Towing Basics: Better Safe Than Sorry

One of the primary features of diesel engines--besides the fact that they last longer--is the power they generate for towing. Open your eyes and look around. What kinds of engines are doing all the work? It's diesel. 

So, whether you're towing horses to the county fair or hauling a bulldozer to a job site, your truck is likely a diesel powered machine.  

Having the right engine isn't the only thing you need to know about towing. While checking out the Diesel Power Products website yesterday I found this article on towing that was chock full of useful information for people who tow. Having written about towing in the past, I found it to be a fairly thorough discussion of issues you need to concern yourself with. These include:

Attaching the Load

Stopping the Load

Supporting the Load

Securing the Load

Balancing the Load

and Moving the Load

Years ago I heard a story about a bulldozer that slid off the back of a flatbed and killed two people because it wasn't properly secured. This is not an experience you want to have. When I was young I saw an inexperienced driver flip her car while towing a small house trailer. I was with my uncle who was a volunteer fireman and rescue squad worker. We were first on the scene and helped avert a bigger tragedy. 

If you ever do any towing, or plan to, this helpful article on The Basics of Towing with Your Diesel is informative and worth bookmarking.  

Related Links
A Quick Guide to Diesel Power Products 
Pickups That Can Tow More Than 30,000 Pounds

A Quick Nod to Diesel Power Products in Spokane as We March Into Cyber Monday

People have been shopping after Thanksgiving for years, even though the term "Black Friday" wasn't coined until the early Fifties. With the advent of the Internet it seems only naturally that an online counterpart would pop up. Thus, in 2005 Cyber Monday was born. And just as there are boatloads of deals luring shoppers to retail outlets on Black Friday, so also we find online retailers doing likewise. Very few shoppers will have gone this entire weekend without some form of online interaction.

The term Cyber Monday, coined by the National Retail Federation, was created by retailers to encourage online shopping. The press release announcing this new "holiday" was titled, "Cyber Monday" Quickly Becoming One of the Biggest Shopping Days of the Year. And it quickly did.

Some people have called the day Blue Monday, which seems a misnomer for two reasons. First, there already was a Blue Monday, the third Monday in January which some folks evidently believed the most depressing day of the year. (No doubt they lived in a frigid, isolated place in the far North.) Second, when people shop, they seem to get energized, whether purchasing gifts for oneself or loved ones.

According to Shop.org's Bizrate Research eHoliday Mood Study last year, "77 percent of online retailers said that their sales increased substantially on the Monday after Thanksgiving." In light of this year's hunkering down, we suspect that that number will grow even more. I've never seen so many online discounts and promotions as we're seeing this year. Cyber Monday will no doubt be one for the books.

Last year, Cyber Monday online sales grew to a record of $8.59 billion, compared with $2.98 billion in 2015. The term Cyber Monday is now international in scope. 

I mention all this to draw attention to Diesel Power Products, a top-tier diesel performance headquarters located in Washington's Spokane Valley. Their online storefront provides the most comprehensive catalogue and product support in the industry. We like it that they offer Champion Blue Flame ‘Classic” Diesel Engine Oil and Champion Blue Flame API 15w40 Performance Diesel Engine Oil.

The folks at Diesel Power Products pride themselves in being America's Diesel Superstore with over 330,000 Facebook likes and 6,000 followers on Twitter. They have a small store approach—large enough to supply you with anything you need, yet small enough to remember who you are. Their thoroughly trained team of diesel enthusiasts supports their online storefront with expertise and experience. 

What we like is that they are about both performance AND reliability. If you need diesel performance or stock replacement parts, call them and experience the Diesel Power Products difference. www.dieselpowerproducts.com or call:  888-993-4373

DPP lives up to their name as the Northwest’s Premier On-Line Diesel Distributor, carrying an unmatched parts selection from other many companies like Champion Oil.

Remember when the Monday after Thanksgiving meant back to work? Now it means back to work buying stuff on-line. This year you not only don't have to push anyone out of your way, it's nice to get at least some of your shopping done without wearing a mask or trying to figure out if you're six feet from the other people in line.

Need Some Blue Flame Diesel Oil? Visit JD Supply on Small Business Saturday

Small Business Saturday is an American shopping holiday held during the Saturday after Thanksgiving during one of the busiest shopping periods of the year. Small Business Saturday is always the last weekend in November, so falls between November 24 and November 30.

First observed in the United States in 2010, Small Business Saturday is a counterpart to Black Friday and Cyber Monday, which feature big-box retail and on-line e-commerce stores respectfully. By contrast, Small Business Saturday encourages holiday shoppers to patronize brick and mortar businesses that are small and often forgotten.

 

Founded in 2014 by Justin Lulay, JD Supply is small, family-owned business located in the heart of the Pacific Northwest. Fueled by his love of cars and background in the farming industry, Justin wanted to provide top quality parts and products to other surrounding farms and businesses. Word caught on, the business grew and JD Supply was born. https://www.jdsupplyllc.com/

 

They provide the diesel parts you need for your ride whether it's exterior, interior or performance related. Please feel free to reach out with any questions or needs you may have about their products. Located in Sublimity, Oregon; be sure to email sales@jdsupplyllc.com or call 503-551-5815 before you come.

 

They are offering the Champion Blue Flame “Classic” 15w-40 Performance Diesel Engine Oil 

 

And Champion Blue Flame API 15w-40 Performance Diesel Engine Oil  

Getting Your Diesel Truck Ready for Winter

Photo courtesy Chevrolet

It's Black Friday. It's nice to have a long weekend to get our vehicles ready for winter. What follows are a few areas to focus on, extracted from an article by Whitney Russell that I saw this week at The NewsWheel.

1) The Battery
As you head into winter you may wish to test your battery to see if it is ready for Jack Frost. According to NAPA auto parts, battery strength is reduced by 35% at 32 degrees and 60% at zero. The time to deal with an older battery is before the season, not when you get stuck somewhere and need cranking power.

If you live up north you probably know a little about the tricks diesel owners use in the winter time, but if you've just moved here from another part of the country you may want to think about getting a block heater, if your truck doesn't already come equipped. (Heated seats are nice, too, but they won't help get your truck started.)

2) Anti-Gel Fuel Additives
It depends on where you live, but for those unfamiliar it can really get frigid in winter the further North you go. Sometimes someone in Florida goes to visit family in Maine or Toronto, and is unaware of how cold it can get. You should be prepared with a suitable fuel additive to keep it from gelling before it reaches its cloud point, the point at which wax begin to form and inhibit flow.

3) Switch to Lighter Weight Oil
Unless you're a newbie you know how viscosity makes a difference between seasons. If you need help selecting the right diesel oil for your truck, you can always Ask Jake. (Hit the white Ask Jake button on the right here.) 

4) Fuel Filter
The author suggests that if it's been a while since you replaced the fuel filter, this would be a good time to deal with it. We're also reminded that some trucks have two. Replace both.

* * *

The article is basic, but a good reminder that it's that time of year and winter's coming soon... or has already arrived, depending on where you live.

The article ends with links to more info on block heaters and how to protect the exterior of your vehicle from road salt. Don't know what road salt is? It's not for your grits. 

Here's a link to the article in full. Hope you've recovered from your feast yesterday and had a happy Thanksgiving.

https://thenewswheel.com/how-to-prepare-your-diesel-truck-for-winter/

How to Get More Power from Your Diesel

Green Bay Packer coach Vince Lombardi made a powerful impression on the men he coached. I once read a book about his influence on the Packers who played for him. I forget the title, but it was something like Where Are They Now? Story after story we hear of players who became influential leaders in the businesses an communities. 

Lombardi's style focused on fundamentals. He's famous for starting training camp the same way, year after year. "Gentlemen, this is a football."

The great Packer coach came to mind as I read the Taylor Diesel Group's March article about 7 ways to get more power for your diesel. There's a sense in which these seven things are familiar and we can take them for granted. Nevertheless, these kinds of articles are designed more to be a reminder of fundamentals than to teach us something new, aren't they. How many times do we see football teams lose games because a player has neglected basics like how to hold a football when running or how to recover a fumble.

7 Ways to Get More Power

1. Regular tune-ups
A consistent maintenance routine will enable you to detect minor issues before they become major issues. A stitch in time saves nine.

2. Air intake upgrades
If you're serious about power, this is an area you will want to invest in. A cold air intake or air flow kit will give significant boost in engine power. You know how it works. More oxygen-rich air will make it more efficient at burning fuel.

3. Turbocharger
Turbos are designed to push more air into the engine thereby producing a pressurized airstream that improves combustion. 

4. Performance injectors
An upgrade to performance injectors can help you gain more power but can also improve mpg. No harm in that, right?

5. Re-program ECM
Your engine control module (ECM) is the brains in your engine. It gathers the information from your engine's various sensors and uses this info to calculate and tune engine spark and fuel for max power and efficiency. A pro mechanic can make adjustments that bring the best out of your beast.

6. Exhaust upgrade
Most lists of things one can do to improve performance will point to the exhaust upgrade as both essential and worth the bucks. The wider pipes aren't just for looks. They enable exhaust gases to be dispersed more quickly and efficiently. Smoother acceleration, less engine noise and improved mpg are a few of the benefits according to TDG.

7. Fuel additives 
Fuel additives help keep parts clean and help the engine run in an optimal manner. Much more can be said here and maybe we take a deeper dive another time.

If you're a diesel guy you know these basic maneuvers and I'm probably not telling you anything you don't already know. These may be basics, but for sure if you aspire to play with the big boys you'll want to make sure your fundamentals are covered. Afterwards you can add your own secret sauce.

READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE:
https://taylordiesel.com/7-ways-to-get-more-power-from-your-diesel-engine/

Photo: Taylor Diesel Group

Eight-Wheel Monster Truck Takes a Dip in the Gulf of Mexico

This past week TheDrive.com shared a story by Peter Holderith about an eight-wheeled Chevy Silverado that decided to take a spin in the Gulf of Mexico near Bradenton, Florida. A video of this misadventure garnered 8 million views on TikTok, the Chinese video sharing platform that has been at the center of a lot of controversy this past year. 

The story caught my eye in part because a couple years ago I was at a beach near Bradenton--located between Sarasota and Tampa Bay--watching the activities of a wind-surfing club for a while. An eight-wheel monster truck would have been quite disruptive in the middle of that scene.

The owner/driver of this 8-wheel beast is Tony Detwiler and his handle on various social media platforms is WhistlinDiesel. According to BunkerBranding.com "Whistlin Diesel is basically everything you’ve thought of doing with your truck but you’d never ACTUALLY do."

And that's the heart of this story here. He said he was going to drive out into the sea, and he did. 

I'm curious how much he knew with regard to the terrain below the surface before trying the stunt. Or are beaches there universally uniform with few surprises? 

Holderith wrote that according to an Instagram post, "Floating seemingly thanks to the immense amount of air in its tires, the truck made it into the water before local authorities arrived. No, it doesn't have a propeller—he just drove it into the water before getting pulled back by a boat, surrounded by the Coast Guard, sheriff's office and Department of Natural Resources."

The name Detwiler has given his Duramax dieel-powered Silverado is "Monstermax." The eight wheels are purportedly from a piece of heavy machinery.

* * * 

If you've ever been to a monster truck exhibition, you've probably noticed a few things. First, kids love 'em.  Second, these monsters can certainly produce power. And third, a lot of these guys are probably emblematic of the Peter Pan Syndrome. You know the tune, "I won't grow up!"

The most famous monster truck of all time is probably Grave Digger. One reason might be because there are more Grave Digger monsters than you realize. I was going to say here that there were 28 Grave Diggers, but in fact checking I learned there have been 41 built over the years, and 7 still in circulation. 
 
As for Detwiler's antics on the Florida shore, here's a link to TheDrive where you can see a whole batch of photos and links to more: Here's Why an Eight-Wheeled Silverado Monster Truck Went Sailing into a South Florida Bay.

Fixing the Economy Begins by Fixing Our Workforce

One hundred years ago there was a major debate in regards to education policy. There were some, like David Snedden, who felt that the workforce needed to be trained in practical skills for utilitarian purposes. He believed we needed more vocational training in the schools. There were others, like John Dewey, who thought everyone needed a broad liberal arts education which was less focused on actual careers and more on personal development. 

At the time, Snedden's views won the day and put American education on a more practical trajectory. But in the last half century, the ideas of Dewey seeped in. Classes like auto shop, crafts and cooking disappeared from curriculums. And today, as a result, we have a shortage of people who can do the practical functions so needed in our workforce today. 

I mentioned this in October in my article 10 Reasons to Become a Diesel Mechanic. I was reminded of that article when I saw this article titled "Is Our Workforce Overqualified?" The article begins, "The biggest problem with our economy (and our culture) may be the simple fact that everybody's going to college."

Now I'm not saying that college is bad, but the inability to find trained people who can enter many practical areas of the workforce is a real problem. Instead, kids are told that they have to pony up tens of thousands of dollars in order to get an education so they can make more money, and they graduate with no practical skills and a crushing debt.

The article succinctly describes our workforce situation like this:

Hardly anyone wants to care for the elderly, or repair short-circuited sockets, or slice meat in a supermarket. Most young people are too busy trying to hack their way into some big consulting firm that promises a bright, bold future. And they’re willing to do just about anything to get there, including sacrificing their family life, their leisure, their friendships—selling their own mother at a flea market if necessary.

Well, that may be a little hyperbole about selling mom at the flea market, but you get the picture. We need to re-think what we're teaching our children in school. And we need to recapture the idea that there is dignity in the trades. Have you tried to call an electrician in recent years. We have a shortage, and there's real money that can be made there. As auto technology becomes increasingly sophisticated, we need mechanics who are specialized in maintaining this equipment. 

The law of supply and demand states that whatever we have a glut of becomes less valuable and what we have a shortage of becomes more valuable. To illustrate: during the hula hoop craze in the 1950s the first hula hoops sold for three dollars. They were so popular they sold like hotcakes. By the fall, 28 factories were pumping out hula hoops and the price dropped to less than fifty cents. Even so, stores could hardly give them away. 

Today we have a glut of college educated kids. In most cases, their value is less, not more. Unless they've specialized.

All this to say we have a shortage of diesel mechanics. If you're young, and don't mind getting grease under your fingernails, it might be a career worth considering.  

Related Links
Diesel Mechanic Interview Tips
10 Reasons to Become a Mechanic
Diesel Mechanic vs Automotive: 10 Reasons Diesel Is Better

Motor State Distributing Offers Blue Flame Performance Diesel Engine Oil

Motor State Distributing, headquartered in Watervliet, Michigan, offers the complete line of Champion Motor Oils, Chemicals, Additives, and Lubricants including Blue Flame Performance Diesel Engine Oils.

“It is extremely important for Champion to identify a wholesale 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 the Racing and Performance Division for Champion Oil. “Motor State clearly fits the stringent criteria we identified to distribute our motor oil, chemical, additive and lubricant line in key enthusiast demographics, applications, and strategic markets.”

“Celebrating over 55 years in business, Motor State Distributing has set the pace for worldwide distribution of high-performance automotive components for diesel, racing, street, and off-road use; the standard for fast shipping, customer service, and technical expertise”, added

Dedolph.

With a huge selection of performance truck, tractor, Jeep, and off-road parts and accessories, Motor State is a great source for many of the most recognized and sought-after brands in the industry. From convenience accessories to complete suspension systems, they stock a wide range of customization and restoration components for both classic and late model trucks and SUVs.

Motor State offers their industry-leading line of high-quality products to speed shops, auto parts merchants, machine shops, and chassis and engine builders. Their web site has been designed as a resource for dealers. For more information about Champion Blue Flame Products visit http://www.motorstate.com/ or at their corporate office located at 8300 Lane Drive, Watervliet, MI 49098 - 800-772-2678

Just in Time for Christmas: The 2020 XDP Diesel Performance Catalog

When I was young my dad would bring home a three-inch thick Sears Catalog with the toy section bookmarked. That was fun. Our eyes would get wide as we perused those pages, making our little Christmas lists for Santa. 

Today, our interest has turned to big boy toys. Maybe we don't believe in Santa anymore but we can still make Christmas list ideas, can't we? 

I mention all this by way of introduction to this guest post by The Car Guy.

The 2020 XDP Diesel Performance Catalog.   
https://www.xtremediesel.com/manuals/2020_XDP_Parts_Catalog_WD_final.pdf

Looking back; the advent of catalog shopping brought emerging trends, products, and technologies as a new marketplace for the consumer. It comes as no surprise that the pioneer of catalog merchants was likely Benjamin Franklin who, like Amazon today, first sold books by mail back in 1744.

But it wasn’t until the post-Civil War era when Aaron Montgomery Ward cut out the middle-man pricing by taking manufacturer discounts straight to the mail order consumer. While his focus was on anything sold in his stores, it was more of the enterprising spirit of Richard Warren Sears and his partner Alvah C. Roebuck, who added Christmas specific items in the form of decorations, lights and trees to their catalogs at the turn of the century.

The very first Sears Wish Book, known as the Sears Christmas Book catalog, came out in 1933. Featured items in this first catalog included the “Miss Pigtails” doll, a battery powered toy automobile, a Mickey Mouse watch, fruitcakes, Lionel electric trains, a five-pound box of chocolates, and live singing canaries.

But that wasn’t their first. The 1896 Sears general catalog included wax candles for Christmas trees. The 1898 Sears catalog added Christmas cards, and the first Christmas tree ornaments appeared in 1900. Sears began selling Christmas stockings and artificial Christmas trees in 1910. Electric Christmas tree lights made their debut in the catalog two years later.

The 1933 Christmas Book catalog started a tradition that made the Sears Wish Book an American icon. The Sears catalog and the name Wish Book were closely linked over the years. Prior to 1933, Sears customers often affectionately referred to the large, semi-annual, general catalogs Sears issued as the “Wish Book” or “Book of Wishes.” 

Many people nostalgically think of the Wish Book as filled with nothing but toys. The 87-page 1933 Christmas Book catalog featured 25 pages of toys and 62 pages of gifts for adults. In 1968, the Wish Book totaled 605 pages, with 225 pages devoted to toys and 380 pages to gifts for adults.

A discussion of Christmas catalogs would be incomplete without an exploration of Neiman Marcus, famous now for not only operating snooty department stores but also for publishing an annual catalog of the outrageous in Christmas gift giving.

Neiman Marcus launched their catalog as far back as 1926 but it wasn’t until a radio interview with radio legend Edward R. Murrow asking Stanley Marcus if the store would be offering anything unusual that might interest his radio listeners; Marcus invented on the spot an offering of a live Black Angus bull accompanied by a sterling silver barbecue cart, subsequently altering the catalog to include his new idea, priced at nearly $2000. In 2005 they offered a private concert with Elton John for $1.5 million.   

Toys and gifts for adults are still really popular. Check out the 2020 XDP Diesel Performance Catalog.   

Will Cummins Ditch Diesel for Hydrogen?

Industry watchers who follow current trends with regard to alternative power sources recognize that a sea change has been taking place with regards to the move away from carbon-based energy. The question right now is not If but When. 

There are still a lot of unanswered questions as regards How, but there's plenty of thought being given to the possibilities of tomorrow, and a lot of money being invested in this rising tide of interest in alternative technologies.

At the beginning of the week Cummins hosted a virtual live-streamed Hydrogen Day event. Having recently purchased Hydrogenics, a fuel cell developer, Cummins wanted to show the world that there is real power in hydrogen fuel cell powertrains. A Fox Business story by Gary Gastelu featured highlights from Monday's event. 

The article, titled Cummins Is Starting to Ditch Diesel for Hydrogen, states that Cummins has a high degree of confidence that if they build it, people will come. 

CEO Tom Linebarger told Fox Business that he's personally been thinking about hydrogen power since 1999 when he first began working on fuel cell technologies. 

One of the big hurdles is creating the infrastructure to become "electric." It will be possible, Cummins executives indicated, for OverThe-Road fleets to be all electric one day, but only if the power grid gets upgraded. To do so we need a 50% increase above today's levels in electricity output. In other words, government will have to invest in producing more power to power an electric-powered future on our highways.

During one of the presentations it was noted that people driving Teslas today are powered by electricity that comes from coal. Most people do not think about that. 

Cummins' goal is carbon neutrality by 2050, which seems a long ways off. Then again, I suspect that for those of us here to see it, it might come faster than we think.

Another hurdle will be the production of lighter weight batteries. If you are hauling heavy loads, you don't want to also be loaded down with a ton of batteries. 

I remember about 5 years ago at SEMA when I saw a new battery concept which was one-fifth the weight and half the size of our current car batteries. People smarter than you or I have been working on these problems for a long time. This is what keeps them awake at night, and it's a good thing.

You can read the full story here:
https://www.foxbusiness.com/lifestyle/cummins-to-start-ditiching-diesel-for-hydrogen 

RELATED
The Future of Diesel

Looking for Diesel Accessories?

Here’s a FREE Digital Diesel Builder’s Guide, compliments of Diesel World Magazine.  

Diesel World Magazine offers complete coverage of diesel-powered vehicles including trucks and diesel-powered cars. 

They also have a YouTube Channel that we hope develops further in 2021.

Diesel World Magazine is now available on Apple Newsstand, Google Play and Kindle. Get your favorite issues now or get a deal on a subscription at:

http://engagedmediamags.com/magazine-subscriptions/automotive/diesel-world

 

To get The Ultimate Builder’s guide from Diesel World Magazine, CLICK HERE.

Do you have a favorite Diesel Publication you'd like us to tell your friends about? Leave a comment below and we will share.

The Future of Diesel

Interest in the future goes back to the dawn of man, no doubt. 19th century visionary Jules Verne, whose books took readers 20,000 leagues under the sea, to the center of the earth and around the moon, had his sights set on the future. H.G. Wells' Time Machine carried readers far into the future. And a whole host of 20th century sci fi writers have given us visions of a tomorrow filled with robots, androids and pre-cogs. 

These thoughts crossed my mind as I read this article about commercial trucks of the future. The headline asks, Does Diesel Have a "Sell By" Date? 

The article, appeared in the Diesel Technology Forum this week, notes that 90% of the trucks on our nation's highways and byways are currently diesel. Based on current trends, what will be the configuration of diesel technology and trucking in 2040? This is the author's prediction:

Fast forward twenty years from now, and trucks will most likely be powered by a diversity of fuels and technology. Some may be powered by hydrogen and fuel cells, some may be battery electric, some may be operating on renewable natural gas or renewable diesel fuel. In any event, according to many sources, rather than having a “sell by“ date, diesel will remain as the dominant technology moving the nation’s freight for decades to come. 

Despite California's efforts to the contrary, industry insiders seem to agree that a majority of over-the-road transporters will still be diesel powered. 

Bloomberg New Energy Finance estimates that less than 20% of our heavy-duty commercial trucks will be powered by electricity in 2040. IHS Markit makes a similar estimate. Others make similar proposals. 

As one who has been paying attention to these issues--emissions and fuel economy--for more than a quarter century, I believe that there is a disconnect between what the public understands and what is really happening. Diesel engine manufacturers have made remarkable strides toward cleaner production of efficient power. 

This is by no means an attempt to derail efforts to improve. The article goes on to note that diesel engines have the advantage of being adaptable to alternative fuels that can reduce emissions.

Diesel trucks also have the capability of operating on advanced renewable biofuels that drive down greenhouse gas emissions, operating on high quality blends of biodiesel or 100 percent renewable diesel fuel. These are fuels that have at least a 50 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions relative to petroleum, with renewable diesel fuel, GHG emissions are reduced by at least 80 percent.

Whereas it's impossible to forecast the future with perfect 20/20 vision, that doesn't mean we can't have inklings. The stories that fill the headlines don't always reflect the realities. I remember the 1970's when  it was said that we will run out of oil in 10 years. They said it again in the 80s and 90s. Now, some say, there is more oil in the ground than we will ever take out. 

I'm not losing sleep over it. Full article here: https://www.dieselforum.org/policyinsider/what-do-the-commercial-trucks-of-the-future-look-like-in-2040-does-diesel-have-a-sell-by-date

Photo credits: corey-oconnell-EPYIbF8ly14-unsplash
and brian-wangenheim (lower photo)

Champion Oil Expands Contingency Program to Include Truck and Tractor Pullers

The other day I wrote about the Blue Flame contingency program for diesel drag racers. Evidently, someone down in Clinton, Missouri believes there's light at the end of this Covid-19 tunnel. Kudos to Champion for adding these incentives for Truck and Tractor Pullers as well. 

Here's the press release that came across the wire and fell into my inbox yesterday:

Champion Oil Expands Truck and Tractor Pulling Contingency Program

(Clinton, Mo / 11.18.20) Champion Oil, a globally recognized industry leader in performance lubricants for over 64 years, recently announced the expansion of their Racing Contingency Program for 2021.The all-encompassing marketing program is designed to link Champion performance products directly with truck and tractor pullers in all racing classes of competition and in most sanctioned events in North America. https://www.championbrands.com/racer-contingency/

 

The 2021 Champion Truck and Tractor Pullers Contingency Program includes, but is not limited to racing events such as:  National Tractor Pullers Association (NTPA), WNY Pro Pulling Series – NY & Canada, Outlaw Pulling Series, Hot Farm Pulling Series Club, Diesel Motorsports (NADM), SS Pulling Series, Smoke & Speed, Northwest PA Tractor & Truck pullers Association, Truck & Tractor Pulling (TNT), Mid Missouri Pulling, Outlaw Diesel Super Series (ODSS), Texas truck & Tractor Pullers Association (TTTPA), Pro Pulling League, Illinois Tractor Pulling Association (ITPA), Rudy’s Diesel Truck Jam, etc.

https://www.championbrands.com/racer-contingency/

 

Trucks or tractors pull a heavy drag sled along a 35 ft. wide, 330 ft. long track, with the winner being the vehicle that pulls the drag sled the farthest. The sport is known as the world's most powerful motorsport, due to the use of multi-engine modified tractor pullers.

 

The drag sled is a weight transfer drag sled as it is pulled down the track, the weight is transferred with gears to the sled’s wheels from over the rear axles and towards the front of the drag sled. In front of the rear wheels there is a "pan". This is essentially a metal plate, and as the weight moves toward it, the resistance between the pan and the ground builds. The farther the tractor pulls the drag sled, the more difficult it gets.

 

Champion Racing and Performance products are the choice of champions in racing events nationwide. Champion’s new 2021 expanded contingency program supports race teams from dirt track to pavement, gas to diesel, and circle track to tractor pulls with contingency cash pay-out awards.

Racing teams and racers can apply for the Champion Racing Oil Contingency Program now through June 30th, 2021.  -->Click on the Orange Button in the right hand column here.

About: Champion Brands, LLC, a globally recognized industry leader in specialty lubricants for over 64 years. Champion also produces and blends over 350 products including fuel, oil, engine additives, and lubricants for the racing, automotive, heavy truck, agricultural, industrial, and specialty markets. For more information about contact your nearest Champion distributor, or call Champion at 660-890-6231. Champion Brands, LLC; 1001 Golden Drive, Clinton, MO, 64735 or go to  http://www.championbrands.com

Things Change: Ford Scraps Bi-Turbo Ecodiesel Engine for U.S. Ford Transit

It's been an unusual year all around, what with the global pandemic and a variety of other upheavals. When things get challenging, it's nice to have other things to look forward to, the proverbial light at the end of the tunnel.

For some, what gets them jazzed about auto shows is watching the future get unveiled. New styles, new technologies, and even new engine designs. Last year Ford announced that it would be offering its 2.0L EcoBlue Bi-Turbo diesel engine in the U.S. market late this year. It was to be a big development for its Ford Transit cargo vans. 

According to a story at Ford Authority, this new development has been scrapped. It's simply not to be.

Personally, I liked the idea of Blue Flame diesel oil in an EcoBlue Bi-Turbo diesel engine. I was thinking of the visual harmonics generated by the blue oil and cool blue power plant.  

Ford spokesperson Elizabeth Kraft specifically cited the coronavirus as culprit in the delays that kept Ford from achieving its introduction deadlines. Once the delays became extensive, Ford execs decided there was insufficient market demand to complete the project. 

For what its worth, this is the same engine used in the Ford Ranger Raptor, and European Transit. 

The gasoline-powered Transits will have various conversion options. They will be assembled in Ford's Kansas City plant in Claycomo, Missouri. You can see photos and read more details here.

* * * 

Rudolph Diesel and the Birth of Diesel Power

I've always loved reading biographies. Perhaps it's because every person has a history and it's intriguing to learn about the early influences of people who have later become influential. Rudolf Diesel is one of these.

The name sounds so German you would think he was born in Munich or Heidelberg, but no, he was born in Paris, to German immigrants there, in 1858. A few weeks later he was given away to a farmer family in Vincennes, only to be returned nine months later.

How this experience informed his later development is unknown but when the Franco-Prussian War broke out in 1870 the family was forced to leave France. Why they did not return to Germany but instead went to London is also a curious development. Instead, they sent young Rudolf back to Germany to live with relatives in Augsburg. At age 14 he wrote a letter to his parents saying he wanted to be an engineer.

For what it's worth, this incident reminds me of a joke, if I may digress here. 

What is European Heaven? British humor, French cuisine and German engineering.

What is European Hell? British cuisine, French engineering and German humor.

To verify the facts of these stereotypes, my father wished me to also be an engineer, so while in high school I was encouraged to study German.

Diesel proceeded to study engineering in Munich, where he graduated with honors. His first efforts upon graduation were related to refrigeration, which he pursued with his former professor, now in Paris. After acquiring numerous patents in that field he went on to do research and development on steam engine technology. This ultimately led to the development of an internal combustion engine, since his ultimate goal was the maximum efficient production of power.

Because he understood thermodynamics and the practical limits of fuel efficiency he knew that steam power wastes as much as 90% of the power potential of the fuel. This knowledge is what inspired him to do whatever it would take to develop the engine that now bears his name.

Diesel power is the result of applied science, at the dawn of an emerging scientific era. The first successful Diesel engine, now on display at the German Technical Museum, ran in 1897.

There's little doubt in my mind that Rudolf Diesel would be astonished to see how far his original ideas have been developed and the power supplied by a diesel engine today

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rudolf_Diesel

Ram Power Wagon Celebrates 75th Anniversary

One of the great things about having a long history is that it affords you an opportunity to celebrate the anniversaries of milestones. The history of Dodge is one such story with many anniversaries.

The Dodge brothers got their start as manufacturers of parts for other automakers back in the first days of the automobile. In 2014 they celebrated the 100th anniversary of their decision to become automakers themselves. Horace and John called their new business the Dodge Brothers Company.

Within a relatively short time Dodge was the #2 automobile in America in terms of sales. Sadly, in 1920 both of the brothers died prematurely--John from pneumonia and Horace later in the year from cirrhosis. Without their energy and innovation the company wasn't the same and in 1925 the widows sold it for 146 million dollars, the largest cash transaction in history at that point in time. Three years later the brand was acquired by Chrysler.

IN 1934 Dodge began devoting itself to building four-wheel drive trucks for the Army, both half-ton and full-ton. They were built to be rugged, reliable and unbreakable. It was basic but masterful engineering, easy to drive and durable. Soldiers who experienced these machines returned from the war with a desire to own trucks of their own, and Dodge went to work coming up with a civilian version of their four-wheel drive "carry alls."

As everyone who's ever been involved in naming a product knows, you really want to get it right.  Eventually, after trying out a variety of names before the launch, they called it the Power Wagon. Great name, and this year is the 75th anniversary of its introduction. How appropriate that I saw this story Wednesday on Veteran's Day. A big salute to Dodge for the 226,700 trucks they built for our armed forces during the war, and for staying with it afterwards.

Other names they originally considered included the Farm Utility Truck, the WDX General Purpose Truck, and the One Ton Truck. When they appeared on the showroom floor they were Power Wagons.  

The story that triggered this nostalgic trip through history was this one: 

2021 Ram Power Wagon 75th Anniversary Edition
First Mass-production 4x4 Pickup Truck Celebrates 75 Years of Service

Ahead of Nov. 11 Veterans Day observances, Ram is commemorating the 75th anniversary of Power Wagon with a special acknowledgment of Power Wagon's heritage, which stretches back to World War II. The 2021 Ram Power Wagon 75th Anniversary Edition is loaded with unique features and celebrates the rich history of the most iconic model in the heavy-duty pickup segment. 

The truck is available in 11 colors, two of them new and unique: Anvil Grey and Molten Orange. It also features a unique grille, 75th Anniversary badging, 17-inch beadlock-capable wheels and premium leather interior. In short, this is no longer a basic, durable army truck. It's a behemoth with wow. 

You can read the full story here.

Some of the other info on this blog post came from Origins of the Dodge Power Wagon, published at AllPar.com.

Blue Flame Contingency Program Rewards Diesel Drag Racers

The following press release just crossed the wire here. Let's make 2021 a year to look forward to.

Diesel Drag Racers Rewarded for Wins with Champion Blue Flame Performance Engine Oil   

 

(Clinton, Mo / 11.12.20) Champion Oil, a globally recognized industry leader in performance lubricants for over 64 years, continues their robust Diesel Racing Contingency Program into 2021. The all-encompassing marketing program is designed to link Champion Blue Flame Performance Diesel Racing Engine Oils directly with diesel drag racers in all classes and in most sanctioned diesel drag-racing events in North America.

 

Winners from local diesel drag events to national championship diesel drag racing events are eligible for cash contingency payouts. Examples of diesel drag races to be rewarded include: The Outlaw Diesel Super Series, National Association of Diesel Motorsports, Ultimate Callout Challenge,  Scheid Diesel Extravaganza, Sun Coast Shakedown, Rudy's Truck Jam, Ultimate Callout Challenge, Outlaw Diesel Revenge,  Holly Rock Customs Showdown, Rocky Top Diesel Shootout, Hardway Sunshine Showdown, Battle at the Alamo, East Coast Diesel Nationals, Diesel World Drags, Blackout in the Country, Week-End on the Edge, etc.

 

Diesel Racers can apply for the Champion Diesel Racing Oil Contingency Program by clicking on the orange button in the right hand column or here. To be eligible, register now through June 30, 2021.

 

Blue Flame Diesel Engine Oils are formulated with workhorse high-zinc performance additives, superior protection, advanced polymer technology, and high TBN, supported by a carrier blend of synthetic fluids.

 

In addition, Blue Flame Diesel Engine Oils deliver unmatched high temperature film strength and lubricity protection, with the muscle to combat oil shear and maximize sustained cylinder compression. They also inhibit oxidation, corrosive acids, sludge and varnish build-up.

 

These performance oils keep diesel engines going longer by reducing soot-induced engine wear, controlling abrasive soot contamination and preventing high temperature corrosion, even while allowing for improved fuel economy and lower total cost of ownership. They are proven to increase engine horse power and torque. Champion Blue Flame Diesel Engine Oils are purpose-built for extreme protection and performance.

https://www.championbrands.com/diesel-engine-oils/

About Champion Brands, LLC, a globally recognized industry leader in specialty lubricants for over 64 years. Champion also produces and blends over 350 products including fuel, oil, engine additives, and lubricants for the racing, automotive, heavy truck, agricultural, industrial, and specialty markets. For more information about contact your nearest Champion distributor, or call Champion at 660-890-6231. Champion Brands, LLC; 1001 Golden Drive, Clinton, MO, 64735 or go to http://www.championbrands.com

1950s Bread Truck Trasformed into Diesel-Powered Low-Rider

Remember the good old days when a milk man delivered your milk, a bread truck delivered fresh bread and the ice cream man drove down your street with your favorite popsicles? Ever wonder what happened to those old ice cream trucks and other delivery vehicles?

One such truck was displayed last week at SEMA360, a 1950s bread truck that has been transformed from "just another vintage truck" into a diesel-powered lowrider. Brett Foote wrote the story for Ford Authority, an online site sharing Ford-related news. 

His opening line tells the story. "To us, there's nothing cooler than an old commercial truck repurposed as a hot rod." Even more cool is that it's a diesel. And cooler than that: it's a lowrider. "There’s just something undeniably awesome about former workhorses from another era being fitted with modern suspension components, big, powerful engines, and of course, awesome visual updates." 

The team that produced this tricked out 1950 Ford Bread Truck was Pot O' Gold Kustoms  out of Colorado Springs, Colorado. When you check out their site you'll be impressed by their versatility, doing all manner of swaps, diesel conversions and even sheetmetal work. 

The truck had been on display last week at the virtual SEMA360 show, SEMA's substitution for their usual weeklong Vegas Show. Foote describes the details of the project build, which includes a Mustang II suspension. (Lee Iacocca's Mustangs were introduced at the 1964 World's Fair, weren't they?) 

Mustangs were a 1960s innovation, but L.A.'s "Lowrider Culture" began as early as the 40's, so a lowrider bread truck might not be so out of place as you'd think. At least, in L.A.

Other features of the build include massive Detroit steel wheels "wrapped in equally large rubber," disc brakes, and that Cummins 4BT four-cylinder diesel engine. You can find the rest of the details here.

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For what it's worth, Ford Authority is looking for more staff. A writer, an editor and a curator. They pay well, if you've got the chops.   Go to the article link above and you'll see it listed.

In addition, since they love writing about Fords, the word is out that if you have a vehicle build and would like it featured on Ford Authority, they's like to hear about it. Details here.

Related Links
30 Vintage Photos of Bread Trucks
Photos of this tricked out Pot O' Gold Bread Truck

Why is Champion Blue Flame Diesel Engine Oil Blue?

Blue has been an important color in art since ancient times. Surveys show that blue is the color most commonly associated with security, trust, and loyalty. And it’s chosen by a majority of both men and women around the world as their favorite color. 

Champion dyes its Blue Flame Diesel Engine Oils for several reasons. The robust chemical formula is unique and provides an industry-leading performance to meet the needs of both older and next generation heavy-duty engines, thus providing users the security of knowing that the blue oil is protecting them. The blue color also allows the quick-lube, fleet, or end-user to have absolute assurance and trust that no substitute engine oil is being installed. Also, Blue Flame creates a loyalty from followers that always ask for the “Blue Oil”.

 

“Champion Blue Flame Diesel Oils will forever be recognizable and have a distinctive appearance”, said Karl Dedolph, director of racing and performance products at Champion Brands, LLC. “It’s a huge plus when someone doesn’t even have to see the label to know it’s a Blue Flame product – the color alone is enough to identify the diesel engine oil. The dye is chemically balanced when it is blended and does not create any kind of lubricant issue or problem with additives or base stock.”

 

“The blue dye doesn’t leave a residue in the engine. In fact, the oil over time will turn and look black in color. It’s actually soot, which the diesel engine produces in much higher levels than gasoline motors. The soot enters the oil pan from the combustion chamber due to the gap in the piston rings. The black color, which is very common, doesn’t mean the oil has a problem,” added Dedolph.

 

Blue Flame Diesel Engine Oils are formulated with workhorse high-zinc performance additives, superior protection, advanced polymer technology, and high TBN, supported by a carrier blend of synthetic fluids.

 

In addition, Blue Flame Diesel Engine Oils deliver unmatched high temperature film strength and lubricity protection, with the muscle to combat oil shear and maximize sustained cylinder compression. They also inhibit oxidation, corrosive acids, sludge and varnish build-up.

 

These oils keep your engines going longer by reducing soot-induced engine wear, controlling abrasive soot contamination and preventing high temperature corrosion, even while allowing for improved fuel economy and lower total cost of ownership. They are proven to increase engine horse power and torque.

Champion Blue Flame Diesel Engine Oils are purpose built for extreme protection and performance. https://www.championbrands.com/diesel-engine-oils/

What’s your favorite color? And if it's blue, what kind of blue? Cerulean? Teal? Turquoise? Royal? Navy? Ultramarine? Tell us in the comments below.

Next time you need oil for your Cummins, Powerstroke or Duramax, ask for that “Blue Oil.”

Champion Blue Flame Diesel Engine Oil.