Ford Walks Back on Diesel F-150

This past week the news spread like a California wildfire. We read about it in several articles. This one by Joe Patel, from Cars Direct, has a pretty good summary of the report. 

Many observers noticed the absence of a diesel option in the 2021 F-150 last year, but then Ford seemed to have a change of plans and the Power Stroke V6 became available later. This year, Ford Authority announced that the diesel engine for F-150s is to be a thing of the past. This leaves five engine options for F-150 buyers: a 3.3-liter V6, turbocharged 2.7-liter V6, turbocharged 3.5-liter V6, hybrid turbocharged 3.5-liter V-6 and a 5.0-liter V8. 

According to Car and Driver, it's the popularity of these other engines, such as the EcoBoost, that led to this decision. July 16 was the last day one could order a Power Stroke diesel option.

Cars Direct stated that this last Power Stroke V6 showed some real grit when one looks at the numbers it generated. 250 hp and 440 lbs-feet of torque is nothing to scoff at. But according to Patel, the availability of a hybrid overshadowed that power.

This is not the end of diesel engines at Ford. Diesel is still "available on the XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch and Platinum trims  with four-wheel drive." The extra cost varies from $3k to $5k. With a diesel engine the F-150 has a towing capacity up to 12,100 pounds or a payload capacity of 1,840, numbers that fall short of what Chevrolet and Ram offer. In fact, even the hybrid V6 has more oomph when it comes to torque (12,700) and the v8 as well (13,000), both of these being outdone by the turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 (14,000 pounds).  

The Cars Direct article concludes with a reiteration of Ford's commitment to be carbon neutral by 2050. The all-electric F-150 Lightning and their Mustang Mach-E are the first signals indicative of their seriousness in this effort. "Offering a diesel powertrain doesn’t exactly help the automaker with these goals. Ford didn’t help the diesel engine’s case, though. As Ford Authority points out, the diesel engine wasn’t available with the 36-gallon extended range fuel tank or the automaker’s Pro Power Onboard system."

The departure of the F-150 diesel is not the end of the world, but it is the end of an era.

Read the full story here: F-150 Diesel Engine Discontinued

The East Coast Diesel Nationals and Thoughts on Why Motorsports Competition Matters

Photo courtesy Diesel Motorsports

Tomorrow the East Coast Diesel Nationals will be underway. As you read this, teams and enthusiasts are packing their gear or already on the road. Promoters are setting up to make everything is fan-friendly, or tying sponsor banners along fences and talking with the media. 

To give you an idea of the scope of the East Coast Diesel Nationals, here's a Diesel Army story about their 2017 event here. The Official Oil this year is Champion Blue Flame Diesel Oil, which you may have read about in The Shop Magazine.

Diesel Motorsports is the official sanctioning body for this event. In addition to tractor pulling and drag racing in multiple classes, there's a Show 'N Shine and a Dyno competition. The full range of events can be found here. 

THOUGHTS ON MOTORSPORTS RACING 

Some of us have been involved in racing nearly all our lives -- many as fans, and later some of us as drivers, and still others as sponsors. What's evident is that there is much more to racing than simply trying to see who is fastest. There are economic benefits, social benefits and many other benefits not immediately observed. 

In 2017 Automotive News published an insightful article on why racing matters. It begins with an anecdote about Henry Ford, who in 1901 beat the country's most famous racer in a 10-mile dash. One result of this victory was that it attracted investors into a fledgling company that has continued to this day.

The Automotive News editors were intrigued that whenever they had long discussions with auto industry leaders, somehow the conversation often drifted to racing. The AN editors came to realize that racing was itself a microcosm of the industry. 

In 1963 Roger Penske significantly observed that racing is not about individuals doing magnificent feats. "You're dealing with a team sport here, not just an athlete."

When you go to a diesel competition, you'll see how much these are truly team efforts. It would be fascinating to study how the character of leaders is such that their mechanics will stay up all night to get their vehicle ready for the next day's race.  

There's more to racing than what takes place on a weekend, though. All the top teams are gathering data that is used to for improving the vehicles in production for the masses. Whether it's dirt bikes, snowmobiles cars or diesel trucks, data is being gathered and innovations are being noticed in Detroit and elsewhere. 

* * * 

For those who love trucks simply for their beauty, the East Coast Diesel Nationals is the place to showcase your passion. Here are a couple Show 'N Shine stars from the past. Maybe your truck is the one that will shine tomorrow.

Photos courtesy Diesel Motorsports

Related Links

Why Sports Car Racing Still Matters (Motor Trend)

What Matters More in a Race: The Car or the Driver

Diesel Events: East Coast Nationals 2021 

Top Service Tips for Hard Working Diesel Engines For Operating at Peak Performance

Yesterday we wrote about three reasons diesel engines overheat. Upon seeing today's article about maintenance, it seemed like a good follow up and worth sharing. Rental is a publication for construction pros, but it's relevance is for everyone who owns a hard working diesel.

As we all know, there have been lots of changes in engine technology the past two decades, and this current decade we're seeing an increased transition for diesel to EV in many realms. In this article the author, Alexis Sheprak, reached out to three leading engine manufacturers to discuss some of the challenges this presents along with tips on how to improve the way we take  care of our equipment.

The three manufacturers she spoke with are Cummins, Perkins and Hatz. The question she asked was "What are your top five service tips for larger diesel engines to maintain peak performance year-round?" Here are the suggestions Rental's readers received. For the purpose of brevity, the suggestions are abbreviated and paraphrased. You will find a link to the full article at the end of this post.

Hatz
1. Follow the maintenance schedule as outlined in the owner's manual. If you're working in a harsh environment, however, make adjustments accordingly. (He uses the example of air filters plugging sooner than normal in extremely dusty environments.)

2. Because their is more electronics on engines these days, use more care when power washing.

3. Monitor your diesel particulate filter (DPF). Do not ignore warnings.

4. If you're running idle much of the day or low-load conditions, "make sure you run the engine at full load for at least 30 minutes at the end of a shift to ensure the diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) is reaching the appropriate burn out temperatures."

5. Pay attention to engine codes, and have them diagnosed as early as possible.

Cummins
1. Use the correct parts.

2. Following recommended maintenance schedules is critical. "Preventive maintenance saves fuel costs, major repairs in the long-term, and maximizes the productivity and life of the engine."

3. Use the correct fuel, oil and DEF. (Also, regularly check tire air pressure and air filter cleanliness.)

4. Engine filters are becoming more technically advanced. Make sure you are using filters that meet standards.

5. If you have a Cummins, they direct you to their service website, quickserve.cummins.com.  Enter your serial number and you're good to go.

Perkins
1. "Engine oil sampling, change intervals and oil grades." Keeping your oil health is critical, especially heavy working engines under load.

2. "Coolant condition and system performance." Overheating does all kinds of damage as we noted here yesterday.

3. Pay attention to fuel cleanliness and filtration. Failure to pay attention to these will cost you money down the road as it impacts fuel pumps and injectors.

4. Be sure you adjust for the seasons. (Here are some winter maintenance tips from the Blue Flame team.)

5. DEF handling and cleanliness. Also, when storing DEF keep it out of direct sunlight in a cooler storage area. It should not be above 95 degrees F.

* * * 

Additional questions that these engine professionals answered were as follows:

Q: New advanced engines and cooling systems are changing cooling system maintenance requirements. What should rental houses pay attention to when it comes to cooling systems?

Q: What about proper fuel maintenance?

Q: What technologies are available to help monitor engine performance and manage service schedules?

Q: I know there’s been a big push lately for more sustainability. What are some of the latest advancements in fuel types? And what should rental equipment owners be aware of about them?

Q: What’s next for engine technology?

* * * 

This article is packed with valuable, authoritative information. You can find the full article here: Diesel Engine Maintenance Tips for Peak Performance

What Are the Three Main Causes of Diesel Engines Overheating?

On Monday Truck Parts & Service published an article about the causes of diesel engines overheating. Being that we are currently experiencing one of our hotter summers on record, it seems like a good time to review causes of overheating diesels. This particular article by Bill Grabarek is addressed to heavy diesel equipment, but it applies to all hardworking diesel engines. 

An overheating engine can produce serious damage. Head gasket failure and cracked cylinder heads will give you more than a head-ache. Sometimes the damage is so severe, such as a cracked engine block, that it is irreparable.

Perhaps you have had the experience of trying to remove a metal lid that is stuck on a glass jar. One way that often works is to run it under hot water. The heat causes the metal to expand, liberating the lid from where it has adhered to the glass. 

This principle of thermal expansion is what's going on when your engine gets hot. The author points out that the normal operating temps for an engine should be between 190 and 220 degrees. Increased temperatures beyond that will put stress on the cylinder head, liners and engine block, he says. Overheating beyond these acceptable ranges "causes these parts to expand beyond the engine's tolerances." To fix the damage can run into thousands of dollars, and for larger heavy equipment the bill can amount to tens of thousands of dollars. 

All this to say that it's worth reminding ourselves of a few basic steps to avoid such a disaster. In short, a stitch in time saves nine. This is the essence of preventative maintenance.

Mr. Grabarek cites three basic causes of diesels overheating. 

Low Coolant Level or Coolant Loss
One cannot assume that they won't overheat, even if they have the correct coolant level according to the manufacturer's recommendation. Nevertheless, it is important to routinely check fluid levels because this is the first sign you'll have that there is coolant loss taking place. 

There are a variety of areas where one can have coolant leaks. Hoses, gaskets, water pump, thermostat, heater or freeze plugs are just a few places to look. Often you can smell a coolant leak. A cracked cylinder head can also be the culprit, which will sometimes produce white smoke from the tailpipe. 

Air Pockets in the Cooling System
This is a problem that can develop when replacing coolant, or when the  coolant has been drained for a repair job. Air pockets may form when refilling. These air bubbles can interfere with the flow of coolant through the hoses. If these air pockets aren't bled from the system the engine can overheat. 

Faulty Thermostat
Thermostats regulate the amount and flow of coolant by responding to temperature changes in the engine. When the engine gets too hot the thermostat opens to allow more coolant to flow through. Thermostats are a valve that can sometimes get stuck, however. In such cases they need to be replaced.

* 

The article ends with instructions on how to bleed the air from your cooling system. You can read the full story here.

'58 Oldsmobile 88 Diesel Rat Rod Lowrider Makes Waves on Social Media

1958 Olds, getting the Rat Rod treatment.

The SoCal street rod scene has deep roots stretching back seven decades. Through the medium of Hollywood, street rodding became a transcontinental phenomenon. 

During that evolution, car collectors invested increasing amounts of time and money into creating pristine showcase vehicles that are strikingly beautiful. Just as a few of today's billionaires compete in a rich man's space race, so we've found others who seek out premiere builders to win them awards. "Whatever it costs, I want you to win me a Ridler Award." 

It was against this backdrop of perfection and prestige that the rat rod scene emerged. Instead of seeing who could spend the most money to re-create the perfect dream car from the past, rat rods allowed wrench-turners and welders to focus on creative self-expression. You didn't have to worry about a perfect paint job. In fact, the grittier the better.

A lowrider look is the final vision for this build.

What caught our eye about this rat rod build featured at autoevolution.com was how they dropped a diesel engine into a 1958 Oldsmobile 88. Those were the days when an auto body was truly substantial. Some cars were built like a tank. Fuel was abundant and cheap. Style took precedence over aerodynamics. Fuel economy wasn't even a consideration.

According to the article by Aurel Niculescu, the 88 as a brand was born in 1949 and had a 50 year lifespan. Some considered the late Fifties era to be a forerunner to the 60's Muscle Car era.

The car featured in this story was created by THD Performance. (THD is short for True Horsepower Diesel.) The author notes that THD specializes in all things diesel, including Cummins swaps and fabrication. It's obvious they have fun in the Rat Rod realm as well. 

Now that we live in the social media age, it's no longer good enough to create a car and use it for local cruising. Which leads to the next part of this story. THD Performance asked Dom Höst, a pixel artist, to make a dream version of what they were intending to create so they could share it on Instagram.

There weren't a lot of details posted, other than the fact that it's likely to be powered with a Cummins diesel. The author speculates it will likely be mated with a twin-turbo companion kit. 

If you want to see some very cool builds, you should check out their gallery on Instagram Do a search and you will find them at truehorsepowerdiesel. 

The original article about the build can be found here at Autoevolution.  

Follow THD Performance on Facebook here.

Here's another build they've been working on at THD.

Do you have a cool diesel ride that you're proud of an want to share? Tell us about it in the Comments section and leave your contact info. We'd like to see it and share it here.

Grass Roots Diesel Truck Shows as American as Apple Pie

Photo courtesy Diesel Motorsports

Now that the Covid tide has receded things are beginning to open up again. What many people seem to be noticing is how much people have been flocking to diesel events across the country. Over the weekend I saw this story about a Diesel Jam that was used to raise money for scholarships in Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania. 

Next I came across a story about the Western Nebraska Truck Show that was coming to Bridgeport. That event will take place this coming weekend, same time as the NADM East Coast Nationals sponsored in part by Blue Flame Diesel Oil.

All this grass roots diesel enthusiasm has not gone unnoticed by sports journalist. That's why on July 1 PRI's Drew Hardin published Alive & Growing, a story detailing this surge in diesel enthusiasm. 

The article begins with a question. Is diesel racing dead? Gregg Holley of the Outlaw Diesel Super Series (ODSS) assures us that diesel is hardly dead. In fact, it may be more popular than ever. According to Jolley, attendance has tripled over the past three years. Even during the pandemic it was huge. This year ODSS is setting record sales number. 

But it's not just diesel drag racing that gets the blood flowing. Greg Lussetto of the Heartland Pulling Series shared with Hardin how truck and tractor pulling has begun expanding to the further reaches of the country from East to West. 

One reason diesel action is getting so furiously flavorful is because these diesel drag racers have become so fast, faster than ever imagined. For those not paying attention, dragways switched from running quarter-mile passes to eighth-mile. Why? Because these diesel trucks have become so darn fast it was getting dangerous.

The growth in popularity of diesel drag racing has spawned a new series called the Hole Shot Diesel Series. The HSDS was created by the Ultimate Callout Challenge in partnership with Hole Shot's Secret. The new series helps fill the void left by the demise of the National Hot Rod Diesel Series two years ago.

The Texas Truck Jam is being expanded to a two day circus now, especially since everything else is big in Texas.

Ron Knoch of the National Association of Diesel Motorsports noted that at their Numidia, PA East Coast Nationals the drag strip and pulling track are adjacent to one another and run simultaneously. "People can watch both. If there's a lull duringthe drag racing, they can watch sled pulling."

Photo courtesy Diesel Motorsports

Hardin also spoke with Jared Jones of the Scheid Diesel Extravaganza in Indiana where they have a similar setup to Numidia. The tractor pulling takes places just a few hundred feet from the drag strip.

Chris Searle of the Ultimate Callout Challenge (UCC) pointed out one difference between their event and most others. The UCC requires competitors use the same truck setup for the pulling as the racing. You're always looking for that sweet spot. It's tricky because you want a lighter vehicle for racing and a beefier truck for the pulling. UCC is also different because they specify a limited number of competitors, 30 in all. 

What's apparent to everyone is that diesel is still alive and well. And by being family oriented, the kids get an early introduction to activities that may inspire them to carry the torch to future generations.

Read the full article here at the Performance Racing (PRI) website. 

Shopping for a Used Diesel Truck? Here's the Best and the Worst

Dodge W250 (1991½-1993) --This is a Winner, if you can find one.

In April, Autowise.com published their recommendations as regards the best and worst diesel trucks to consider when buying used. These kinds of lists are always fun to review, just to see if the author's views are in alignment with your own.

Personally, I think choosing the best is a more difficult task than identifying the worst. We may have built in biases regarding which features are of greater value to us personally. As we've written about before, it depends a lot on what you're using your truck for.

On the other hand, picking the worst is much easier. Why? Because the bad trucks, like those selected by Riley, the author of this piece, have a reputation. We're not talking about "Friday trucks" or "Monday trucks" where assembly workers are distracted or foggy. We're talking about bad engineering. 

The one positive about some problems is that it gives aftermarket engineers an opportunity to create fixes for some of these mistakes. Not all design flaws are that easy to resolve however. Which leads to our story.

The title of the piece is 8 Best Diesel Trucks You Can Buy & 4 of the Worst. 

The article begins with the basic reasons why people buy diesel trucks. First, they're workhorses. If you're towing a boat, ATVs, a camper trailer or hauling bricks, you know the importance of having equipment that's up for the task. 

Riley's concise description of the benefits of diesel is worth memorizing. Diesel engines "get better fuel economy, are often easy to modify with aftermarket parts, and, when properly maintained, will basically run forever. This makes them a great deal if you are looking for a used truck." 

All this is a plus for diesels, but there's a minus, too. A well maintained, low-mileage vehicle can cost a pretty penny. That's OK with some of the best trucks, and totally not OK if you select a clunker.

That is why this article was written, to help us avoid purchasing a truck that has little more value than a lawn ornament. 

The Autowise article begins with the 8 champion selections, then flashes warning signs regarding the losers. I will discuss the worst first, and list the 8 trucks they have labelled "the best." 

THE WORST

Here are the four diesel trucks that this article recommends you avoid. Sadly, these  trucks that have helped give diesel a bad name in some circles. 

Chevy & GMC C/K 5.7L (1978-1981)

Older folk are familiar with the Oldsmobile debacle in which GM dropped a 5.7L diesel engine into an Olds. It went down in history as one very bad decision. Ironically, GM took this same engine and decided maybe it would work in a pickup. Two wrongs don't make a right. One problem was that this particular engine was a gas 5.7L converted into a diesel. There were other problems as well, Riley writes. Ultimately, the only thing going for this truck is the vintage look. Buyer beware.

Chevy & GMC C/K 6.2L (1982-1993)

GM learned some lessons by this point in time and decided to exit the diesel engine building business. They turned to a neighbor, Detroit Diesel, to undertake this task. Unfortunately, what they delivered was a 6.2L engine that looked like it should have power because of its size. Such was not the case. The 130 horsepower it delivered is only 40 hp more than today's Smart Car. The other problem this engine had was a tendency to leak oil from the rear main seal. Not good. To fix this issue required removing the tranny, and you can be sure that was neither easy nor cheap.

Chevy & GMC C/K 6.5L (1994-2001)

You'd think by '94 GM would have this diesel business figured out, but no. The turbocharged Detroit-built 6.5L had a new set of problems. It was also behind the curve with regards to its indirect injection and couldn't compete with the Cummins and Powerstroke engines of the same time period, engines with 50% more power. Add to this the mechanical issues and your best best is to avoid them altogether. Riley says, "Get a Duramax."

Ford Super Duty 6.0L Turbo(2003-2007)

The article tags this engine as "by far the worst modern diesel engine." The engine was so bad that there were legal battles between Ford and Navistar (the parent company of the Powerstroke.) The list of problems this engine had includes head gasket issues and catastrophic fuel system failures. To make matter worse, to do some of these repairs required removing the cab in order to access the parts. Yikes. Riley recommends avoiding this one as well and find a 7.3L Powerstroke. You will be much happier.

THE 8 BEST DIESEL TRUCKS YOU CAN BUY 

If you're brand loyal, there's something for everyone here. You can read about each of these at Autowise. If you have different opinions here, feel free to leave a comment. 

Chevy/GMC 2500 & 3500 (2006-2007)

Dodge Ram HD (2003-2004)

Ford F-250/F-350 (2008-2010)

Dodge Ram 1500 (2014)

Chevy Silverado HD (2012)

Dodge W250 (1991½-1993)

Ford Super Duty (1999½-2000)

Dodge Ram 2500HD (2010)

Source: https://autowise.com/best-diesel-truck/

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.)

UNOH Now Offering A Diesel Technology Associate Degree

In May an economic report announced that there were more than 8 million unfilled positions in the U.S. job market. Another article I read stated that there were 5 million job openings for people with specialized skills. These were better paying jobs that differed from service sector positions.

These numbers were in my mind as I read a July 5 story about the University of Northwestern Ohio's new Diesel Technology Associate Degree program that will begin this fall. The new program will include classes that students need to become professional Mack and Volvo technicians upon completion of the program. The program is titled Diesel Technology -- Mack/Volvo DATE. DATE is an acronym for Diesel Advanced Technology Education.

What is clear from the announcement of this program is that diesel truck manufacturers recognize that there will be an increased need for diesel technicians for years to come as professional mechanics retire and exit the field. 

This is the third degree program that UNOH offers related to diesel tech. Last year the school initiated a program for medium/heavy duty diesel vehicles, and the another program has as its focus on light duty vehicle and diesel engines.

Mack diesel engines are built to last.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics there will be an additional 24,000 job openings for diesel technicians within the coming 8 years. UNOH is dedicated to filling this unmet need for skilled vehicle service technicians within the diesel industry.

The article makes note that students must maintain a 3.0 grade point average and a 97% attendance record. But it also points out that "upon completion of the program, students will be prepared for immediate employment at any of the hundreds of Mack and Volvo truck dealerships across North America."

What they especially desire is to see the spark of passion for this industry. Courses will include topics specific to Mack and Volvo engines, including a focus on powertrains, electrical and electronic systems. Students will also learn about chassis components, software and engine diagnosis and repair. The school is hands on so that in addition to theory there is shop time, maintenance training and testing.

Investing in yourself is a decision that yields a lifetime of dividends. 

Key Links

10 Reasons to Become a Diesel Mechanic

UNOH: Turn Your Passion Into A Career

UNOH Launches Third Diesel Technology Associate Degree

East Coast Diesel Nationals Picks Champion Blue Flame as Official Oil

Photo courtesy Diesel Motorsports

Champion Oil, a globally recognized specialty diesel lubricant manufacture, disclosed today that the National Association of Diesel Motorsports (NADM) has announced Champion Blue Flame Performance Diesel Engine Oil as the official oil this year for the annual East Coast Diesel Nationals on July 17 to be held at Numidia Dragway in Numidia, Pennsylvania.

NADM, established in 2007, is the only sanctioning body for diesels that promotes all diesel motorsports associations, clubs and events. The organization holds over 70 diesel events around the country each year with diesel drag racing, sled pulling, and Dyno competitions. Plus, events are all about diesels including a large Vendor Alley. Gates open at 8am. Drag and pull registration, Dyno, Show-n-shine opens at 9am. Drag racing starts at 10am with pulling starting at 1pm.

http://www.dieselmotorsports.us

Champion Oil has a special contingency program which includes cash and product for all class drag and pull winners at the East Coast Diesel Nationals. Register here: https://www.championbrands.com/racer-contingency/

Champion Brands Blue Flame Performance Diesel Engine Oils are formulated with workhorse performance additives, superior protection, advanced polymer technology, and high TBN, supported by a carrier blend of synthetic and conventional base fluids. In addition, Champion’s Engine Oils deliver unmatched high temperature film strength and lubricity protection, has the muscle to combat oil shear, maximizes and sustains cylinder compression, and is proven to increase engine horse power and torque.

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 300 products including fuel, oil, engine additives, and lubricants for the racing, automotive, heavy truck, agricultural, industrial, and specialty markets. For more information about the Champion Blue Flame Performance Diesel Engine Oil contact your nearest Champion distributor or call Champion at 660-890-6231.

Champion Brands, LLC; 1001 Golden Drive, Clinton, MO, or go to http://championbrands.com

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

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Ram Touts Its Luxury Diesel Leadership with a 2022 Ram 1500 Limited 10th Anniversary Edition.

It's hard to believe, but we're already beginning to see announcements for the cars and trucks of 2022. Ten years ago Ram sought to position itself as a leader in the luxury pickup truck category. Their track record show that their efforts were not in vain. This week Ram unveiled its new 2022 Ram 150 Limited 10th Anniversary Edition. 

It's not just Ram thumping its chest and saying, "Look at what we've done." If you've been paying attention, the leading journalists in our industry have showered accolades on this half-ton pickup and the legacy it has been building.

Last year, Car and Driver declared that "the Ram 1500 isn't the best pickup truck because it has the most 'best-in-class' accolades but because it raises expectations for the entire breed." Others expressed similar sentiments.

The 2022, the Dutch multinational automotive company Stellantis declares, raises the benchmark on what a luxury pickup can be. "The new 2022 Ram 1500 Limited 10th Anniversary Edition celebrates 10 years of luxury pickup truck leadership, featuring the ultimate combination of capability, luxury and refinement," said Mike Koval Jr., Ram Brand Chief Executive Officer – Stellantis.

Every brand takes great pains to stake out a niche for each of its product offerings. The Ram 1500 Limited debuted in 2012 with regal aims, especially with its interior space where it used real wood, leather and metal trim. Today this tradition continues with quilted leather-wrapped seats and door inserts, plus a suede headliner.

For engine options, there's a 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 with eTorque mild-hybrid assist, or the 3.0 EcoDiesel engine. For fuel economy, the EcoDiesel has the best numbers with an EPA rating of 22/32 city/highway. 

Ram Trucks became a stand alone division of its own in 2009. Their hard-working lineup includes the Ram 1500, 2500/3500 Heavy Duty, 3500/4500/5500 Chassis Cab, ProMaster and ProMaster City.

The Ram press release highlights a long string of achievements that they are proud of. Here's a portion of that list, in case you missed it. 

• 1,075 lb.-ft. of torque with Cummins Turbo Diesel
• Towing capacity of 37,100 lbs. with Ram 3500
• Segment first 1,000 lb.-ft of torque with Cummins Turbo Diesel
• Payload of 7,680 lbs. with Ram 3500
• Most luxurious: Ram Limited with real wood, real leather and 12-inch Uconnect touchscreen
• Best ride and handling with exclusive link coil rear and auto-level air suspensions
• Most interior space with Ram Mega Cab
• Most capable full-size off-road pickup – Ram Power Wagon
• Ram 1500, America's most powerful half-ton diesel pickup with 480 lb.-ft. of torque, achieves an unsurpassed 33 mpg highway and delivers up to 1,000 miles of range on a single tank of fuel
• Ram 1500 TRX is the quickest, fastest and most powerful mass-produced pickup truck in the world
• Most awarded light-duty truck in America
• Highest owner loyalty of any half-ton pickup
• Over the last 30 years, Ram has the highest percentage of pickups still on the road

Links of Interest

The Press Release at PR Newswire

The Automoblog story with tons of photos, plus pricing and availability info