century. Yes, it's a bummer that we're not going the Vegas this year. There are so many highlights. The New Products Showcase, Builders Showcase, 10 miles of Manufacturers' displays, networking opportunities plus the educational tracks.

This week the seminar schedule was firmed up and finally announced. You can go to this page and see the full schedule, or you can go to this page to download a PDF of the schedule.

SEMA360 is taking place the first week of November, the usual week of their annual event. The show floor traditionally opens on Tuesday, but the seminars start Monday beginning with a Keynote opening. Monday's activities include seminars on selling and growing your business as well as interviews with industry leaders at a place called The Stage. Virtual, of course.

Tuesday begins with what's sure to be an informative Racing and Performance Forum that gives clues to where things are headed as we move into the future.

Other topics during the week include marketing strategies, classic cars and restoration, emissions compliance, how to add vehicle wraps to your business, and much more.

Follow the links above to get the full scope of the week's activities.

First Mods for Your New Diesel Pickup

This past week I came across a video titled Top 5 Mods for Your Powerstroke Diesel and it got me thinking about the countless ways our trucks can be enhanced, either for looks or for power. The YouTube video is one in a series of vids by TopCorey, whose YouTube channel currently has over 42 thousand subscribers. There's a link down below.

Thinking about modifications led me to do a quick search for other sites with recommendations of where to begin. This article by Trent McGee at Diesel Power Products's website seemed especially useful for guys and gals seeking max power for competition. According to McGee, these are the three critical areas where you need to invest.

What I like about this article is that it begins by explaining what an engine really is. "An engine is essentially a giant air pump," McGee writes. "It draws in outside air, compresses and injects fuel for ignition, then exhales the spent gasses." That's a very concise and explicit explanation. In other words, it's an efficient form of creating power but requires sufficient air and fuel, and a means for getting rid of the spent gases. For optimal power you also need a way to control that air-fuel mix ratio. 

In short, once you understand this, you understand why this article proposes the three following modifications. Once you process the previous paragraph, the essential modifications are three in number.

1) Cold Air Intake

2) Exhaust System Upgrade

3) In-line Programmer or Tuner
Installed between the ECM and the engine, think of it as A.I. for your performance diesel. 

The article goes into depth on each of these three vehicle enhancements. You can find it here:
THE TRIFECTA: THE BEST FIRST MODS FOR YOUR DIESEL TRUCK 

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The video shares TopCorey's Top 5 Mods for Your Powerstroke Diesel  which are directed more to Powerstrokes, but have application to all diesel owners. You can see that the first three mods are identical to the Trifecta above, except in a different order. The last two items on his list of five are more in the realm of cosmetics.

1) Custom Tuning via Easylink ("Unlocks a truck's true potential")

2) Exhaust Upgrade (5 inch pipe recommended)

3) Factory modified VGT Turbo from SPE

4) Wheels, Tires, Lift Kit

5) Window Tinting

Some of us like to get information through reading, others through seeing. The options are many and it sometimes helps to get guidance from people who have been there and done that. 

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Afterword: The Trifecta article has the words "Written by Trent McGee" in the title, but at the beginning of the article itself are the words "Written By: Diesel Josh" For what it's worth, I want to make sure whoever actually wrote this gets credit. Good stuff.

A guy walks into a bar and says……

"Does anyone know about Diesel Fuels?"

Diesel fuel is more efficient than gasoline because it contains 10% more energy per gallon than gasoline. But there are a few kinds of diesel fuel: Just as gasoline is rated by its octane, diesel fuel is rated by its cetane, which indicates how easy it is to ignite and how fast it burns. Diesel fuel is safer than gasoline because its vapors don’t explode or ignite as easily as gasoline vapors.

When exhaust from conventional diesel fuel was found to cause cancer, clean diesel engines were developed. Although conventional diesel fuel-burning vehicles are still on the road, states and the federal government enacted legislation that will eventually eliminate these older diesels engines.

Standard diesel fuel comes in two grades: Diesel #1 (or 1-D) and Diesel #2 (or 2-D). The higher the cetane number, the more volatile the fuel. Most diesel vehicles use fuel with a rating of 40 to 55.

You don’t have to worry about which type to use because all diesel OEMs specify Diesel #2 for normal driving conditions. Over the road truckers use Diesel #2 to carry heavy loads for long distances at sustained speeds because it’s less volatile than Diesel #1 and provides greater fuel economy.

Diesel fuel also is measured by its viscosity. Like other motor oils, diesel fuel gets thicker and cloudier at lower temperatures. Under extreme conditions it can become a gel, which limits flow. Diesel #1 flows more easily than Diesel #2, so it’s more efficient at lower temperatures. The two types of oil can be blended, and most service stations offer diesel fuel blended for local weather conditions.

If you plan to drive in very cold weather, choose diesel fuel rated at least 10 degrees lower than the coldest temperatures you expect to encounter. Consult your owner’s manual or engine builder for more specifics.

"Red" Diesel Fuel is exactly the same fluid as No. 2 fuel that's used in diesel pick-ups, heavy- duty trucks, buses and some cars on the road. The big difference is red fuel is used for engines that power off-road vehicles, as well as machines like tractors and bulldozers that are used on farms and construction sites.

Because of its price, which typically is much lower than the cost for No. 2 fuel, red diesel is subject to a rebated tax. Although red diesel certainly will "work" in our daily diesel vehicles, using it on the street is not allowed. You could face high fines and penalties for tax evasion if you are caught using red diesel on public roads.

Another type is Biodiesel. This diesel fuel is derived from agricultural materials and has the potential to provide a clean-burning alternative to petroleum.

Rudolph Diesel’s first engine was designed to run on peanut oil. Henry Ford envisioned plant-based fuel as the primary fuel for transportation, so he partnered with Standard Oil to develop biofuel production and distribution.

However, currently the only type of biodiesel fuel that can be used in vehicles in the United States and Canada without violating manufacturer’s warranties is B5, a blend of 5 percent biodiesel and 95 percent regular diesel. Most diesel engines run just fine on blends of up to 30 percent biodiesel.

The bartender looks up and says, "Is this supposed to be some kind of joke?"

Champion Oil Featured in 2020 Global Heavy-Duty Diesel Market Report

The new Global Heavy-Duty Diesel Engine Oil Market Research Report (GMR) includes current API CK-4 and FA-4 Categories. The study provides information on market trends and development, drivers, capacities, technologies, and on the changing capital structure of the market. One of the key players profiled in the study is Champion Oil, a.k.a. Champion Brands, LLC. 

The GMR provides lubricant organizations with a deep focus on market intelligence, data analytics, and social intelligence, by skilled industry professionals. By combining and analyzing relevant data, they provide a comprehensive understanding of the market and today’s business climate demands for various lubricants and applications.

The history, trends and forecast report covers the history and growth strategies for the lubricant future, industry convergence, technologies, company capabilities, and market trends. The GMR study covers premium conventional oil, full- synthetic oil, synthetic blend oil & higher mileage oil for heavy-duty/off-road trucks, light duty diesel trucks, high-tech diesel engines, newer diesel cars, etc. Some of the key lubricant manufacturers featured in the GMR are: Exxon-Mobil, Shell, Chevron, Champion Brands, Total S.A., Royal Purple, Valvoline, Castrol & Kendall Motor Oils. 

Global regions, market sizes, and end users are analyzed as well as market segments by type, application and oil companies. Each type provides information about the production during the forecast period of 2015 to 2026. Application segment also provides consumption during the forecast period of 2015 to 2026. Understanding the segments helps in identifying the importance of different factors that aid the market growth for full-synthetic & synthetic-blend plus applications for Off-Road Equipment, Light Duty & Heavy-Duty Truck.

The current 2020 Global Diesel Engine Oil Market Research Report is available for $2,900. The report can be acquired at the following link: https://www.themarketreports.com/report/global-heavy-duty-diesel-engine-oils-market-research-report 

The Shelby Drift Team Shows Their Stuff in St. Louis

I remember when Drifting was beginning to get a foothold here in the U.S. It had already been thriving in Japan since the mid-70s. The sport, which involves oversteering and high-powered risk-taking, first touched down in California two decades later, gaining popularity through events and magazine coverage. 

The fact that Drifting is still drawing crowds and competitors burning rubber shows the sport wasn't just a fad like goldfish swallowing or hula hoops. Here's a video from a Formula Drift event in St. Louis.

This video, featuring Jonathan Nerren and Tyler Nelson, shows both the power and elegance of the sport. To perform at the highest levels requires skill, courage and discipline. 

One reason why it takes experience to excel in the sport is because tires behave differently at different temperatures. Knowing how to get your treads warmed up and keep them in the game is an essential skill that you don't acquire by simply having fun in a parking lot, or a rural dirt road, once in a while. 

This video is courtesy Champion Oil, manufacturer of Blue Flame Diesel Oil and a full line of other lubricant products.

Rat Rod Selected For Hot Wheels Immortality

When I was in college a friend of mine went to Utah and came back driving a 1949 Nash. That's a car you don't see every day, though if you watch old movies that take place in the early 50s you'll catch 'em. We were in the East so it was quite a haul. The primary feature for my friend was that the car had no rust. Utah is dry.

This memory came to mind when I read this story about Greg Salzillo's Rat Rod that had been selected at last year's SEMA to become a Hot Wheels toy. In his case it's a 1957 Nash Metropolitan. Salzillo's custom car shop, Speedtech Performance, is also located in Utah. St. George in the Southwest corner, to be specific, just North of the Grand Canyon. It's a beautiful part of the world in any direction. And the best part, for a car builder like Salzillo, Highway 95 gives him a straight shot to Las Vegas and on to the City of Angels.

I think it's cool the way Hot Wheels, a company whose reputation was built around toys for boys, is an active participant in SEMA, the world where grown up boys live out their childhood dreams. (Reminder: Registration is open for Virtual SEMA 2020.)

The article I saw had been written by Hollie Stark. It begins, "On a sunny mid-week morning, a 1957 Nash Metropolitan sits outside Speedtech Performance, a renowned custom car and aftermarket suspension and chassis shop on River Road in St. George."

Not everyone knows what rat rods are, so Stark makes sure to describe that specific category for non-enthusiasts. Classic car collectors try to re-create their dream 30s, 40s, 50s and 60s cars, spending oodles of dollars to win awards if possible. There are people who will spend a million dollars, or two, on a single car. 

The rat rod scene became the "poor man's playhouse." That is, the goal was creativity, imagination and straight up fun. Hence Salzillo names his car the "Nashole" and dresses it up with massive white sidewalls. The color scheme matches that classic Sixties turquoise and sour cream white that was popular 60 years ago.

In actuality, the only real relationship between the Nashole and a Nash is the body. Everything else from the Nash was removed and the body was placed on a custom chassis with a small block Chevy engine. 

No, it's not even a diesel, and it shouldn't even be featured on the Blue Flame Diesel site here, but it's cool. Follow the links below to find some classy Diesel Rat Rods.

You can read the full article here. 

RAT ROD RELATED

Katastrophic Success: 1931 Fordor with Diesel Cummins Engine

Pinterest wall with page full of Diesel Rat Rod Ideas

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The photo was used without permission. My aim is to draw attention to the original story where there are scads of additional photos. 

Five Questions to Help You Pick the Right Diesel Engine Oil

Viscosity control? Shear stability? TBN retention? Confused? Best to start your search by understanding your application; tractor pulling, drag racing, stationary, street, off-road, etc. Take a look at these five simple questions.

What are your engine oil specifications? 

It’s important to follow what your original equipment manufacturer recommends. Reading your owner’s manual is the key to maximizing your equipment’s performance. Your manual contains vital API information about caring for your engine, including which oil grades are best suited for them. For example: SAE 15W-40, 10W-30, 5W-40 oil? Mineral, semi, or full synthetic base stock needs to be considered.

How important is fuel economy? 

If you’re keeping an eye on your miles per gallon, the right lubricant can help your equipment achieve its maximum fuel efficiency. By squeezing a few extra miles from each tank, you can see major savings over time. A semi or full-synthetic diesel engine oil is your best option to deliver maximum fuel efficiency without compromising engine performance, improving fuel economy by up to 2 percent under normal conditions and by up to 3 percent during cold starts.

Does your diesel engine run in a range of temperatures? 

Speaking of cold starts, temperature is another important consideration when choosing an engine oil. Extreme temperatures, whether hot or cold, can be brutal on moving parts in your equipment. Heat can quickly turn an engine into an oven, and the cold can thicken some oils until they’re practically jelly.

How old is your diesel engine? 

Most diesel owners want to stretch the life of their engine as long as possible. To perform their best, older diesel engines require attentive care, and a quality lubricant can go a long way toward maintaining them. For example, is your diesel not running a DPF? Rebuilt for performance? Out of warranty?

Are looking for more horse power or torque? 

Be sure to look at the oil’s data or spec sheet to see if it addresses increased performance, high in anti-wear protection, etc. Look for semi and full synthetic diesel engine oils that use shear stable synthetic base oils. That are also high in film strength, have viscosity control, work with high compression, have a higher TBN retention, and if needed, designed to address demands of turbo or super-charged diesel engines.

I hope this has helped a little in your decision. Need a place to start? Take a look at these eight diesel engine oils: https://www.championbrands.com/diesel-engine-oils/

Impressive Engineering: The 2021 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon Ecodiesel

Earlier this month Motor1.com published a story by Chris Bruce about the 2021 Jeep Gladiator with an EcoDiesel engine that gets 28 miles to the gallon highway driving. The headline highlights this feature regarding MPG, but the beast has many other attributes that make the gladiator a real fighter.

It's noteworthy that when the Gladiator was introduced at the L.A. Auto Show last year Jeep used the theme soundtrack from the film Gladiator starring Russell Crowe. 

The Gladiator brand was actually introduced in 1962, continuing through to 1988. None of those vehicles had a dashboard like today's Gladiator that you see here.

There's a certain nostalgia associated with the name, but Bruce notes that the new Gladiator with its EcoDiesel powerplant has taken the machine to a whole new level. He writes, "The 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6 produces 260 horsepower (194 kilowatts) and 442 pound-feet (600 Newton-meters) and comes exclusively with an eight-speed automatic in the Gladiator and Wrangler. Models with this powerplant get tougher Dana 44 axles at the front and rear that are generally for the Rubicon grade of the gas-fueled examples."

The story includes 68 photos of the Gladiator in action. You' can find the Bruce story here: https://www.motor1.com/news/442131/2021-jeep-gladiator-fuel-economy/

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Diesel Motorsports Is Rockin' Our Blues Away

Great story by Jeff Zurschmeide on the PRI website. Diesel motorsports is far from dead, and is even growing. The article, titled Shake, Rattle & Roll, describes how diesel motorsports have become a powerful niche market that is drawing in more people every year.

(Sidenote: The song Shake, Rattle & Roll was originally recorded by Big Joe Turner, then made famous by Bill Haley & the Comets.)

https://www.performanceracing.com/magazine/featured/08-01-2020/shake-rattle-roll

Zurschmeide begins with a little background about how historically diesels-powered vehicles were used to tow their gas powered race cares to the track. JZ says, however, that times have changed. "Diesel motorsports now represents a large and enthusiastic market, with a wide variety of engine builders, aftermarket providers, and sanctioning bodies providing products to racers and a great show for fans.

The majority of diesel racing happens at drag strips, with a strong second presence at pulling competitions. Diesel has also found some surprising success in sports car racing, when Audi proved that a diesel-powered prototype could compete at the highest levels. In fact, Audi’s R10 TDI prototypes won the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans three years straight, from 2006–2008."

That last bit about Le Mans is no laughing matter. Audi and other automakers have developed some powerful diesel power plants, as I noted Tuesday regarding Daimler's powerful new diesel engine for their Mercedes Benz.

That said, the mass market for diesel motorsports in America remains almost entirely limited to straight-line power contests. For now.

Trucks are King in the diesel motorsports scene, which is a grassroots movement driven by an appreciation for power. This need for power is what drives engine builders to satisfy the hunger. Cummins, Duramax and Power Stroke are the main foundations, but innovative builders augment these engines to maximize their capabilities. 

The full article goes much deeper. Check it out by following the first link below.

KEY LINKS

Shake, Rattle & Roll

70-Year-Old Diesel Is A Thoroughbred at Pike's Peak Hill Climb

Daimler Claims This Is the Most Powerful Diesel Car in Mercedes-Benz History

Looking For Blue Flame Diesel Engine Oil? 

The 2020 PRI Trade Show at Indy Has Been Cancelled

Over the past three decades Indianapolis has become a vibrant center for trade shows and conventions. According to an Indy Star story the lost revenue due to cancelled events is estimated to be more than a half billion dollars this year. To the city's credit they are already visioning the bounceback and preparing for the future with optimism.

One of the latest trade shows now cancelled is a favorite for diesel enthusiasts, the 2020 PRI Trade Show that was scheduled for December. SEMA announced this week that the Performance Racing Industry event has been cancelled.  According to this story on Racer.com:

The announcement comes after months of work with the Visit Indy team, the Indiana Convention Center staff, and other Indianapolis officials on developing a plan for a safe and productive show. Though a full complement of health and safety guidelines would have followed, mounting uncertainty related to the Coronavirus resulted in “an environment that would not be conducive to a productive trade show,” the PRI release states.

“It is with great disappointment that we announce that the 2020 PRI Trade Show will not take place,” said PRI President Dr. Jamie Meyer. “Our goal is to always do what is best for the motorsports industry, and PRI will continue to lead with business solutions for an ever-changing future.”

It's unfortunate, and must have been a tough decision to make. The impact will be felt by motorsports parts manufacturers, resellers, racetracks, race teams, sanctioning bodies, media, and racers themselves.

On a positive note for those who had made deposits for booth space, PRI will be refunding.

Here's hoping for better outcomes in 2021.

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Photo courtesy Creative Commons.

CK-4, FA-4? Still Confused About Diesel Engine Oil Specs?

CK-4, FA-4? Are you still having diesel engine oil confusion? Consider this post simply as a tutorial about the differences between the current diesel engine oil standards known as American Petroleum Institute’s (API) CK-4 and FA-4. These service categories came out a few years ago as an improvement over the previous API Diesel Engine Oil Standards by providing enhanced protection against oil oxidation, engine wear, particulate filter blocking, piston deposits, and degradation of low- and high-temperature properties.

API CK-4 describes oils for use in high-speed, four-stroke diesel engines designed to meet 2017 model-year on-highway and Tier-4 non-road exhaust-emission standards as well as for previous model-year diesel engines. That is, they are backward compatible.

These oils are formulated for use in all applications with diesel fuels ranging in sulfur content up to 500 parts per million (ppm). However, the use of these oils with greater than 15 ppm sulfur fuel may impact exhaust aftertreatment system durability and/or oil drain intervals.

CK-4 oils exceed the performance criteria of API CJ-4, CI-4 Plus, CI-4, and CH-4, and can effectively lubricate engines calling for those service categories. When using CK-4 oil with higher than 15 ppm sulfur fuel, consult your original engine manufacturer (OEM) for service interval recommendations. Most diesel OEMs are recommending you use API CK-4 oils as a replacement going forward.

The API FA-4 standard designates certain lower viscosity oils specifically formulated for use in select high-speed, four-stroke diesel engines designed to meet 2017 model-year on-highway greenhouse gas (GHG) emission standards. Diesel OEMs are recommending this new oil spec for most late model-year engines. These oils are neither interchangeable nor backward compatible with API CK-4, CJ-4, CI-4 Plus, CI-4 or CH-4 oils. Therefore, you should follow the OEM’s advice when they recommend API FA-4 oils.

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Everything You Need to Know to Buy a Used Diesel Truck

Years ago I had a writer friend who self-published a book on how to buy a used car. It was 24 chapters, mostly short, but filled with useful information. His target audience was women who were tired of being taken advantage of by car salespeople who recognized their lack of experience in what was previously "a man's world." It wasn't really just for women though. I learned a lot from it and have had a lot of luck--and saved a lot of money--by knowing what to look for when buying second hand.

I thought of that book when I saw this story by Mike McGlothlin at Driving Line. The first paragraph setup details the advantages of diesel power. But then, he starts asking questions: 

"So how do you decide if a Ford, GM or Ram, Power Stroke, Duramax or Cummins is right for you? Which model years are more reliable than others? Which transmission would be better, and should I look for an automatic or a manual? What types of trouble signs should I look for on the engine, in the cab or under the body?"

And most important: What trucks should we be avoiding? No one wants a money pit. If you've ever been burned buying used, you know what I'm talking about.

Factors the author addresses include knowing how much weight you need to tow, how much the mileage should be considered as a variable, emissions systems, EGR, rust, injector issues and a dozen other details to consider. Late in the article he offers specific questions for specific models and model years. You'll appreciate the inspection pointers as well.

If you're considering a new used truck in the coming year, this 2018 story is one you'll want to read and bookmark.

 BUYING A USED DIESEL TRUCK: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

Daimler Claims This Is the Most Powerful Diesel Car in Mercedes-Benz History

More power, less fuel consumption, fewer emissions. What's not to like?

According to Daimler.com, their new six-cylinder in-line diesel engine, the OM 656, sets a new standard as regards what diesels are capable of.  

What makes it noteworthy is that it not only has more power, but it also consumes 6% less fuel. The engine isn't designed simply to meet today's standards. Their target is always tomorrow's standards as well. Their goal, in conjunction with a cross-sector consortium of other companies, is a net zero future. 

I find it interesting that the engine has an aluminum block with steel pistons. It also touts a nano-level coating inside the piston chambers that they call NANOSLIDE®.

When you try to wrap your head around the engineering, chemistry and science involved in making today's high-tech cars, it's literally astonishing what we're seeing today. Just as the Internet was unimaginable half a century ago, so are the advances in automotive technology. 

You can read the full story here.

70-Year-Old Diesel Is A Thoroughbred at Pike's Peak Hill Climb

I heard about this last week and thought, "Cool." Now that I have more details, I realize it is a very cool story. The CarBuzz.com article by Sebastian Cenzo is titled 70-Year-Old Truck With 1,400-HP Just Broke A Pikes Peak Record. That's one hefty power plant.

When I was in school years ago I read a biography of Zebulon Pike, the explorer after whom Pike's Peak is named. When the U.S. bought the territory nicknamed The Louisiana Purchase from France in 1803, Thomas Jefferson inaugurated several expeditions to the West, Southwest and Upper Midwest. Lewis & Clark's expedition across the Rockies to Oregon is probably most famous, but Zeb Pike's exploration of Colorado and the Southwest has left us with a piece of geography as famous as the Bonneville Salt Flats for race fans.

Like Bonneville, there's plenty of prestige associated with Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. Minimizing weight is one key to success on this hill. That's not exactly easy to do with a 1400-horsepower Cummins diesel power plant. Nevertheless, "Old Smokey" showed that a 1949 Ford F1 doesn't have to play by the same rules as everyone else. Super-congrats to Scott Birdsall for showing the world what a diesel can do.

Cenzo's article goes provides details about Litespeed Racing's lightweight forged wheels and the compound turbo setup on the Cummins diesel. "When you can get up the legendary hill in just 11:24.065 for a new world record, you'd also be happy to sacrifice economy," Cenzo writes.

And then there's the black smoke. Or rather, the lack of it. This is a truck running biodiesel and it's up to 90 percent cleaner than traditional diesel, with little to no modifications for a modern diesel engine to run safely.

Here's a video from YouTube to give you an idea of what Scott Birdsall and Old Smokey as all about. Not the sharpest imagery, but you have full camera control, so you can look left, right, up and down. If you've never run Pike's Peak, this might be your best first look. Up, up and away.

Here's the full article by Sebasitian Cenzo:
https://carbuzz.com/news/70-year-old-truck-with-1400-hp-just-broke-a-pikes-peak-record

Is the new Ford Bronco Raptor Coming with a Diesel?

 To see the full photo follow the link.

Yesterday's SEMA eNews had Spy Photos of the new Ford Bronco Raptor. This 2021 Raptor is concealing its identity while undergoing testing, hidden within a protective covering, no doubt for the very purpose of avoiding spy cameras.

Alas, Brian Williams of SpiedBilde wasn't fooled by the outer garb, and took these photos that were shared in the SEMA story.

I'm assuming the lock is wrapping is for that purpose, of hiding details till the full reveal takes place. Otherwise, I may recommend a name change: The Bronco Wrapped-tor. Or maybe shorten to Wrapptor?

The big question here is what kind of power block is in this beast? Cummins diesel? Or something else? I guess we'll find out soon enough. "Tis the season for the 2021s.

You can read the full story here.

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There are a number of good stories in yesterday's SEMA eNews. One that caught my eye had to do with saving the Bonneville Salt Flats and another has updates about PRI.

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Enjoy the weekend.

Looking For Blue Flame Diesel Engine Oil? Now Available at Xtreme Diesel Performance

Champion Oil has had a long relationship with racing. Their Blue Flame Diesel Engine Oil has had a loyal following in the performance diesel sector. XDP has also been delivering the goods for diesel enthusiasts for almost two decades. Xtreme Diesel Performance now carries the full line of Blue Flame Diesel Engine Oils, which have been around even longer.

I myself have always liked the XDP banners when attending diesel events because they stood out. It was a clean logo and wasn't muddy. You could see it from a distance and you knew who they were, and why they were there. In fact, I even recall meeting them when the company was still young. Good people all around. Happy to see how much they've grown.

According to the press release that just came out:

I first saw XDP at an event like this one.

“It is extremely important for Champion Oil to identify a partner that shares the same goals and has the ability to provide our customers with first class service, support and distribution,” said Karl Dedolph, Director of Racing and Performance. “XDP clearly fits the stringent criteria we identified to promote our “Blue Flame" line and effectively will move our business forward in this key strategic market of diesel performance.”

Champion Blue Flame Diesel Engine Oils are a unique, purpose built synthetic diesel engine oil that combines workhorse high-zinc performance additives, superior protection, advanced polymer technology, and high TBN, supported by a carrier blend of synthetic and conventional base fluids.

In addition, Champion’s “Classic” Blue Flame Diesel Engine Oils deliver unmatched high temperature film strength and lubricity protection, has the muscle to combat oil shear, maximizes and sustains cylinder compression, and is proven to increase engine horse power and torque.

To read the full story at Digital Journal, CLICK HERE.

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Noteworthy: Need to know current oil prices? Bookmark The Blue Flame Blogger and you'll learn exactly what's happening with regards to the price of WTI Crude. The numbers are live right here on the sidebar.

Are there diesel events you want our readers to know about? 

Drop me a line: BlueFlame1952 AT gmail.com

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Looking for a Truck? Visit PickupTrucks.com

About two decades ago I was looking at stats with regard to truck ownership and a stat caught my eye. I will phrase it here in the form of a question. Which state has the most pickup trucks per capita? To put it another way, in which state will you find that 50% of all drivers own pickups?

You can find this fighter and more at PickupTrucks.com

I'm sure that there are states with more pickups because most states have more people, but Wyoming is truly pickup country.

I remember my first trip from the Black Hills to Devil's Tower. There's a little tavern about halfway there in which the only means of transportation that I saw were horses and pickups. You gotta love those red, red hills of Wyoming.

All this popped into my head when I saw this 2021 Jeep Gladiator Diesel at PickupTrucks.com. It's a 3.0-liter V-6, ruby red and coming soon. I'm sure it will be right at home in Wyoming, Utah, Montana, and anywhere else you want something durable. Who doesn't love the name? Gladiator!

The Fiat Chrysler EcoDiesel engine has already been broken in a little. By this I don't mean it's a used engine. I mean that this 260-horsepower power plant has been used in the Wrangler SUV and I'm guessing that if there were any kinks to work out, they have been worked out. 442 pounds-feet of torque is something to boast about, and it will be available soon.

You can read Joe Bruzek's full review here.

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Noteworthy: Need to know current oil prices? Bookmark The Blue Flame Blogger and you'll learn exactly what's happening with regards to the price of WTI Crude. The numbers are live right here on the sidebar.

Are there diesel events you want our readers to know about? 

Drop me a line: BlueFlame1952 AT gmail.com

SEMA 2020: Registration Is Open

First annual SEMA Show in the basement of Dodger Stadium.

On August 5 SEMA, the Specialty Equipment Market Association, announced its first ever cancellation of the annual SEMA Convention. Nevertheless, like many other events this year, a modified virtual variation will take place from November 2-6. It won't be "business as usual" but there will be plenty of opportunities for business to take place. More on that after a few bits of trivia.

1. DID YOU KNOW that the original SEMA acronym stood for Speed Equipment Manufacturing AssociatIon? Due to government pressure it was recommended that the emphasis on speed be downplayed. (This was the muscle car era, after all.) From another source, the hippie counterculture drug associations also led SEMA founders replace the word "Speed" with Specialty.

2. DID YOU KNOW that the first SEMA Show was held in the basement of Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles? The event was held in January 1967, with 98 booths and 3000 attendees. In 1974 the event moved to Anaheim Stadium where it made its home for three years before relocating to its Las Vegas residence.

By way of contrast, the 2019 SEMA Convention had participation from more than 160,000 industry professionals. 3300 journalists also converged on the City That Never Sleeps to cover the action there, that the world might see the vibrancy of our industry.

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This past week SEMA announced today that it is offering an online marketplace to allow manufacturers and resellers in the specialty automotive segment to connect and conduct business. Taking place Nov. 2-6, SEMA360 was created after industry members expressed a need for a viable marketplace solution in the absence of the 2020 SEMA Show.

The announcement stated that SEMA360 will be "a simplified platform where SEMA will help manufacturers create a straightforward brand presence that will reach quality domestic and international buyers." Unlike the ten miles of show floor aisles to walk, you'll be doing business from the comfort of your office. Unfortunately, to get your daily exercise you'll need to get your walking in after hours.

Here's a link to the full announcement which has a link at the end on where to participate: https://www.semashow.com/

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FOR MORE COOL PHOTOS from SEMA's early days, check out
this page at Roadkill Customs.

Follow Your Passion

Picture of the Day: Hot Dawg Diesel

Photo courtesy street photographer Karl D from an NADM event.

What does NADM stand for?

Ask Google and they will tell you it stands for the North American Drought Monitor. Of course it could stand for the Nearly Analytic Discreet Method. 

Diesel enthusiasts will use the acronym for two better definitions. First, the National Association of Diesel Motorsports. In the same breath I'll add another:

Never A Dull Moment

HAVE A GREAT LABOR DAY

It's Time to Sign Up for the October 20 Diesel Progress Summit

It's virtual. It's informative. It's Free.

On October 20 there’s a Diesel Progress world summit for industry professionals. Machinery and vehicle OEMs, equipment owners, engine manufacturers and distributors, and component and powertrain suppliers. As they do every year, they will highlight key developments in diesel technology as well as innovations in new power sources, including electrification. Especially important updates on regulatory issues regarding engine emissions will also be shared.

One benefit of virtual events is that you can attend from anywhere in the world with no transportation costs, no hotels, no expensive meals. It’s all about industry information, so no need to get concerned about a dress code.

Yes, most of us miss the networking opportunities live events generate, but the folks at Diesel Progress say they have devised a way for us to meet with others during this event. We’re finding new ways to do business in these new, most unusual times.

The speakers in this year’s summit will be James Kamsickas, Chairman and CEO of Dana Inc. (Keynote), Bill Robertson from the California Air Resources Board, Jeff Coad and Dave Schulenberg from Briggs & Stratton, and Andy Noble of Ricardo Japan.

As is their custom, Diesel Progress Award-winners will be revealed during the event.

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND A REGISTRATION LINK

VISIT

 https://dieselprogress.com/

Diesel Prices Rise Around the Country

Photo by Adrià Tormo on Unsplash

Sometimes it's hard to tell whether fuel prices are going up only in your region or all across the board. An August 31 Land Line story is a reminder that you aren't the only one seeing diesel prices creeping up. According to the article "The U.S. average diesel price per gallon rose 1.5 cents from one week ago, according to a weekly federal report dated Monday, Aug. 31, to an average of $2.441 per gallon." This is the second week in a row we have seen rising diesel fuel prices.

When I was young I spent a couple months in an area called The Valley on the Texas-Mexico border. Gas prices, if I recall correctly, were a little over a buck a gallon. Diesel was lower, and across the Rio Grande you could fill 'er up for 50 cents a gallon.

Times change, and the one certainty is that nothing ever stays the same.

Here are some of the prices Land Line reported from around the country based on data from ProMiles.com:
U.S. – $2.344, up nine-tenths of a cent.
East Coast – $2.48, up nine-tenths of a cent.
New England – $2.612, up seven-tenths of a cent.
Central Atlantic – $2.673, up one-tenth of a cent.
Lower Atlantic – $2.359, up 1.6 cents.
Midwest – $2.271, up 2.2 cents.
Gulf Coast – $2.175, down 3.7 cents.
Rocky Mountain – $2.33, up one cent.
West Coast – $2.796, up a 4.3 cents.
West Coast without California – $2.493, up 2.3 cents.
California – $3.231, up 4.1 cents.

You can read the full story here:
https://landline.media/average-retail-diesel-prices-rise-for-all-regions/