The Biggest Reason We Love Diesels: More Torque

This week our editors are on vacation, so we're posting our favorite stories worth repeating from the previous year.

Why do we see diesel pickups competing in sled pulls and we don't see Mustangs or Ferraris doing the tug of war? Well, it has to do with torque. Hot cars can master the horsepower game, but when it comes to raw power in a pulling competition, you need to bring in the big dogs for that.

A 2016 article in Car & Driver helps explain what torque is: "Torque is a rotating force produced by an engine's crankshaft. The more torque an engine produces, the greater its ability to perform work." 

You don't need to understand the science to recognize the difference. If you've ever been to a tractor pull, you can see it is a very different experience.

I mention all this because even though diesel engines are far cleaner and quieter than they were thirty years ago, they still get a lot of bad press. Diesel owners have a target on their backs. That's why it is important to remind folks once in a while why half the vehicles in Wyoming are pickup trucks and why diesels still have a function. 

The article that caught my eye is titled, 5 Reasons Why Diesel Engines Make More Torque Than Gasoline Engines. The 2018 Motor Authority story by Jeff Glucker begins, Horsepower is fun in its own way, but torque can be just as entertaining. If you want to rip stumps out of the ground, you'll want a whole lot of torque. That also means you'll likely prefer a diesel engine. Compared to their gasoline-swilling counterparts, diesel engines are the torque kings. Why is that?

Glucker then turns to Jason Fenske from Engineering Explained to get the answer.

According to Fenske these are five of the reasons diesels are Torque Monsters. 

1. The compression ratio

2. The speed of combustion

3. Bore and stroke size

4. Turbocharging

5. Diesel fuel packs more energy density

Fenske explains each of these five points in language that is relatively easy to grasp. For those unfamiliar with these things it is quite eye-opening. I strongly encourage following this link. It's a relatively short article and you will learn a lot.
https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1116200_5-reasons-why-diesel-engines-make-more-torque-than-gasoline-engines

For more, check out the article Torque vs. Horsepower: What's the Difference? (Car & Driver)

Five Questions to Help You Pick the Right Diesel Engine Oil

Our editors are on vacation, so we're posting some of our favorite stories from the previous year which we thought worth repeating.

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

What are your engine oil specifications? 

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

How important is fuel economy? 

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

Does your diesel engine run in a range of temperatures? 

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

How old is your diesel engine? 

Most diesel owners want to stretch the life of their engine as long as possible. To perform their best, older diesel engines require attentive care, and a quality lubricant can go a long way toward maintaining them. For example, is your diesel running a DPF or no? Rebuilt for performance? Out of warranty?

Are you 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, or is 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.

We 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/

THIS STORY ORIGINALLY APPEARED IN SEPTEMBER 2020

The Silverado Trail Boss Steps Up to Diesel

Silverado Trail Boss now available in diesel.

Some people might be surprised at how long the Chevy Silverado half-ton went without a diesel engine. When you go to performance diesel competitions, the Big 3 are always well represented. But for a while the diesel option was absent in recent years. So it was that in 2020 that the Silverado stepped up its game with a turbo diesel inline six.

At the time, automotive columnist Len Ingrassia wrote last year, "The new turbo diesel inline six cylinder promotes high fuel economy, performance and a plethora of configurations to match your pocketbook and penchant for creature comforts." 

We find it interesting that GM is now adding a diesel option to the Chevy Silverado Trail Boss. As reported earlier this year, GM has its sights set on going all electric by the middle of this century. Needless to say, they obviously do not want to abandoned the diesel enthusiasts among us. Hence, GM Authority last week announced this new move for the 2022 Chevy Silverado 1500 Limited LT Trail Boss.

According to a story by Caleb Jacobs in The Drive, the Trail Boss is currently considered the most off-road capable truck in Chevy's half-ton lineup. 

Jacobs notes that "the 3.0-liter Duramax diesel inline-six that hasn't been available on the Trail Boss to this point, and it'd be great to pair that 4x4 prowess with nearly 30 mpg on the road. Now, it seems like General Motors will make it happen."

The 3.0-liter Duramax produces 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. That's equal to GM's potent 6.2-liter gas V8. The V8 can't compete on fuel economy though. Off road in 4x4 mode, Duramax numbers are 25 mpg. Running down the highway you get 29 mpg.

We applaud the move, especially since Ford is discontinuing its half-ton diesel after this month. Ram will no doubt pick up the slack with its EcoDiesel V6-powered half-ton trucks, including the Rebel 1500.

Special thanks to the industry journalists who work at keeping us informed of all the latest developments in our industry as they happen.

NADM East Coast Diesel Nationals Is Happening July 17: A Dozen Cool Photos To Warm Up Your Engines

All photos courtesy Diesel Motorsports

Although nothing has been entirely normal during the past 18 months, there are signs that things are coming back. Car shows and diesel events are back on track. Next week the East Coast Diesel Nationals will be coming to Pennsylvania's Numidia Dragway with Blue Flame as the Official Diesel Oil. 

The East Coast Nationals, which bills itself as the "Largest Diesel Show in the East," is an all-day family event that includes drag racing pickups (both diesel and gas this year), rat rods, sled pulling, dyno competition and show-n-shine, as well as vendors. Whichever direction you go you'll find activities and action.

It's easy to get jaded when you've been around a while, but it's my experience that you'll always see or experience something that will surprise you if your eyes are open.

Champion continues to support racers with its Blue Flame Contingency Program. You can click on the Orange Button (right hand column) to sign up or read more about our contingency details here.

Competition is good. It's our competitors
who keep us on our toes, pushing us further to do
things we never thought possible. 

* * * 

Update: 2WD Mods have been added as a pulling class this year. If you have a 2wd bring it to the East Coast Diesel Nationals July 17th!

And finally, a special shout out to NADM's Ron Knoch for all his hard work to make these events possible for diesel enthusiasts and fans. (Follow Diesel Motorsports on Facebook.)

Champion Oil Recommends DOT 5.1 Brake Fluid for Diesel Trucks

One of the scariest experiences you can have as a truck driver is losing your brakes while carrying a heavy load. This is why one can never take their brakes for granted. This week, Champion introduced a DOT 5.1 glycol based brake fluid. Here are the details.

(Clinton, MO / 06.21.21) Champion Oil, a global leader in specialty lubricants, offers DOT 5.1 Brake Fluid (Part #4056) which is a glycol-based product like DOT 3 and DOT 4, but with a higher dry boiling and wet boiling point. This type of fluid is recommended for diesel trucks and other popular OEM applications.
https://www.championbrands.com/champion-dot-5-1-brake-fluid/

Brake fluid is used in hydraulics systems in most all trucks. These vehicles carry heavy loads, drive on mountainous roads, encounter quick reaction circumstances, endure severe environments, and experience brake failures. The type of brake fluid the diesel vehicle uses determines the efficiency and power of the brake system. The appropriate brake fluid will enhance the responsiveness of a brake system, minimize overheating, and provide sufficient lubrication.

For reference, there are different types of brake fluids for street legal diesel operations which include DOT 3, DOT 4, DOT 5, and DOT 5.1. DOT 5.1 brake fluid was developed due to the lack of acceptance of DOT 5, which is a silicone-based fluid. DOT 5 brake fluid is not compatible with diesel vehicles that have Anti-Lock Braking Systems (ABS), because it is unable to absorb water and adapt to small valves needed for quick

activation.

Care is needed around the diesel vehicle’s bodywork with glycol-based DOT 5.1, DOT 4, and DOT 3; because they will damage the paint compared to DOT 5 Silicone Brake Fluid.

Champion DOT 5.1 Brake Fluid (Part #4056) is identical to Champion’s DOT 5 Silicone Brake Fluid (Part #4055) with both boiling point and viscosity; however, it is poly-glycol based like the DOT 3 and DOT 4. Champion DOT 5.1 has a dry boiling point of 532 °F and has a wet boiling point of 360 °F which substantially exceeds the other two. This brake fluid also has a low compressibility level, which is vital in

ensuring stability and consistency in the brake system.

Champion DOT 5.1 Brake fluid can be used in all diesel brake systems, including disc, drum, ABS Anti-Skid applications, Electronic Stability Control Systems (ESCS), Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR) and “big-brake” modifications. Other benefits include being corrosion resistant to metal parts in the braking system, can mix it with other glycol-based brake fluids like DOT 3 and DOT 4, meets or exceeds FMVSS no. 571.116, SAE

J1703, ISO 4925 (5.1, 4, ET3), and is hygroscopic.

https://www.championbrands.com/champion-dot-5-1-brake-fluid/

The following Diesel manufacturers have recommended DOT 5.1 in specific new models from the factory or are currently suggesting at time of fluid change to take advantage of this more robust reverse-compatible formula of brake fluid: Chevrolet, Dodge, Ford, Freightliner, GMC, Hummer, Jeep, Land Rover, Mac, Mercedes, Ram, and Volvo.

Champion DOT 5.1 Brake Fluid (Part #4056) Contains: Triethylene Glycol, Monomethyl Ether Borate Ester, Triethylene Glycol Monomethyl Ether, Tetraethylene Glycol Monomethyl Ether, Diethylene Glycol Monomethyl Ether, Monoethanolamine, 2,6-di-tert-butyl-p-cresol (BHT). 

Color: Clear to Amber. Viscosity of 900cSt at -40 F. 854 mm/s.

Champion Brake Fluids are all top-tier products. Champion DOT 5.1 goes a long way in defining the ultimate performance of in a high-performance diesel brake system. It will essentially prevent brake failures and make for a terrific and safe driving experience.

About the company: Champion Brands, LLC, is 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 about Champion products 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

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

Champion Dot 5 Brake Fluid Is Purpose Built for Classic, Antique and Collector Diesel Vehicles
Champion Oil Announces 5-Minute Engine Flush

Was This the World's First Diesel Truck?

There's something about firsts that fascinates us. First president. First manned airplane flight. First solo flight across the Atlantic. First man to walk on the moon.

So I found it intriguing to see this article by Cristina Mircea at Autoevolution.com about the First Diesel Truck. 

The first diesel truck was built in 1923 by Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft (DMG), a company founded in 1890 by German engineer Gottlieb Daimler and Wilhelm Maybach. Their big project at the time was the development of a small, high speed engine whose speed could be regulated to go faster or slower. Their first such engine was called Daimler's Dream. They sold their first automobile in 1892, which ran on liquid petroleum. It was another three decades before DMG dropped their first diesel engine into a truck.

That first truck was a behemoth, weighing five tons and powered by a four-cylinder diesel OB 2 engine. The engine produced 45 hp at 1000 rpm. It took automaker Benz & Cie a full year to build that truck engine. (Trivia Note: In 2012 Cummins annunced it had built its two millionth diesel engine for Ram trucks alone. Mr Daimler and Mr. Diesel would be astounded at these kinds of numbers.)

According to Mircea, that first Benz diesel truck made quite an impression with regards to fuel economy when compared to petrol engines. It reduced fuel usage by 25% without losing any power. The brown tar oil that fueled it was less expensive. 

In addition to taking a year to build the engine, it actually took 12 years to design a compact engine that could work. Keep in mind there was a brutal four year war in there  which no doubt interfered some.

So it was that DMG produced its first air-injected diesel truck in 1923. Mircea writes that it took the diesel truck 10 days to get from DMG's plant in Berlin to get to their Stuttgart plant and back to Berlin. This was considered an "enormous" distance at the time, which helped sell their trucks to the public. (Today it is easily less than a seven hour drive.)

According to a Daimler media release, their "first series built diesel truck finally debuted at the commercial vehicle show in Amsterdam in February 1924." Its prechamber diesel engine had an output of 37 kW (50 hp) at 1000 rpm.

For what it's worth, DMG merged with Benz & Cie three years later (1926) to become Daimlet-Benz. "Daimler AG is now the second largest German carmaker after Volkswagen," Mircea writes.

* * * 

Links

The Autoevolution feature

Daimler Media account

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

 

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.

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

* * * 

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

 

Insights for Diesel Owners: the Pros and Cons of Turbochargers

Turbo cutaway

Last week we looked at a triple turbo diesel setup that was quite intriguing and incredibly powerful. In that article we looked at how turbochargers can improve horsepower and torque. But we never examined the downside of turbos. Are turbochargers always beneficial? Is there a downside to turbos that people can neglect to consider? 

Turbos have generally been add-ons that improve engine efficiency and performance. In recent years more and more vehicles have been fitted with turbochargers from the getgo.

The way a turbo works is like this: hot exhaust gasses spin the turbine that is connected to another turbine which sucks air in and compresses it into the engine. It is this compression that provides the engine with extra power. The more air you can get into the engine, the more fuel can be added for more power.

We're fairly well acquainted with the benefits of turbochargers. Extra power is primary. Unlike superchargers, there is no engine drain because the power comes from hot, expanding gases coming out of the engine already. In addition, turbos aren't affected by the thinner atmosphere of higher altitudes. Furthermore, turbos provide better fuel economy, so they are a win-win on several fronts.

What's the downside then?

The first is heat. Turbos are powered by hot exhaust gases and they get hot, hot hot. How hot? Hotter than molten lava! When pushed to its limits for a continuous amount of time the turbo can start glowing red. For this reason racers have vents to get air circulation flowing through the engine bay. 

The second is friction and heat in the turbine itself. Think about this for a second. Your engine revs at 2,000 rpm when cruising. Your turbo's turbine can reach speeds of more than 280,000 rpm. When I wrote, "Think about this for a second," it was to make you think about this: in one second that turbine will spin as many as 4,666 times. Try wrapping your head around that... more than 4500 times a second. That's a lot of friction there if the lubrication is insufficient.

This turbocharger bearing system is lubricated by the oil from the engine which is fed under pressure into the bearing housing. The oil is both lubricant and coolant. This is one more reason that the engine oil you select meets specifications.

Another disadvantage with turbochargers that doesn't get talked about much is "turbo lag." At times, when conditions are right (or wrong), there will be a delay between the moment you stomp on the pedal and the moment you actually feel power. This is turbo lag. 

At low speeds there aren't a lot of exhaust gases passing through the turbo, "so when you demand power from the engine, the turbocharger turbine needs time to start spinning at an optimal speed. The effects of this can be reduced by downshifting to a lower gear." Astute drivers will still notice the split delay at times.

* * * 

Because of their benefits, turbochargers have almost universally become stock equipment on diesel pickups and will be around for years to come. It's useful, however, to be aware of their shortcomings.

* * * 

Sources 

What Is a Turbocharger and How Does It Work

Eight Things About Turbochargers You (Probably) Never Knew

Ram EcoDiesel Cruises 1000 Miles On A Single Fuel Fill

Early on in Dave Goldberg's February HotCars story he makes the statement, "Imagine driving from New York City with a full fuel tank and only having to stop twice to refill your vehicle on a journey to Los Angeles." When I try to imagine it, I can't help but think of all the times we'll need to stop for bathroom breaks and a bite to eat.

Naturally, he's highlighting the major feature of the 2021 Ram EcoDiesel. Fuel economy is what this year's Ram has been touting, and when you consider the size and Iron Man power, it's actually quite an achievement. The numbers speak for themselves. 33 miles to the gallon.

The Ram 1500 Tradesman HFE EcoDiesel pickup isn't on the road yet. Ram Trucks unveiled what's coming in February so as to whet our appetites, much like a restaurant that allows its aromas to waft through the atmosphere to increase our hunger before a sumptuous meal.

The rating of 33 mpg is a pretty healthy stretch so that when its larger-than-passenger-car tanks are full, the range of 1,000 miles is easily attained. To sink home its message, the trucks will wear the HFE badge. 

For the record, 33 mpg is more than double what the Ram TRX supertruck can give you, which is rated at 14 mpg, which is still two miles per gallon better than a '72 Ford station wagon I used to own.

For what it's worth, the Tradesman HFE EcoDiesel has a rating of 23 mpg for city driving, which gives it a blended 26 mpg rating. Compared to its competitors the Ram is equal to Chev's 2021 Silverado 3.0L Duramax on the highway mpg and surpasses the Ford F150 Power Stroke 4x2 diesel by four mpg. Neither of these other two can provide the 1,000-mile range that Ram is touting.

The Tradesman is a rear wheel drive truck with a crew cab body. The bed is 5 foot 7 inches. The 20-inch aluminum rims contribute to the truck's effectiveness. Like the keys on most keyboards, your color options are limited to ebony and ivory, or as Ram puts it, Bright White Clear Coat or Diamond Black Crystal. Yes, there are more styling features you can get, but they will all be extra. Here's your MSRP: $42,240. Additional charges may apply depending on where it is being delivered.

We live in a time where energy efficiency is increasingly valued. You can see it in the efforts manufacturers are taking to continuously improve on the work that has been done these past three decades. 

Read the full story here:

Ram EcoDiesel Pickup Promises 1,000-Mile Range

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