How to Read Diesel Smoke Signals

In early April, XDP published a useful tech talk article on how to diagnose what's going on in your engine by what your smoke is telling you. This article is a brief summary of the highlights from that story. We'll include a link at the end here so you can read further.

The article begins by stating flat out that there should be no smoke coming out of the tailpipe of a properly running diesel engine. The exception might be a small burst of black smoke upon acceleration in older diesels.

If you do have smoke, it will be either black, blue or white.  

Black Smoke is indicative of a problem with the air/fuel ratio. The culprit is often the fuel injectors, though not always. Fuel injector issues can include damaged nozzles, worn parts, over-fueling or incorrect injector timing. Sometimes there's a problem with injectors sticking open too long with common rail diesels.

Other areas to explore with a black smoke problem include clogged air cleaner, malfunctioning turbocharger, faulty injection pump, low compression, sludge buildup, excessive carbon in the intake manifold, and even low quality fuel.  

White Smoke will signal a different set of issues. Often it means that not enough fuel is being burned, or that unused fuel has slipped through to the exhaust. It could also mean that your engine is too cold on startup, or that coolant has somehow seeped into the combustion chamber.

With white smoke you may also have an injector issue, either damaged or incorrect timing. Other potential issues can include damaged rings or cylinder liners, water in the fuel due to a head gasket leak, low cylinder compression, malfunctioning glow plugs, or even a fuel pump issue.

Blue Smoke is the least common of the three.  It means you're burning oil in your engine. Not good. Underlying causes can include damaged, worn or sticking rings, damaged or worn cylinders, oil too thin for your application, worn seals, too much oil in the engine or a damaged lift pump. 

Whatever the cause, excess smoke is not something you really want to see. Here's the full article at XDP: Diesel Smoke Diagnosis

Related Link
Looking for Blue Flame Diesel Oil? Now Available at Xtreme Diesel Performance

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Today is Memorial Day. To all veterans, current service members, and their families – thank you.

Memorial Day: A Day for Honoring Those Who Have Served

Memorial Day, which usually falls on the last Monday of the month, falls this year on the very last day of the month. Most of us are aware that Memorial Day was designed to honor the men and women who have died in the service of our country. Did you know that the entirety of May is National Military Appreciation Month? It is a season for honoring our veterans and military communities for their service to our country. 

This holiday, which began after the Civil War, was originally called Decoration Day. On the first official Decoration Day, General James Garfield gave a speech at Arlington National Cemetery. 5000 people helped lay decorations on the graves of 20,000 Civil War soldiers who were buried there. 

It wasn't until 1971 that it became an official national holiday, making this year the 50th anniversary of this official designation. Many Americans observe this day by visiting cemeteries, holding family gatherings and participating in parades.

Throughout this last weekend of Military Appreciation Month we want to make time to honor our veterans and all those associated with the military for their service to our country. 

We're grateful for your dedication to preserving our freedom and making this world a better place. To each and every one of you: Thank You.

Champion DOT 5 Brake Fluid is Purpose-Built for Classic, Antique and Collector Diesel Vehicles

When we think about the vehicles we've loved over the years, a host of memories might pop into our heads. Speed, style, cruising, drive-ins, exploring trails, drag racing and a host of other memories compete for attention. 

I'm willing to bet, though, that brakes were not part of most of those reflections. Yet, brakes are as essential as the diesel engine that rumbles under the hood. When you want to go, you gotta know how to stop as well.

This week Champion Brands announced a DOT 5 brake fluid specifically designed for classic antique and collector diesel vehicles. Here's the story I saw.

Champion DOT 5 Brake Fluid is Purpose-Built for Classic, Antique and Collector Diesel Vehicles 

Champion, a globally recognized industry leader in specialty products for over 65 years, has recently introduced Champion DOT 5 Silicone-Based Brake Fluid.

The new fluid is a polysiloxane-based fluid designed for use in non-ABS hydraulic braking applications. It was developed to be used in older gas and diesel vehicles where moisture will be prevalent and unavoidable due to lack of use.

Brakes run on a hydraulic system that requires fluid to make them work. Placing your foot on the brake pedal transfers pressure through the brake fluid to the brake calipers which then apply pressure to the brake pads and rotors or the brake shoes and drums.

This process creates friction that stops the vehicle and, in some applications, creates heat. Different brake fluids react to heat in different ways, which is why there are different types of DOT brake fluids available. Dot 5 has a very high boiling point and has more compressibility than most glycol ether-based fluids.

Champion DOT 5 Brake Fluid (Part #4055) is a silicone-based high-temp brake fluid used primarily in applications like gas or diesel classic, antique and collector vehicles which are primarily kept in storage or used only occasionally. It will not blister, peel, or harm painted surfaces and acts as a weather barrier for your brake system, preventing rust.

Unlike glycol-based fluids, Champion's silicone-based brake fluid has a much more consistent viscosity profile, thereby providing excellent lubrication of brake system components -- leading to more consistent brake feel and longer component life. A Champion DOT 5-filled brake system will last longer and works well in cold temperatures.

Do not use Champion DOT 5 Brake Fluid in ABS-equipped braking systems. When DOT 5 brake fluid is used in an ABD system it will become foamy and unreliable. This is a result of the pulse high-pressure action that ABS brake systems exert on air bubbles, greatly reducing the reliability of the brake fluid.

There are some other systems that may not work with silicone brake fluids because of the chemical composition of silicone rubber external components, such as caliper piston boots. DOT 5 brake fluid could break these down. 

Champion DOT 5 Brake Fluid does not mix with DOT 3, DOT 4, DOT 5.1 or racing brake fluids.

Champion DOT 5 Brake Fluid Properties
Purple liquid
Dry boiling point: 530 degrees
Viscosity: 900cSt @ -40°F 
Conforms to FMVSS 116 (DOT 5) and MIL-PRF-46176B
Contains Polydimethylsiloxane, Tribultylphosphate and Dioctyl-Sebacate

2021 Champion New Products
and Announcements

Champion Brands Celebrates 65 Years in the Lubricant Business

Champion Oil's Winter-Blend Diesel Flo Fuel Additive Gets an Upgrade

Highlighting A New All-Season Air Brake Anti-Freeze from Champion Brands

Champion’s Classic & Muscle 15W-50 Motor Oil for Vintage Trucks

Blue Flame Contingency Program for Drag Racers: How to Get Your Piece of the Action

Champion Oil Seeking Diesel Vehicle Builds for SEMA 2021

Special Offer For New Champion Diesel Oil Distributors

Champion Blue Flame Diesel Engine Oil Recommended for Limited-Edition Shelby F-250 Super Baja Pick-Up

Champion Oil Introduces a Professional Grade 80% Ether Starting Fluid
Champion Blue Flame Diesel Engine Oil Supports OOIDA Members
Champion Offers Power-Shield Assembly Lube & Oil Booster to Diesel Engine Builders

Champion’s Limited-Slip Friction Modifier Additive Formulated for Diesel Pick-Ups

Champion Launches API CK-4 Premium Heavy Duty SAE 10W-30 Diesel Engine Oil

 

Hauling Away Garbage with Clean Diesel in Miami-Dade County, Plus Four Takeaways

EPA to upgrade Miami-Dade County waste removal fleet.

Garbage disposal is a big part of our lives that we pretty much take for granted. It's hard to imagine where we'd be if we simply piled up our trash in the back yard. Apartment dwellers would be in an even bigger predicament. 

Waste removal is as old as civilization. Before motorized transports, people hauled their solid waste to the dump in wagons. The first motorized dump truck was produced by the Thornycroft Steam Wagon Company in England in 1897. Garbage trucks saw increased deployment in the 1920's. Initially they were open on top. The foul odors soon led to the revolutionary enclosed style that we're all familiar with today.

Here's an interesting story from Waste Today. Miami-Dade County has won a grant for $1.9 million from the EPA to upgrade their a portion of their waste removal fleet to cleaner diesel. The grant will enable them to purchase 25 new vehicles, 23 of them side-loaders, the article said. The grant will be used for replacing older vehicles that cough pollutants into the atmosphere. The new clean diesel technology will significantly reduce emissions. 

For decades garbage removal vehicles have been diesel-powered beasts of burden. Their muscular ability to haul tons of trash to landfills, as well as their durability over their long stop-and-go lifespan, made diesel the logical power plant of choice for these vehicles. 

This specific grant was awarded through the EPA's special program called the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) with its ongoing mission for a "clean and healthy environment and clean air." 

“This grant from the EPA is an important step forward to build a more sustainable Department of Solid Waste Management, reducing emissions and protecting our environment as we serve our neighborhoods," said Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. 

Diesel-powered trash removal vehicle in Poland. Whether 
loaded from the rear, the side or the front, these work vehicles
are recognizable because they revolve around a single basic concept. 

TAKEAWAYS  
There are a number of important takeaways for the diesel community in this story.  

1. The EPA recognizes that diesel continues to play an important role in our world today and that diesel will continue to do so. If the EPA is investing in the employment of diesel technology today, it is sending a signal that diesel will not be suddenly gone tomorrow.

2. Local politicians like any help they can get from Federal government to make their communities cleaner. Clean diesel reduces toxic emissions and politicians like to be associated with progress of this type. 

3. While EVs capture headlines in the larger media, diesel power remains the humble, unheralded workhorse that keep America going -- delivering vaccines, transporting our necessities, removing our trash. Fans of diesel tech have much to be proud of, nothing to be ashamed of.

4. When you hear that there's money on the barrelhead for upgrading equipment, go for it. You can't always get what you want, but sometimes you get what you need.

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For those interested in reading further, here is the story in Waste Today Magazine.

The Diesel High Performance Truck Market Is Still Growing

President Biden puts F-150 Lightning through the paces.

It has to be fun to be a president. Fun might not be the most apt word when you think about hostile critics and the need to have a thick hide. Nevertheless, there are some perks that come with the job. For example, last week President Joe Biden took a ride in the new EV Ford F-150 Lightning. His little cruise on the Ford test track made headlines across the country.

That news story brought to mind another story that got headlines when Teddy Roosevelt was president at the beginning of the last century. Roosevelt had approved the development of a new submarine for the U.S. Navy. It was called The Plunger. Some people were critical of the submarine as a weapon because it seemed un-American to use stealth to sneak up on enemies rather than fight face-to-face.

When the submarine was completed and tested, the president used his executive authority to go take it for a spin. That is, President Roosevelt wanted to see what it was like to be submerged underwater, to check it out and experience it first hand rather than simply get reports from the captains. The day he went out there was a storm, but with the Plunger twenty or forty feet underwater (depending on which account you read), it was a perfectly smooth excursion, ever though the surface was turbulent.

There were critics (this is where the thick skin is useful) who castigated him for risking his life for a unique nautical expedition. Nevertheless, he thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

ALL THIS CAME TO MIND as I read about a new report on the global growth of the diesel high performance diesel truck market. EVs are making headlines, but analysts who look at what is really happening (as opposed to what is generating buzz) acknowledge that the diesel market is still in a growth mode. 

An April MarketWatch report states that the diesel engines market was $7,921 million in 2019 and will be $9743 million in 2025. Part of this growth is driven by a surging demand in construction and auxiliary power equipment. 

Another report by Industry Growth Insights is projecting continued growth through 2028. Though their data analysis sees a tapering of the growth rate, the diesel engine market will not see a decline for quite some time. A report by The Shot Caller has similar expectations. Their report predicts growth to the end of 2026, with an implied continuation into 2027. 

No one can say for sure how quickly the adoption of EVs will occur. For now, there's limited infrastructure and a multitude of hurdles for EVs. 

The news stories regarding the unveiling of the EV Ford F-150 Lightning have focused on Ford's bold embrace of the EV future, making a risky bet on their number one selling truck. There's another side to the story, however, which we covered earlier this month. Ford engineers are developing a new diesel engine design utilizing an old-style concept. (See The Next Ford F-150)

In other words, Ford management is preparing for a future that can go either way. For now, the need for diesel power is continuing to grow, and the leaders recognize this. 

Related Links
President Roosevelt's Trip Aboard The Plunger
A Lot is Riding on F-150 Lightning Electric Truck

How to Get Maximum Service Life Out of Your Diesel Engine

Diesel engines have historically been respected for their longevity and reliability, as well as their towing power due to their torque-monster status. With the ever-increasing focus on emissions in more recent year there has been a trade-off. 

According to an article in Driving Line earlier this month, the result has been that to reach the absolute minimal emissions engine builders have had to nominally sacrifice reliability and fuel economy.

So the question this article strives to answer is this: How do you make today's diesel-powered trucks last as long as possible? The short answer is to not neglect routine maintenance, not skimp on replacement parts and knowing how your emissions control system works. The rest of the article offers the following tips.

1. Run Quality Fuel
Today's ultra low sulfur diesel (ULSD) isn't great, but engines manufactured since 2006 were designed to run on it. Unfortunately, diesel fuel is fairly unstable. Over a relatively short time period diesel fuel will degrade. The Driving Line article asserts that within four weeks after being refined, "diesel fuel can degrade as much as 26-percent. For this reason they recommend using "quality fuel from a highly-frequented filling station." When you think about it, it makes sense. This will prolong the life of your injectors and injection pump as well. Fuel additives will help as well. 

2. Don't Neglect Filter Changes
Filters exist for a reason. It's assumed that a certain amount of contaminants will get into the fuel tank. You need to keep these from being pushed into the injectors. Fuel filters remove the debris that would give you headaches later if you need to replace injectors. Similarly, oil filters keep your lubricants clean so that the engine runs optimally as designed. 

The author also mentioned the water separator. Fuel filters capture debris, but what about that other pesky contaminant: water. Diesel fuel absorbs water and can thereby become contaminated in that was. Therefore many diesels feature a water separator that extracts water from the fuel. This needs to be maintained as well.

3. Perform Regular Oil Changes
This is a Vehicle Maintenance 101 type of thing, yet people disregard it to their peril. The author notes that it's not necessarily a matter of changing the oil at "x" number of miles because there are other variables that factor in. A lot of diesel work trucks spend a high amount of time idling. The odometer does not adequately reflect how much time the engine has been running. According to this article, one hour of idling is equivalent to 25 miles of driving.  

4. Replace Your Air Filter, Too, As Needed
This could have been included under the Filters category above, but it's worth underscoring here because of its relationship to the turbo. If you're only driving on highways and other paved surfaces, you simply need to check the filter periodically. Many engines are used in work trucks in gravel pits and other dusty terrains. The air filter is your "last line of defense" in protecting the turbocharger's compressor wheel. Replacing a turbo will make your wallet skinnier. Driving Line states that the number one cause of turbo failure comes from swallowing debris from a dirty air filter. Keep it clean.

5. Emissions Issues
Emission control devices and sensors can be a problem. This article states that "EGR coolers and valves, DPF's, diesel oxidation catalysts and SCR/DEF systems are problematic--along with all the sensors that go along with them." How you address this seems to be a gray area. The author shows support for using OEM parts, but then seems to suggest here that you may choose to work with your independent mechanic for an aftermarket solution. Your goal will be minimum downtime with the aim of maximum service life. Servicing these components is infrequent but essential for long-term reliable performance.

6. OEM Parts
The author suggests that the manufacturers of engines know what is best for the engines they have designed. He also notes that certain kinds of non-OEM parts can jeopardize your warranty. We certainly want to exercise care in that regard. Nevertheless, the aftermarket exists because there are smart people who have created solutions for issues missed by the manufacturers.  

The article closes by citing examples of pickups that have travelled far beyond their expected service life. A 6.0L Power Stroke that had hefty numbers, a 6.6L LMM Duramax V-8 with 600K miles towing campers, a Chevrolet Silverado 3500 with 740K miles... They're out there. They're designed to go the distance, but taking good care of your baby is up to you.

Related Link
Champion Launches API CK-4 Premium Heavy Duty SAE 10W-30 Diesel Oil

Diesel-Powered Vehicle of the Week: Stainless Diesel Sets New Pro Street Record in the 4s

There are people who try to tell us that competition is bad. It hurts people's feelings when they don't win, they say. 

One of the arguments to counter this is that competition makes people dig deeper, work harder to achieve success. "Winning" is meaningless if it isn't achieved the old fashioned way, through competing with rivals. When everybody wins, nobody wins.

When Roger Bannister broke the four minute mile in 1956, he was able to achieve this because he was in a foot-race with someone else and he wanted to win. Even though he did it by only six tenths of a second, the world went crazy because pundits said it couldn't be done.

Today's "Diesel Vehicle of the Week" is the new record holder in the Pro Street class, Team Stainless Diesel. The event took place this weekend at the Ultimate Callout Challenge where their diesel powered Ram 1500 clicked off a 4.96-second pass to break the 1/8th-mile record previously held by Firepunk Diesel, also a Ram 1500 pickup. (The record for a diesel dragster is a much snappier 4.10 seconds and 181 mph.)

You can be sure that there will be more tweaking by each of these teams this year as they strive to best one another's times. 

The Ultimate Callout Challenge in Brownsburg, Indiana, has become a major battleground for these kinds of 4-wheel ground wars. Still ahead, there will are plenty of other events coming up this year to test their wits and their resolve. 

The truck's sponsor is Stainless Diesel, a company that provides products for diesel powertrains. According to autoevolution.com they've been upgrading this truck for a couple years now. 

It's apparent that High Fives are a thing of the past for diesel pickups. We have at least two teams now giving us High Fours.

AS THE COMPETITIVE RACING SEASON RAMPS UP be sure your lubrication needs are taken care of. Check out our Champion Racing Oil Contingency Program, which covers a full range of motorsports racing events.

How to Tell Whether You Have a Bad Diesel Fuel Injector

All diesel engines use fuel injection. The first mass-produced diesel car, the Mercedes-Benz, used fuel injection as early as the late 1930s. Fuel injection was first introduced in gas-powered passenger cars in the 1950s. By the 1990s fuel injection replaced carburetors altogether in passenger cars. The chief difference between carburetion and fuel injection is that the former sucks the fuel into the engine whereas fuel injectors atomize the fuel by injecting it under high pressure through the nozzle.

Fuel injectors consist of two main components, the nozzle and the injector body. If either of these gets damaged of clogged, it compromises the overall performance of your vehicle. One of the keys to smooth, efficient performance is to make sure your injectors are clean. 

A story in yesterday's EconoTimes addresses this issue of injector performance. It's titled 7 Signs That You May Have a Bad Diesel Fuel Injector. Here are the seven things to pay attention to, according to this story. 

1. Engine Misfiring or Vibrating
Does your vehicle frequently misfire? Do you experience a delay when you press the accelerator? This could be a sign that you have an injector issue.

2. Check Engine Warning Light
There was a time when check engine lights were more of a nuisance than accurate indicator of trouble. I had a mechanic once tell me that the solution was to put a postage stamp over it because they were too sensitive. Nowadays, they are invaluable. A good mechanic can take a reading on the codes and tell you precisely which cylinder injectors are causing a problem. You should first check your glow plugs before going the extra mile to check the injectors.

3. Rough Idle
According to EconoTimes, if you have a change in the feel of your vehicle when idling, it may be a clogged injector. It may also be an clogged air filter, so you may want to start there, especially if you drive on dusty roads and haven't checked it in a while.

4. Engine Stalling
If your engine stalls for no apparent reason, it may be because the engine is not getting the fuel it needs. Insufficient fuel will cause the engine to stall out. When injectors are badly clogged, this will be a consequence, though it can also be caused by a fuel leak where the injector is connected to the fuel lines.

5. Diesel Fuel Smell
If you have a diesel fuel smell while driving, this is very likely a faulty injector leaking. You need to take care of this right away. 

6. Poor Fuel Economy
Another reason to keep your injectors clean is because for it is essential for optimal engine performance and fuel efficiency.

7. Bad Emissions
If you live in a state with required vehicle inspections, you may fail an emissions test and wonder why. It is quite possible you have partially clogged injectors. 

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One way to address these issues is to include fuel injector cleaning as part of your routine engine maintenance regimen. Just as you have become disciplined about routine oil and filter changes and checking fluids, so you will want to incorporate routine fuel injection cleaning. 

Diesel fuel injection cleaners are fairly essential to longer service life from your engine. There are other fuel additives that serve specific purposes as well including deposit modifiers, corrosion inhibitors, freeze depressants and more.

Two fuel additives from Champion Brands that you may be unaware of are Diesel Flo Fuel Conditioner and Power Plus Diesel Fuel Additive with Cetane.  The latter will not only remove deposits but also reduce emissions, provide corrosion protection, increase cetane and improve power, a multi-functional diesel additive for today's high-pressure common-rail injectors and modern diesel fuels.

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The article 7 Signs That You May Have A Bad Diesel Fuel Injector has additional information that is not elaborated upon here. To read the full story, Follow This Link.

Is This 3-Cylinder Diesel the World's Cleanest Combustion Engine?

Yesterday, Express Drives brought us a another story about the 10.6-liter, 3-cylinder diesel engine that Achates Power claims is the "World's cleanest combustion unit." The article begins by contrasting the huffing and puffing and smoke generated by an old school high-capacity diesel engine under a heavy load with the new Achates engine. This Achates diesel has all the right stuff. Less smoke, better fuel-efficiency and more power. What's not to like? On the dyno it produces 440 hp and 2372Nm of torque, with a potential for more. 

Engineering a new engine design isn't something that happens overnight. We recently mentioned a new diesel engine design that Ford is undertaking and how it would be three years before we see it in production. So it is that Achates Power initiated this project in 2018, which is just now coming to fruition.

The project has been funded by the petroleum and natural gas company Saudi Aramco. The concept for this engine drew inspiration from aviation designs, resulting in a two-stroke rather than a four-stroke diesel. The engine is currently being tested in a Peterbilt 579 as well as a Walmart delivery truck.

CALSTART, a non-profit dedicated to the adoption of clean energy, has given the 3-cylinder opposed-piston 2-stroke an outstanding emissions rating of 0.02 grams per brake horsepower-hour limit for ultra-low NOx. This statement about the engine was surprising to read. "The engine is designed to take on natural gas, gasoline, diesel as well as hydrogen fuel." There are no emissions coming out of the tailpipe, according to the company's technical officer.

Compared to a conventional engine of the same stroke running at identical rpm (thus same mean piston speed and same piston acceleration), the doubled stroke of an opposed piston engine gives a more compact combustion chamber that provides better thermodynamic efficiency and the highest power density in mass and volume.

It's not surprising to see oil companies pursuing clean energy and low carbon solutions for our future. Many clean energy advocates distrust the motives of oil companies. In reality, the internal combustion engine has a proven track record a a low cost and efficient source of power. If it can be turned into a clean source of power, there's still an abundant supply of this natural resource just below the earth's surface. 

The only natural resource more abundant is air, but hydrogen fuel cell vehicles may be expensive due to the technology. According to the company, internal combustion doesn't require the same level of purity and produces a minimal amount of NOx. There's some very real potential down this path for the future as well. 

The Walmart truck with this engine will be rolling out in July.

The source for this story can be found here at Express Drives.

Our first story about this engine can be found here.

Demand for Chev Tahoe and Suburban Diesels Is Growing

How many manufacturers of full-sized SUVs offer a diesel engine alternative? Toyota does not. Nor does Nissan. And neither does Ford. GM alone seems to own this space with a trio of large SUVs -- the Chevy Tahoe, Suburban and the GMC Yukon. GM has evidently identified an unmet need that its competitors have neglected, or simply or created a demand that consumer have been waking up to.

According to the article in GM Authority, when GM made a decision to insert its 3.0-liter I-6 LM2 turbo-diesel Duramax into their 2021 Chevy Tahoe and 2021 Chevy Suburban, both models saw an increase in orders for the diesel engine option. And that is the point this article strives to bring home.

Whereas gasoline-powered full-sized Tahoe and Suburban SUVs still garner more than 90 percent of sales, the story is about the significant growth taking place in the diesel category. Sales numbers reflect the highest take rates since the Duramax became an option.

What is it that is causing this increased interest in the full-sized diesel SUVs? Some surmise that the SUV body styling is preferred over the Chev Silverado 1500 or GMC Sierra 1500, which both offer the same engine. There is certainly a place for each in the lineup. Different strokes for different folks, as they say.

The article proceeds to outline the special characteristics of the 3.0-liter LM2 Duramax engine, which features a duel overhead cam (DOHC) configuration and direct injection, enabling it to produce 277 hp at 3,750 rpm with 460 pound-feet of torque at 1500 rpm. For it size the fuel economy looks good, too. Both are "significantly more efficient" than their gasoline-powered counterparts.

When it comes to towing, the Tahoe diesel is able to tow more than four tons or carry a max payload of 1717 pounds. The Suburban likewise can tow four tons and carry a payload of 1,625 lbs. These are essentially workhorses dressed in their Sunday best.

As you might expect these brands have been keeping pace with the stylish requirements of a futuristic contemporary vehicle. Check our this interior shot of the cockpit. It's NASA Mission Control for civilians. 

Without a doubt the bottom line in this story is that diesel engines are being embraced by a broader portion of the market. The benefits have been increasingly recognized, and sales numbers are confirming it.

The full story includes a few pricing details. And lots more photos. You can find it by clicking this link.

A Diesel Anecdote, Plus a Little Advice from Forrest Gump

No question about it, the film Forrest Gump was a major achievement for Hollywood as well as for its star Tom Hanks. It was one of the most original and memorable films of 1994. 

The story followed the life of Forrest Gump, a slow-witted but kind hearted man whose life intersected with many historical moments in U.S. history. Borrowing a technique employed by Woody Allen in his short feature Zelig, in a number of scenes we see Gump is inserted into real footage from history, interacting with U.S. presidents JFK, LBJ and others. 

Woven throughout the film are various pearls of wisdom delivered by its hero. You've likely heard, "My mama said 'Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're gonna get." 

Forrest Gump has a masterful and entertaining way of presenting valuable life lessons. Many of them are delivered as proverbial insights from Forrest's mother (Sally Field) whom he loves to quote. For example, several times in the film Forrest is asked if he were stupid. Gump replies, "My mama says that stupid is as stupid does." What she meant, and we need to learn, is that a person should be judged by his or her actions.

Stupid Is As Stupid Does

The Colonial Pipeline ransomware hack earlier this month hit the Southeast like a jackhammer. In parts of the Southeast 85% of the gas stations were out of gas. The Colonial Pipeline runs from Texas to New Jersey and supplies 45% of the fuel to this region. As of yesterday, two-thirds of all gas stations in Washington D.C. were empty.

Against this backdrop we came across a story that shows how dangerous it is to rely on advice you find on social media. The article appeared in USA Today's Fact Check column. It's titled, Fact Check: Watered-down diesel can't be used in a gas-powered engine.

This attention-grabbing headline implies that someone actually said you can do this. So I read further.

As you can imagine, people were panicking last week because of the fuel shortages. Some of these who looked online for solutions came across a post on Facebook that read, "Remember, if the station is out of gas you can put diesel in your car as long as you water it down."

What!!!?

To make matters worse, the post was shared 1800 times. Perhaps it was shared as a joke, but if someone actually attempted to implement this advice, they would be in a serious quandary. First, the USA Today piece explains, "diesel fuel is thicker than gasoline and can damage components in a gas-powered vehicle. Adding water doesn't help, though, and does its own harm."

No kidding. As the article goes on to note, just as water and oil don't mix, neither does water and diesel fuel. Inside the tank, the water will settle to the bottom and rust your fuel tank.

For the record, gasoline and diesel fuel don't mix either. That is why they have distinct dispensing nozzles and color schemes at the pump.

By the time you reach the end of the article they hardly have to spell it out, but they do. The claim that you can mix oil with diesel fuel is... False. 

* * * 

Related Links

USA Today--Watered-down diesel Fact Check

Washington Post Map of Gasoline Shortages

What Happens if You Put Diesel in a Gasoline Car?

Featured Diesel Vehicle of the Week: The Kamaz Master Team Rally Raid Truck

Support for sponsors is a global enterprise. 
Kamaz captain Edouard Kikolaev, Red Bull in hand.

For those familiar with it, the Dakar Rally is one of the most exhilarating events in motor sports. It's essentially an off-road endurance test. Because of the ruggedness of the terrain, the vehicles that compete are generally off-road vehicles of various types (four-wheelers, Quads, UTVs, cars, trucks and motorcycles.

The annual event used to be called the Paris-Dakar Rally, running from Paris to Dakar Senegal. Because of security issues (chiefly in Mauritania) the 2008 rally was cancelled and the following ten years the event took place in South America. The two most recent events were held in Saudi Arabia. The race maintains its name because of its symbolic stature which is equated with pushing the limits of endurance. 

Winters are a good reason to go south & race each year

It is within this context that we get to talk about the diesel-powered Kamaz Master Rally Team truck, which was cited in Ian Wright's CarBuzz story, Crazy Diesel-Powered Cars. The Team is a Russian based racing team that has entered the Dakar Rally 27 times, winning an impressive 15 Dakar events. 

Over the years they've used increasingly powerful diesel engines to with this year's turbodiesel entries producing over 1000 horsepower. The engineering is remarkable throughout. Wright points out how their 2019 "Kapotnik" has a 12.5-liter diesel engine that is "happy to do 100 mph across any surface while handling like Colin McRae's Impreza despite looking like it has the maneuverability of a mobile home." 

To a certain extent it looks like a cross between a motorhome, dump truck (in terms of ribbed ruggedness) and a military transport. The row of lights across the front provide max visibility. If you're racing after sundown you really must bring your own lights.

The Kamaz team won its first Dakar in 1996, five years after the fall of the Soviet Union. With this year's win in January, the Kamaz Master Rally Team has racked up its fifth win in a row. Who will step up next to challenge them in 2022?

Key Links
Russian Team Kamaz-Master’s driver Sotnikov wins Dakar-2021 rally raid in truck category
This Red Bull story also has some smokin' video.
Crazy Diesel-Powered Cars (Car Buzz)

Champion Launches API CK-4 Premium Heavy-Duty SAE 10W-30 Diesel Engine Oil

Champion Brands has been celebrating 65 years in business this year by introducing new products and noteworthy specials. Yesterday they released a new API CK-4 Premium Heavy-Duty 10W-30 Diesel Engine Oil which has been designed to provide robust performance for the next generation of diesel engines. 

The new oil is a response to the new American Petroleum Institute (API) diesel specs that were launched a few years ago. The objective with these new specifications is to give extra protection for heavy duty engines while helping them meet environmental regulations. API CK-4 effectively replaces API CJ-4 and is backward compatible with most diesel applications where API CJ-4 has been previously recommended. The new oil spec requires better shear stability, oxidation resistance and aeration control than its predecessor.

Champion's cost-efficient petroleum-based diesel engine oil provides increased power density while reducing oil volume and extending drain intervals. It also controls oxidation by-products and deposits. Its high wear protection and viscosity stability helps maximize the performance life of today's advanced diesel engines.

Champion API CK-4 Premium Heavy-Duty SAE 10W-30 Diesel Engine Oil controls oxidation, aeration, corrosive acids, sludge and varnish precursors which allow for extended drains and minimized wear even under the most extreme conditions. It has higher resistance to permanent shear loss and exceptional wear protection, providing unmatched value for many diesel owners.

Champion API CK-4 Premium Heavy-Duty SAE 10W-30 Diesel Engine Oil (Part# 4154N) meets or exceeds the following specifications: API CK-4, CJ-4, CI-4 Plus, ACEA E7-16, E9-16, JASO DH-2, Volvo VDS-4.5, VDS-4, Cummins CES 20086, Detroit Diesel. DFS93K218,  Cummins CES 20081,Detroit Diesel DFS93K222, Ford WSS-M2C171-F1, Renault VI RLD-3, MCK EO-O Premium Plus, CAT ECF-3.

Specific Properties Include: Viscosity Index -6200 @-25C, HTHS @ 150C -3.5, Distillates (Petroleum), Hydrotreated Light and Heavy Paraffinic.
https://www.championbrands.com/diesel-engine-oils/ 

About the company: Champion Brands, LLC, is a globally recognized industry leader in specialty lubricants for over 65 years. Champion produces and blends over 300 products including fuel, oil, engine additives, and lubricants for the automotive, racing, heavy truck, agricultural, industrial, commercial, and specialty markets. For more information about Champion API CK-4 Premium Heavy-Duty SAE 10W-30 Diesel Engine Oil (Part# 4154N) contact your nearest Champion distributor or call Champion at 660-890-6231. Champion Brands, LLC; 1001 Golden Drive, Clinton, MO, or go to www.championbrands.com

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2021 Champion New Products
and Announcements

Champion Brands Celebrates 65 Years in the Lubricant Business

Champion Oil's Winter-Blend Diesel Flo Fuel Additive Gets an Upgrade

Highlighting A New All-Season Air Brake Anti-Freeze from Champion Brands

Champion’s Classic & Muscle 15W-50 Motor Oil for Vintage Trucks

Blue Flame Contingency Program for Drag Racers: How to Get Your Piece of the Action

Champion Oil Seeking Diesel Vehicle Builds for SEMA 2021

Special Offer For New Champion Diesel Oil Distributors

Champion Blue Flame Diesel Engine Oil Recommended for Limited-Edition Shelby F-250 Super Baja Pick-Up

Champion Oil Introduces a Professional Grade 80% Ether Starting Fluid
Champion Blue Flame Diesel Engine Oil Supports OOIDA Members
Champion Offers Power-Shield Assembly Lube & Oil Booster to Diesel Engine Builders

Champion’s Limited-Slip Friction Modifier Additive Formulated for Diesel Pick-Ups

 

Five Questions To Help You Decide Which Diesel Oil To Use

If you're confused when it comes to choosing the right engine oil for your truck, don't be alarmed. You're not alone. 

Sometimes it seems like everything is more complicated than it used to be. When was the last time you looked at the toothpaste options at Walgreens. Seems like it's a half mile long with every kind of whitener, plaque remover, gum treatment, breath freshener, ad nauseam. 

In the lubrication world, the various terms may be different, but the level of confusion remains the same. Viscosity control? Shear stability? TBN retention? 

When all is said and done, the best place to begin your oil selection search is to consider your application. Are tractor pulling or drag racing? Is the application stationary, street, or off-road? Here are five basic questions to help direct you to the right solution.

What are your engine oil specifications? 

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

How important is fuel economy? 

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

Does your diesel engine run in a range of temperatures? 

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

How old is your diesel engine? 

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

Are looking for more horse power or torque? 

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

I hope this has helped a little in your decision. Need a place to start? Take a look at these eight diesel engine oils: https://www.championbrands.com/diesel-engine-oils/ And if you're still confused, Ask Jake.

A Partnership Made In Heaven: Cummins Diesel and RAM Trucks

Cummins 6.7L Turbo Diesel (2021)

When we think of "barnstorming" the image that comes to mind is that of airplane stunts by rural daredevils who would fly town to town back in the 1930s. There was something romantic about these aerobatic flyboys. 

Barnstorming didn't apply only to pilots however. The makers of Cummins engines also did some barnstorming themselves, in their own way. They orchestrated events to showcase their benefits and win fans.

While reading the 100-years-plus history of the Cummins engine I came across this account from 1931 in which a Cummins H-powered diesel truck drove 14,600 miles non-stop to show off its reliability over a long haul. For the sake of transparency, so that no hanky-panky could take place, the event was conducted at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in front of witnesses. 

What's striking is that more than 80 years later, the feature that sets diesel engines apart is not just the power they generate but also their reliability.

In 2019 Cummins completed a 30-year relationship with RAM trucks that began with the Cummins 5.9L Turbo Diesel. This year's 2021 6.7L Turbo Diesel generates even more horsepower and torque while continuing its tradition of durability and efficiency.

HD RAM 3500 Dodge pickups produce 1,075 lb-ft of torque when equipped with the Aisin transmission. And it is no laggard in the horsepower department either, with 420 hp.

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One of the great advantages of living in the Internet age, especially at this point in time, is that if you are new to the Diesel Cummins-powered RAM family, there are communities of RAM enthusiasts out there that you can reach out to in time of need, or just to stay current on things. The same applies to whatever engine that moves you, whether Duramax or Power Stroke as well. 

Whenever engine designs change there can be quirks you need to be aware of. Just switching over from a gasoline-powered vehicle to the diesel family can be a learning curve. For this reason we've included a list of hot-linked forums for easy access here in the right hand column. 

The Cummins Forum not only has troubleshooting tips, but interactive starter questions designed to address various issues. It's a great way to stay current on what's happening.

Related Links

The History of the Cummins Engine

Motor Trend's 10 Best Diesel Trucks Ever