GM Rolls Out More Diesel Models Than Ever

There's a saying on Wall Street: "The trend is your friend." Until fundamentals change, an investment will continue to flow in the same direction it had been flowing. Growing companies keep growing, and wise investors buy into it.

EV cars and trucks have seen this kind of growth the past 20 years, some of it driven by hype and much of it by public demand. Every automaker has been active in the development of vehicles that reduce the carbon footprint of gasoline-powered internal combustion engines.

The media coverage of this adoption of EV technologies has been extensive. What's been missed, or seems so at times, are the advances in Clean Diesel technologies. Their reputation as being loud and smelly is so fixed in some peoples' imaginations and memories that they are unable to see the New Diesels in their true light. Fortunately, major automakers recognize the consumer demand.

This week GM Authority published a story by David Finlay about GM's continued commitment to diesel. The December 26 article is titled, "Availability of Diesel Models Has Doubled Since 2016." It begins:

The availability of turbodiesel engines in General Motors vehicles sold in the U.S. has doubled in the past five years. During the 2016 model year, just six GM diesel models were available. In 2021, that number has risen to 12.

The article includes a chart showing which GM models have had diesel engines and what kind of engines they were, from the 1.6L 14 LH7 WhisperDiesel to the 6.6L V8 L5P, which has a toque close to 1,000 pound-feet.

The article includes a chart showing which GM vehicle models have been powered by diesel engines and the kind of engines they've got under the hood. In 2021 you'll find Duramax engines in all its full-sized vehicles include the Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Tahoe Suburban, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukons and the Cadillac Esscalade, which we wrote about here.

Finlay points out that GM has been neglecting its EV offerings. Not by a long shot. In fact, the global giant has announced plans to roll out 30 EVs worldwide by 2025. In the meantime, don't expect EVs to outsell diesel powered vehicles in the U.S. anytime soon.

Read the full article here: 
https://gmauthority.com/blog/2020/12/availability-of-gm-diesel-models-has-doubled-since-2016/

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'93 Dodge Ram with 5.9L Cummins Sells for Twice What It Did When New

This is what happens when you take care of what you own rather than run it into the ground. Yesterday, Auto Evolution published a story by Daniel Patrascu about a 1993 Dodge Power Ram 250 Club Cab in such mint condition that it fetched $50,000 at auction. The two-tone pickup came with a camper shell that no doubt added to its mystique. 

The original price in late 1992 on the diesel-powered pickup was $15K which would be $26K today, adjusted for inflation. So $50K shows how much value is added when you take care of what you own.

Over the course of its lifetime the truck had only accumulated 33,000 original miles, which Patrascu calculated to being about 1200 miles a year. Obviously the vehicle's single owner wasn't using it as a commuter vehicle, nor for annual summer vacations around the country.

Under the hood you'll find a Cummins inline-six diesel engine linked with to a four-speed transmission and a dual-range transfer case. According to Patrascu, "the 5.9-liter unit was originally rated at 160 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque." He suspects that most of that power is still there in the box.

The vehicle, which sold on Monday this week, had spent its life in Utah where dry weather conditions are favorable and kind, unlike regions of the country where humidity is a bane. Other features of the Ram include 16" wheels, bucket seats, air conditioning, cruise control and power windows.

It's noteworthy that in addition to all the original sales documentation, manufacturer's literature, clean title and Carfax report, the late owner kept meticulous service records, which enhances the value of used cars and trucks much the same as your medical records have a bearing on life insurance.

You can read Daniel Patrascu's Auto Evolution story here:
https://www.autoevolution.com/news/camper-shelled-1993-dodge-ram-goes-for-50k-double-what-it-sold-for-new-153707.html# 

For an excellent example of how to sell your own used truck, this listing at the Bring A Trailer auction site is a superb template showing how to present your used equipment so as to get the most buck for your banger:
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1993-dodge-power-ram-250-turbodiesel-4x4/

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Troubleshooting Tip: Getting a Diesel Engine Started When It's Run Out of Fuel

If you ever run out of gas, you know what a hassle it can be. In a gasoline-powered vehicle it's an inconvenience. With a diesel, it's a bit more complicated.

Fuel gauges are especially important when you're on the highway and the exit ramps are limited. I personally believe half full should be treated as "almost empty" so that one is at least beginning to pay attention. Nevertheless, it happens. If you're distracted, for whatever reason, when that first wheezing occurs you know you're in trouble. What do you do?

This summer K.J. Jones wrote an article on the Truck Trend Network addressing this issue. 

He begins by pointing out that technological advances these past two decades have eliminated some of the former hands-on procedures for dealing with this situation, such as manually priming the fuel system. Even so, if you do run out of fuel, the first thing you need to know is what NOT to do. That is, don't try to start the engine on empty, Jones says, because injectors and other parts can be damaged when there's a lack of lubrication.

Actually, he doesn't promise a lot of detail here in this article, but it's information that diesel owners should be aware of, foremost being that the task can be messy and is more than inconvenient. 

Putting fuel in the tank is the first step. Unfortunately, that isn't the end of it. You're not going to be able to start the engine again after you refuel because there's air in the lines.

The next step, logically, is to bleed the lines and injectors, a task not too unlike bleeding your brakes. You'll likely want to have your owners manual handy to locate the bleed screws, especially if you have never done that before on this vehicle. Have a few rags handy as well as a bottle to collect the priming fluid.

BLUE FLAME TIP: If you're a rookie on bleeding air from your lines, there are diesel forums for every make of engine listed here in the right hand column. You can find the help you need by doing a search. For example, here's what I found at the Diesel Hub when I asked about bleed procedures for a 6.5 diesel fuel system: https://www.dieselhub.com/maintenance/6.5-diesel-fuel-system-bleed-procedures.html

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The Jones article has some helpful photos, but keep in mind that vehicles are not uniform. The Truck Trend article aims to get you thinking in the right direction, though. The next steps are up to you.

Here's the Link:
http://www.trucktrend.com/how-to/engine/how-to-start-a-diesel-engine-when-it-runs-out-of-fuel

The Diesel in Saving Private Ryan

A couple weeks ago I went through a Tom Hanks binge which included, among others, the powerful Spielberg WW2 epic, Saving Private Ryan. I was actually surprised by how many movies Hanks and director Steven Spielberg have teamed up on, Saving Private Ryan was only the first, and four more big screen hits followed: Catch Me If You Can, The Terminal, Bridge of Spies, The Post. (They also teamed up for the TV series Band of Brothers.) I was also surprised by how many other familiar actors were part of this production, people I didn't expect.

So it was fun finding an article about Saving Private Ryan this weekend, the day after Christmas, and the writer made the same observation that I did. The article by Jerrica Tisdale is titled Saving Private Ryan: 10 Actors You Probably Forgot Were In The Movie.

I remembered Matt Damon as Private Ryan, of course, and Hanks, but was quite surprised how many other familiar faces there were. Ted Danson, Bryan Cranston, Tom Sizemore (A standout in Black Hawk Down), Paul Giamatti (Surprise! Yes, he was there), Joe Farina (Great roles in two Elmore Leonard flicks, Get Shorty and Out of Sight) and several other recognizable names and faces. 

SPOILER ALERT

Vin Diesel as Private Adrian Caparzo

The big surprise--only because he was such an unknown then and is anything but that today--was seeing Vin Diesel as Private Adrian Caparzo. Now working on his 10th Fast and Furious flick, he's been versatile on a range of projects that have made him diesel-powered truckloads of money.

If it's been a while since you saw the film, you'll remember Vin Diesel's last scene, surprisingly early in the film. Hanks, as Captain  Miller, has been tasked with a mission, to locate locate Private Ryan, played by another familiar name, Matt Damon, to send him home because his three brothers have been killed in other action. Hanks and his small band of men are looking for the proverbial needle in a haystack.

As they pass through a bombed out city, Hanks and company are pinned down by a sniper. A French family in a semi-demolished apartment complex is pleading with the soldiers to bring their daughter to safety. Hanks says "No, this is not our mission." 

Soft-hearted Vin Diesel ignores the Captain's orders. He defends his decision because she reminds him of his niece. Tragically, he gets picked off by the sniper and bleeds out right in front of the others who must watch helplessly from behind walls and debris.

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German Panzers were not diesel powered as you might have supposed.

Another surprise for me was learning that Vin Diesel was the only diesel in this film. That is, until researching for this blog post I always assumed that the German tanks in WW2 were diesel-powered. It would have made sense for this to be so, but in reality (according to my research) they, like the America-made Sherman tanks, ran on gasoline or petrol. This made being a tank driver quite hazardous, as gasoline is much more volatile than diesel fuel. Hence, when you see tanks get shelled and men leaping out covered with flames, that's a pretty accurate portrayal of a common hazard for tank drivers and their passengers.

In the final battle, we see a pair of German tanks similar to these Panzers above and a half-track, that hybrid transport vehicle that is half-truck, half tread. By utilizing a single fuel source, all the equipment could be kept powered from one stock pile.

Interestingly enough, the Soviet army did have diesel-powered tanks, supplied by the United States via lend lease. U.S. Sherman tanks and British tanks were all gasoline powered.

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LINKS
Jerrica Tisdale's "Saving Private Ryan: Actors You Forgot Were in the Movie"
Adrian Caparzo @ Saving Private Ryan Fandom  
Which WW2 Tanks were Diesel Powered? 

Are These the Best Special Edition Pickup Trucks Ever?

2004-2006 International MXT 4x4

On Christmas Day most of us are getting stuffed with goodies, reading one of the books we got from Santa or playing games with the kids (or grandkids, depending on your age.) Caleb Jacobs offered this present to truck enthusiasts: an article in The Drive about "the Best Special Edition Pickup Trucks Ever Made." 

He doesn't actually declare these the best. Rather, he suggests they are among the best by asking readers the question, Are These the Best Special Edition Pickups? He then produces a set of suggestions for consideration, just the kind of thing truck enthusiasts love to debate over a lengthy, leisurely after-dinner conversation, favorite libations in hand. Here are the trucks he cites, but I'll make you jump to The Drive for the details as regards why they're special.

He begins with that nostalgic fave, the 1978-79 Dodge Ram Li'l Red Express/Midnite Express. Jacobs dives into the key differences between the Li' Red and the Midnite. Whereas there were ample Li' Reds, there were only about 200 Midnites produced, making them rare though not forgotten. The reputation Li'l Red garnered for itself was based on being the first "hot rod pickup" and who doesn't like that notion?

The second truck he cites is the 1989 Dodge Shelby Dakota,  a truck with several special editions, one of them being a convertible. It, too, was quick though not a Li'l Red Express.

The 1991 GMC Syclone comes in with a whirlwind introduction. Supposedly there are some who would suggest that there's nothing left to say after the Syclone. GMC only made 3000 of them, all black except the Marlboro edition.

The 1991 Chevrolet 454 SS gets the next citation. This was another truck with "a menacing black scheme." To establish its reputation they replaced the small block 350 cu. in. engine with a 454 big block with monster oomph.

There's actually an EV here on the list, the 1997-98 Chevrolet S-10 Electric. The battery-powered pickup was targeted at fleet operators who needed highly efficient vehicles for around-town driving. For what it's worth, this fellow was front-wheel drive.

Other vehicles on Jacobs' list include the 1999-2004 Ford Lightning, the 2004-2006 Dodge Ram SRT-10,  the 2019-20 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Bison, and (my favorite) the 2006-2008 International MXT 4x4. Of this latter, he points out that International hasn't produced pickup trucks since the 70's, being known for its medium- and heavy-duty trucks, which are reliable workhorses in our economy. 

"Clearly, the MXT rides higher than most factory pickups," Jacobs notes. "That's partially because it rides on 40-inch Pro Comp tires that are also 13.5 inches wide. Its 6.0-liter DT365 turbodiesel engine has no problems turning those, though, as it produces 300 hp and 530 pound-feet of torque." 

Just reading the names of these trucks makes your heart beat faster. What's your favorite?

Here's the link to the full Christmas story:
https://www.thedrive.com/news/38367/these-are-the-best-special-edition-pickup-trucks-ever-made

Merry Christmas to All Vehicle Lovers.

 Now THAT is a Christmas Tree.

(Next year let's make it a Diesel.)

MERRY CHRISTMAS

from Champion Brands and the Blue Flame Blogger
and may 2021 be your best year yet.

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Photo courtesy Gary Firstenberg

2021 Cadillac Escalade Diesel: CNET's First Drive Review

Cadillac. 
The name alone is so pregnant with meaning, synonymous with Luxury. Over the course of its history the heralded brand established itself as "top of the line" in American-made cars.

The name's origin is interesting. What does Cadillac mean? Where did the name come from? Well, when Henry Ford walked out on his original Henry Ford Company, the brokers who came in to liquidate the factory were dissuaded by an engineer named Henry M. Leland, who had been called upon to assess the value of the machinery and equipment. Leland instead saw an opportunity. 

Naming is always a magical experience, hence from the beginning of time people have name plants and planets, animals and rock formations. In naming this new company Leland chose a word rooted in history, specifically the history of Detroit. He named it after the French explorer who founded Detroit in 1701, Antoine Laumet de la Mothe siur de Cadillac. 

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On Tuesday the CNET Road Show featured a review by Steven Ewing of the 2021 Cadillac Escalade Diesel. It's easy to envy these guys who get a first crack at driving these beautiful cars. The article's subhead sums up the story: "A smooth diesel engine only makes Cadillac's new Escalade more enjoyable."

He begins by stating that the new Escalade is very good, that the diesel engine is also very good and when you put the two together you've got something that is very, very good. Citing a review by editor Greg Cole, he affirms that the Escalade is "a flagship model to be proud of." Adding the diesel engine, however, elevates it to a another level, which he coins "super-luxe."

Of the engine Ewing writes:

The diesel powerplant in question is the 3.0-liter Duramax I6 you'll find in GM's full-size trucks and SUVs, everything from the Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburband to the GMC Sierra pickup. This engine makes 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, which is more than enough to move the nearly three-ton Escalade with authority.  

The article has more details, including MSRP and a peek under the hood. You can go check it out here and catch a glimpse of how the other half lives.
https://www.cnet.com/roadshow/reviews/2021-cadillac-escalade-2wd-4dr-luxury-preview/

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Happy Holidays 

from Champion Brands

and the Blue Flame Blogger

More Insights on the Future of Diesel: An Engine Design that Meets 2027 California Standards

This engine by Achates Power is getting real attention.

We've all seen the impact of communication technologies and the Internet. The world today is far different from the one we experienced as kids in the Fifties. There are many futurists who have been watching the auto industry, anticipating an equally explosive shift with regards to the future of transportation. One of these is Mike Millikin, founder and editor of Green Car Congress. 

Millikin was a trained journalist who spent most of his career in IT and Internet related pursuits. He was right in the center of the 90s whirlwind that transformed everything. In 2004, he saw that an even bigger transformation was coming as science was applied toward the goal of green transportation and energy. 

This past week Green Car Congress published an article titled Achates opposed-piston 3-cylinder 10.6L diesel emissions meet 2027 EPA, CA requirements.  It's about a radically improved internal combustion engine that meets California emissions standards. That seems pretty progressive as far as I'm concerned.

The article begins:

Achates Power’s innovative 3-cylinder, 10.6L opposed-piston heavy-duty diesel engine has achieved performance results that comply with pending 2027 requirements of the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and California to reduce sharply emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx). Engine and aftertreatment system development and performance assessments were conducted at the Achates Power facility in San Diego and the Aramco Research Center-Detroit.

It is a major development for a project that aims to improve the environmental performance of commercial vehicles using hydrocarbon fuels.

The most recent test of the engine, including aftertreatment, measured 0.02g per brake horsepower-hour (g bhp/hr), demonstrating the capability of the engine to be certified under California’s ultra-low NOx regulation, which requires diesel commercial vehicle engines to reduce NOx by 90% by 2027 to no more than 0.02g bhp/hr over the Federal Test Procedure (FTP) cycle.

Furthermore, carbon dioxide emissions are 8% below the current standards in California. As the saying goes, "Aim high, you just might hit it." 

The engine is a three-cylinder design in which the opposed pistons move vertically. Achates Power power accomplished this achievement with a standard DEF injection aftertreatment system. 

You can read the full story here:
https://www.greencarcongress.com/2020/12/20201218-achates.html

We applaud these efforts toward a clean diesel future.

Important Things to Know about Winterizing Your Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF)

It's amazing how timeless some ideas are. Change is the one constant in life. Nothing remains the same forever, or so it seems. This is especially true in the realm of technology. In the past few decades we've seen nanotech applied to filters, and "brain boxes" (minicomputers) orchestrating the symphony of movements within the internal combustion engine. 

Many of these technical improvements are driven by a singular aim: the more efficient production of power while simultaneous producing cleaner outcomes. 

When the EPA in 2010 mandated selective catalytic reduction (SCR) in diesel trucks, the objective was clearly positive for the environment, but appeared to be problematic for the consumer. Why? Because it violated the principle of KISS--Keep It Simple Stupid--by adding a step to our maintenance regimens. The added complication was the need for Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF).

Like most habits, as it turns out, maintaining DEF has not been as big a headache as initially perceived. It's no more complicated than making sure your truck has wiper fluid. Nevertheless, there may have been some gripes till we got used to it, and having a dashboard warning indicator there to remind us our DEF was low was also helpful and wise.

* * *

ALL THIS TO SAY that as we head into the most frigid time of year if may be a good time to be reminded about winterizing and DEF. Here are some insights from an article by K.J.Jones at last winter's Truck Trend site, "Tips for Handling and Storing DEF in Cold Climates."

Early in the article Jones explains, "Handling and storing DEF in cold climates can be challenging. Made from a mixture of technically pure urea and purified water, DEF freezes at 11 degrees Fahrenheit and needs to be properly maintained and dispensed to preserve its quality."

A lot of people may forget that DEF is two-thirds water and water freezes when it gets cold. In other words, you shouldn't store the DEF in an unheated garage or in the back of your pickup if you live in North Dakota or Upper Michigan.

Because water expands when it freezes, you should not fill the DEF tank all the way in winter, Jones says. Some trucks have low-energy heaters that will protect the fluid from freezing during shutdown, but if you aren't sure about yours, this would be a word to the wise. 

IF YOUR DEF FREEZES, do not put additives in the tank to help it melt, says Jones. The DEF fluid needs to be kept pure to work properly. Instead, there there's a special heater that will melt the DEF fairly quickly. 

* * * 

SHELF LIFE is a consideration to keep in mind when storing and handling DEF. Wine may get better with age, but DEF does not. You should make sure to note the expiration date on your bottle, usually one year or a little longer under optimal conditions.

DEF is manufactured to certain specifications which get approved by the API. Jones suggests looking for the API approval logo on the package. There are also a few additional statements about storage conditions. Not only do you want to keep it from freezing, you also shouldn't let it sit in the sun if your in Miami next summer. 

To review the full article, visit:
http://www.trucktrend.com/news/2001-winterize-diesel-exhaust-fluid-def
How to Winterize Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) 

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EXTRA POINT: How DEF Works
DEF is made from deionized water and a very pure form of urea. When hot exhaust gas and DEF enter the catalytic converter, the urea from the DEF and the exhaust gas reacts with a variety of metallic compounds to convert nitrogen dioxide and monoxide into harmless nitrogen and water.  

The New GM 2.8-liter 4-Cylinder Diesel Engine Is at the Heart of This Mad Max ISV

Tell me this doesn't look like something out of Mad Max. (GM Defense)

Sometimes art inspires life. That was my first thought when I saw this October story in Car and Driver about GM's new Infantry Squad Vehicle (ISV), which looks like it would have been right at home in the storied Mad Max series. (How fun it must have been for the folks who were assigned to create all these bizarre rat rod-like contraptions for that post-apocalypse thrill-ride.)

Three companies had been given a million dollars each to develop a light-weight off-road troop carrier. Every aspect of the design had functionality as its criteria. It had to be light enough for easy dispatch from a C-130 or C-17 transport plane, as well as for sling lift by UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter. The nine-seat ISV also had to be strong, durable, and off-road nimble. GM Defense got the assignment.

In developing the concept, GM Defense began with a Chevy Colorado ZRT as a foundation. From there it gets exciting as they clamped a new GM 2.8 liter, 4-cylinder diesel power plant in place under the hood. Ezra Dyer reminds readers that the specs are classified, but experienced journalists have no problem sharing their hunches as regards the possibilities. Dyer knows well the Colorado this machine is based on.

Dyer also shares a little GM history as well, noting that the automaker "started building trucks for the military in 1914, sending 90 percent of its trucks to the front in World War I. More recently, in the the 1980s, they built more than 70,000 lightly militarized Blazers and Silverados: the Commercial Utility Cargo Vehicle (CUCV). Plenty of those are now in private hands, their naturally aspirated 6.2-liter diesels still grumbling away. So the ISV continues a long tradition of modifying GM trucks for military duty."

The contract GM Defense signed was worth $214 million for 649 vehicles. Ultimately the army is looking to acquire 2700 of these light-weight beasts. The occasion for this article in October was that the company had just deliver the first of the lot. To get the full story, plus some cool video showing off what the ISV can do, follow the link below. Looks fun.

https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a34518940/gm-4x4-colorado-based-military/

 

Are 2021 Diesel Events Just Around the Corner?

The rumble of diesel power is approaching on the horizon. Can you hear it?

The other day I saw a Tweet that proclaimed the first performance diesel competition of 2021 is coming. It's hard to say which events will really take place and which will be postponed another season. 

When the 2021 Outlaw Diesel Series schedule was announced in November, there was a lot of optimism in the air. With all the media noise about spiking Covid, it's hard to know what will really unfold and which will have to be folded up. I know of at least one early diesel event that already got shuttered.

You'' find the dates and classes for the 2021 Outlaw Diesel Series here and to stay current with event announcements you'll want to follow the Outlaw Diesel Superseries on Facebook. The first one listed is Rudy's, April 23-24. Will we pull it off? Place your bets.

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Planning to Scheid's Diesel Extravaganza at summer's end? The dates this year are August 27-28. Get your tickets here. Seems like a long ways off, but it will be here before you know it. 

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Tomorrow is our Winter Solstice when the tilt of the earth's North Pole is furthest from the sun. Beginning Tuesday, the days will begin getting longer. Historians tell us that peoples and cultures have been celebrating this event since pre-history. Whether you celebrate or hibernate tomorrow, let's look forward to a brighter year ahead.

$40 Million in Grant Money Available in the Bay Area to Reduce Diesel Engine Pollution

This story was sent to us the other day regarding funds available to upgrade older diesel trucks with state-of-the-art clean diesel engines. The primary aim of the Bay Area Air Quality Management District is to reduce toxic emissions from older diesels. Vehicles being considered include medium- and heavy-duty trucks and buses, mobile construction and industrial equipment, agricultural equipment, marine vessels, locomotives and school buses. 

I'm imagining that school districts with nimble leadership will try to take advantage of this offering. Those whose decision-making apparatus is tangled in tape will be less able. 

* * * 

If you've ever wondered why air quality is such an issue in California, a visit to Los Angeles in person might answer part of that question. This city, and most of the coastal cities on the Pacific, are situated in basins with mountains stretching up on the East and an incoming breeze from the ocean. It's like a bowl that cataches and holds all the smog, zone and particulate matter. An atmospheric inversion occurs which causes it all to form a "pollution dome" over the city. 

Most major cities have a slightly discolored dome hovering over them, but wind and weather usually cleanses this cloud in most places. The cities on the West Coast, being hedged by mountains, find themselves with a unique drawback. 

* * *

California has been wrestling with air quality issues for a century now and San Francisco has not been exempt. Jack Broadbent, the Bay district’s executive officer, said the grants would pay for “cleaner-than-required equipment to improve air quality in neighborhoods that need our help most." The funding comes from the Carl Moyer Program and Community Health Protection Program.

NOTEWORTHY

The announcement was made on December 11, and these funds will be distributed on a first come first serve basis. 

To apply or for more information, go to www.baaqmd.gov/AB617grants or call (415) 749-4994. Applications will be evaluated on a first-come, first-served basis until funds run out.

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Story Source: The Independent News

Win a Year's Supply of Champion Blue Flame Performance Diesel Engine Oil. Register Here!

Winning contests is fun.  But in order to win you have to play. They won't pick your name unless you throw your hat in the ring. 

Photo by Danny Howe on Unsplash

Champion Brands has announced a sweepstakes in which you can win a year's supply of Blue Flame Performance Diesel Oil for your favorite ride. What's intriguing about this particular contest is that it doesn't have a deadline. There will be drawings throughout the year. 

I won my first contest when I was 8. I ended up on the front page of the local newspaper. I won another contest in high school, and more later in life. Why? Because usually there are fewer entries than you'd think, which means that the odds favor you more than you might think, if you enter.

Here's are the key points about this contest. 

To Register
1. Click on the green Blue Flame Contest button on the upper right.
2. Fill out the form.
3. Submit

In a nutshell, this is a classic sweepstakes in which you register to win with no-purchase-necessary. 

The contest manager will pick winners throughout the year and provide enough Champion Blue Flame Performance Diesel Engine Oil to cover a minimum of four oil changes a year. 

* * * 

Restrictions 

One entry per household

Must be 18 years of age

US 48-state addresses only

* * * 

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 robust 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 “Classic” 15w-40 Performance Diesel Engine Oil. 
https://www.championbrands.com/blue-flame-classic-blend-15w-40-pre-2007-diesel-engine-oil/ 

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

https://www.championbrands.com/champion-blue-flame-15w-40/

 

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ABOUT THE BLOG

Champion’s Blue Flame Blog aims to establish itself as a vital resource for diesel performance enthusiasts by becoming a hub connecting enthusiasts to other digital platforms such as Diesel Forums, Press Releases, Email, Web Sites, RSS Feeds and other social media platforms. I

 

The Blue Flame Diesel Blog also has links that provide real time information on such subjects as diesel fuel prices, truck stop locations, technical information, torque specs, how to become a Champion Oil distributor, real time crude oil prices, diesel seminars, and on-line purchases. www.blueflamediesel.com

IF THERE IS SOMETHING YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE here at the Blue Flame Blog, let us know. If it will help other Diesel Enthusists, we'll work it in.

 

About Champion Brands, LLC, a globally recognized industry leader in specialty lubricants for over 65 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 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

Performance Diesel Podcasts for Your Listening Pleasure

There was a time when your only options for what to watch on television were what the networks produced and fed you. With the exception of ham radio enthusiasts, radio content was also created for delivery via the airwaves and you listened to what they generated. With the advent of cable television your choices were broadened, but also you were still limited.

Then the Internet came and the monopoly of the networks was broken forever. Nearly anyone could be a content producer or develop a show to share on YouTube, Vimeo or other platforms. In fact, 500 hours of new content is being uploaded to YouTube every minute. This amounts to 720,000 hours of content each day. Imagine how big Google's hard drives are to hold all that information.

Two decades ago the concept of RSS feeds was emerging and Podcasting began to emerge as a viable force. Podcasters are similar to radio programs except they use audio files that can be played on the listener's devices. Just as there are millions of people uploading videos to YouTube and Facebook, so too there are currently 850,000 podcasters who have produced over 30 million podcast episodes.

Many podcasters produce a series in which a host or hosts interview guests on a theme or cover news around a related topic. It should come as no surprise then that there are literally hundreds of podcasts for diesel enthusiasts. 

One way to find channels you like is simply to Google it.  Here's a popular one called Diesel Performance Podcast. DPP has been archiving shows since 2015. Recent topics include:

Talking Fabrication and Sled Pulling with Jason Wehrli

Frank Kuperman of RevMax

Black Friday 2020

Reasonable Upgrade Lists for Every 6.6L Duramax

There are a wide variety of ways to listen to your favorite programs. You can subscribe via RSS, listen on Apple Podcasts, download to your laptop, email to your iPhone, listen on Stitcher or Spotify or head over to YouTube. In short, the power is in your hands.

The best part is, if you think you can do better then you can share your own Diesel interests with a podcast of your own. If you do, leave a comment and tell us about it. 

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Links
Diesel Performance on Google Podcasts 

More Diesel Performance 

Backtracks Diesel Performance Podcasts 

Torque + Fuel Efficiency = the 2021 Chev Suburban Diesel SUV

It's that time of year. Mother Nature gave us four seasons: Winter, Spring, Summer and New Car Introductions. When autumn colors appear on the trees, you know that next year's cars will begin appearing in car magazines and other media. 

Every product has a target niche it strives to fill. That includes cars and trucks. The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban Diesel is billing itself as the most fuel-efficient, full-size SUV on the market. Here's what Miguel Cortina said at Motor Trend. 

Cortina begins by stating that efficient full-sized SUVs are rare. Putting a diesel under the hood, though, changes the equation. This vehicle, he says, was, "rated at 20/26/22 mpg city/highway/combined, which makes it the most fuel-efficient four-wheel-drive full-size SUV in the market. Think about that for a sec." 

A diesel Suburban isn't new, he says, but it's not something Chevy has done for a while. The specific model he test drove was the Chev Suburban Diesel High Country, 2021 of course.

First Stop: The Track
The objective at the track is to see how it handles. Cortina clearly enjoyed how it handled, describing it as "buttery smooth and elegantly refined." The Duramaz turbodiesel delivers 277 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque that gets transmitted to the tires via 10-speed automatic transmission. Yes, it is just a tad louder than the gasoline version but unless you're paying attention you don't really notice.

In addition to exploring how fast it can do the quarter-mile, they tested its braking, as well as handling by  executing figure-eights. When all was said and done, they broke down all the data and compared it to the gas-powered 2021 Chev Suburban. They also compared the diesel 4WD version to a rear-powered. (The latter pulls 8,000 pounds whereas the 4WD a measly 7800.) 

Bottom Line
After using spelling out a few details about pricing and availability, they come to the question. Should I buy? The team at Motor Trend seems enamored by this stylish new machine. Here's their conclusion.

"It doesn't matter what your budget is—if you're looking for a Suburban, the Duramax engine is worth looking at. For less than a grand you will be getting more torque and better fuel economy without much sacrifice in performance. And who doesn't like that?"

For all the nitty gritty details, read the full story here at Motor Trend.

Are You Still Hearing These Common Myths About Diesels?

One of the things every internet junky knows is that there is a lot of information out there in cyberspace, as well as misinformation. On this blog our theme is always Diesel, and by that we don't mean Vin. On this topic there are new stories every day. There's also a massive backlog of archived stories that are still relevant. 

Here's a 2019 story from Hot Cars that caught my eye and is still totally relevant. The article by Goran Radanovic is titled 25 Myths About Diesel Engines That Simply Aren't True.

Radanovic begins with a little history of diesel engines and their development. The significant feature of this power plant design is the manner in which it generates combustion. Ignition is caused by the elevated temperature generated in the cylinder by mechanical compression, which results in the ignition of the fuel. It's a brilliantly simple concept based on an understanding of basic scientific principles. 

Despite their proven track record of more than a century of service, a number of myths have grown up regarding diesel power. The author actually cites 25 here. I'll note a few of them and then send you directly to the source at Hot Cars.

1. Myth: Diesels are the largest cause of air pollution.

When you see that black smoke billow you do have to wonder how this isn't true. But the reality is, there have been great strides taken to clean up diesel. The industry has come a long, long way. Remember how much black smoke steel mills spewed a century ago? You don't see any of that today, and these engines now a different from olden times.What I find interesting is that there is such as thing as being too quiet. I valuely recall reading last year that the EV cars are so quietthey are dangerous for blind people who can't hear them coming. 

2. Myth: Diesels are loud.

That, too, has changed. "Common-rail technology made diesel engines almost as quiet as gas engines," he writes. 

3. Myth: Finding diesel fuel at the pump is impossible.

Not sure why anyone would buy this myth. The infrastructure for diesel is everywhere. I will tell you what IS true. You're not going to have as easy of a time finding charging stations for your Tesla. At leas t not yet.

4. Myth: Diesel engines are only good for towing.

Towing is just one of the advantages of diesel engine technology. Reliability and longevity are additional benefits.

5. Myth: You can't tune a diesel engine. 

This seems strange. If you've ever witnessed or been part of a dyno competition you can see that it's all about tuning for maximum power. According to Radanovic, "The truth is that diesel engines have withstood better tuning than gasoline engines." 

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The author lists 20 more common myths about diesels. It's actually quite surprising how much misinformation people take for granted. You can read the who story here:

25 Myths About Diesel That Simply Aren't True
https://www.hotcars.com/myths-about-diesel-engines-that-simply-arent-true/

How Oil Analysis Helps You Diagnose Engine Health

Diagnosis is the process of identifying the nature of an illness or other problem by examining symptoms. In the Year of Covid, diagnostics has been much discussed in the news. Developing accurate diagnostic tools was an essential first step in the battle against its spread. 

Diagnosing engine wear may not be as life and death a matter as the coronavirus, but the concept of oil analysis operates on the same principle You use tools that have been designed to help identify things that are going on that you can't see. In other words, the data you can read will help you see that which is hidden from view, much the way x-ray machines hep doctors identify broken bones and ultrasound identifies what is happening in our internal organs.

This week an article by Karl Dedolph in the January 2021 edition of The Shop magazine goes into detail about the benefits of oil analysis for racers. Dedolph, director of racing and performance products for Champion Brands, begins by comparing oil analysis to a dyno. "Our complete oil analysis kit with mailer and sample bottle is just like using a dyno to measure horsepower," he writes.

The article discusses how sophisticated the process has become, using spectrometers to identify the metals and fluids found in a sample. Each element has its origin, enabling trained specialists to recognize where the wear might be occurring inside the engine and how serious it is. 

In addition to explaining what oil analysis is, the author addresses some common misconceptions about performance aftermarket oils and fluids. 

You can find a digital copy of this  article here in the January online edition of The Shop.

Related Links

Things You Can Learn from Oil Analysis

Champion Offers Free Oil Analysis Kits

RV Industry Gets a Boost from Lockdown Blues

That this has been a year like no other goes without saying. Much has been written about the the financial hardships generated by the lockdowns and the psychological impacts. The hunkering down that took place in 2020 made me wonder how the RV business went this year. As I checked a few sites I saw that things took a turn for the worse in March, in part because there were so many unknowns regarding the "novel coronavirus" as they were calling it. Sales were down 20% that month according to one story I read and 80% in April.

Then, things shifted. People did not want to be locked down, and saw the RV lifestyle as a means of escape. According to stats from the RV Industry Association, sales of began to take off in June, which had the most RV sales in over two years, and by fall motorhome and RV sales were so robust that by October Barrron's was writing about the best RV stocks to buy during this travel revival.

Recreatiional Vehicles (RVs) come in all shapes and sizes. Those that are motorized are categorized by class -- Class A, B or C, and a Super C that uses the same diesel power plant that you find in 18-wheelers. There are also those that people tow, including pop-up trailers and fifth wheels. My first trip into Mexico was in a pickup fitted with an over-the-cab camper that sat in the pickup bed.

According to the RVIA the RV industry makes a big footprint in our economy. More than 25 million Americans go RVing each year and we spend more than 60 billion dollars on maintenance and services. With sales of RVs and all that is involved in providing campgrounds and accessories, it's a 114 billion dollar industry. And 98% of all RVs are made in the USA. It's nearly a unique industry in that way. 

Here's an excerpt from their October 2020 Market Report:

The RV Industry Association's October 2020 survey of manufacturers found that total RV shipments finished the month with 47,326 units, an increase of 21.4% from the 38,972 units shipped in October 2019. This represents the second highest October on record.

Towable RVs, led by conventional travel trailers, totaled 42,854 units for the month, an increase of 22.9% compared to last October’s total of 34,866 units. Motorhomes finished the month with 4,472 units, up 8.9% compared to the October 2019 total of 4,106 units.

I've always know that diesel engines were a big part of the power in motorhomes and RVs but I was surprised to learn that only 50% of motorhomes are diesel. For sure diesels will give you more power if you're climbing through the Rockies, but there are evidently pros and cons to everything in life. Here is a great debate about Gas vs. Diesel when it comes to RVs.

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Vintage camper trailer. Wanna get away?

If you're tired of being cooped up and feel a need to get away, motorhomes and RVs have given lot of people wings to fly with the breeze when the urge possesses. If this is all new to you, here is a blog post at KOA that serves as a Beginner's Guide to Buying an RV or Motorhomes.

Sources
Travel & Leisure
Barron's
KOA.com
Town & Country

The Legendary First-Generation Cummins 6BT Diesel Engine

You can tell who the diesel guys are by the way the write about diesel engines and diesel power. From the getgo, there's a sense in which we're always having to be a little defensive, write in a more calculated manner. 

So it is that Henry Cesari's article Monday at Hot Cars begins with this observation: "Diesel engines are divisive: there are many unfair myths surrounding diesel engines." It's almost as if he's saying, "Let's get this out of the way. If you don't like it when I write about diesels, go read something else." We like it and yes, we know diesels have pros and cons, but they're not going to be extinct any time soon. Their role is currently too important.

This article is about when Dodge trucks were mated with Cummins engines to produce the popular, much-heralded 1989 Dodge Ram. It's titled, Looking Back At The First Generation Cummins-Powered Dodge Ram Truck.

It's a great story. From initial vision to completion it took more than five years. When I think about how impatient everyone is today it's obvious that it takes real resolve to complete truly great projects. In most cases--the exception being the Harrier jet--the bigger the plane, the longer the runway required to get it off the ground. Kudos to Dodge and Cummins for their determination and commitment.

Dodge was famous for its trucks long before the Cummins-powered Dodge Ram. The Power Wagon and the Li'l Red Express, for example, were exceedingly popular. Today, 75% of Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 buyers opt for the Cummins engine option, which is able to tow nearly 15 tons with ease.

Cesari not only did his homework, he produces a stimulating read, writing "when thirty years ago, Dodge shoe-horned a Cummins-built diesel engine--intended for heavy equipment use--into their Ram pickups, the two companies incited a diesel revolution. Today, we're looking back at the Cummins-powered 1989-93 Dodge Rams." 

It's surprising how much was involved with making it work. In addition to an impressive engine makeover they followed up with 11 million miles of testing to ensure they'd actually produced a a power plant that was strong but that would also last.

According to Cesari, the Cummins team overbuilt every aspect of the new 6BT engine. The engineers incorporated "seven main bearings on the crankshaft, and six head bolts for every single cylinder. The company built both the block and head out of cast iron. They spared no expense in forging, hardening, and testing components such as the crankshaft, the connecting rods, and the pistons. When Cummins purchased components from outside vendors, they opted for the highest possible quality: the injector pump and the injectors are all durable Bosche units." 

The Cummins-powered 1989-93 Dodge Rams were pretty special. They set the bar high for everything that would follow. The Dodge team knew there could be no shortcuts. Their reputation was on the line.

Read the full article HERE at HotCars..com

For another fun Cummins/Dodge related read this one by Michael Van Runkle also, about a slammed 2019 SEMA special that features a 5.9-liter Cummins turbodiesel engine, stacks, and drop dead good looks.