2021 Yukon Diesel Brings Back Memories of the Gold Rush Era

Shortly before the end of the 19th century, gold was discovered in an inhospitable corner of Northwest Canada. As word got out, more than 100,000 prospectors migrated there in what became known as the Klondike Gold Rush. The famous American author Jack London was one of these. Through stories like Call of the Wild and White Fang the rest of America learned how challenging and dangerous this terrain could be.

By understanding the Klondike, its terrain and its history, we might gain a greater appreciation for the the Yukon name when it was introduced in 1991 for the '92 model year. The terrain is rugged, and half the year downright treacherous. You have to learn how to be a survivor there or you're a goner. Hence the Yukon name speaks of a toughness the exceeds the normal.

The Gold Rush image speaks of value. When you "strike gold" it is something you longed for but seldom really expect. So the Yukon name goes along with a search for something of value, and perhaps the joy of finding it. 

One of the nice "discoveries" of this year's crop of SUVs was that of finding a new Duramax diesel engine under the hood of the 2021 Yukon. This story by Fox News focused on yet a third way that the Yukon parallels the Gold Rush of 1896-99, its temporary duration. The title of the article is The 2021 GMC Yukon Diesel is built for the long haul, but may be short-lived. The meaning behind these words is that yes, it is exciting to have a diesel Yukon, but by 2035 GM will only be producing EVs.

The article by Gary Gastelu begins by noting, "It’s the same 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six-cylinder offered in the Sierra pickup and an alternative to the 5.3-liter and 6.2-liter V8s that are also available in both trucks." Then he switches gears to address the "Why now?" question. The answer is clear. Not everyone is ready to go electric yet. Gastelu cites a stat from the Diesel Technology Forum that diesel pickup and SUV sales were up 28% in 2020. 

After noting the excellent fuel economy of the Yukon the author highlights the hefty towing capacity. (8100 pounds with 2-wheel drive and 7800 with 4-wheel drive.) One gets the impression that Mr. Gastelu likes this compact big boy. 

After a look under the hood, the author takes us inside the cockpit with its unique interior dashboard design. The electronic goodies are many, but it all comes with a price. Then again, gold has value, and this Yukon does, too.

Read the full story here. 

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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

ATTN: Diesel Racers. Click on the Orange Button (top right) for contingency program details.

Truck Trend Pinpoints the Most Powerful Pickups of 2021

A look under the hood of the potent 2021 Jeep Gladiator Ecodiesel

They say it's the sizzle that sells the steak. When it comes to pickup trucks, the sizzles most truck owners are looking for are horsepower and torque. That is what Jason Gonderman's "Most Powerful Pickups of 2021" focuses on in an article that appeared last week on the Truck Trend website.

In the Powerful Pickups of 2021 his opening salvo pretty much sums up where this article is going. "Power may not be the only thing when it comes to pickups, but it affects everything." It certainly does. You want to drive a vehicle with "giddyup and go," not a lame, limping lunker. When you don't have power, it really limits some of the fun of owning and driving a truck. 

Yes, there are other factors that weigh on a decision as regards your next truck purchase. Drivability, fuel economy, towing and hauling capacity, off-road performance all have a say, but at the end of the day power is the first thing on the list that truck buyers look for.

With this mindset serving as the lens through which the contenders are measured, Gonderman runs through the potential heroes of 2021. I've listed below all the winning trucks in each category, but the article includes the second and third place contenders as well. I don't want to steal their thunder by sharing everything. A link at the end will take you to the complete coverage.

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Midsize Truck with the Most Horsepower

Winner: 2021 Nissan Frontier - 3.8L V-6 - 310 hp
(The author did not list competitors with diesel in this category.)

Midsize Truck with the Most Torque

Winner: 2021 Jeep Gladiator - 3.0L EcoDiesel V-6 - 442 lb-ft

Half Ton Trucks with the Most Horsepower

Gas
Winner: 2021 Ram 1500 TRX - 6.2L Supercharged V-8 - 702 hp

Diesel
Winner: 2021 Chevrolet Silverado - 3.0L Duramax I-6 - 277 hp (tie)
Winner: 2021 GMC Sierra - 3.0L Duramax I-6 - 277 hp (tie)

Half Ton Trucks with the Most Torque

Gas
Winner: 2021 Ram 1500 TRX - 6.2L Supercharged V-8 - 650 lb-ft

Diesel
Winner: 2021 Ram 1500 - 3.0L EcoDiesel V-6 - 480 lb-ft

Heavy-Duty Trucks with the Most Horsepower

Gas
Winner: 2021 Ford F-250/F350 Super Duty - 7.3L V-8 - 430 hp

Diesel
Winner: 2021 Ford F-250/350/450 - 6.7L Power Stroke V-8 - 475 hp

Heavy-Duty Trucks with the Most Torque

Gas
Winner: 2021 Ford F-250/F-350 Super Duty - 7.3L V-8 - 475 lb-ft

Diesel
Winner: 2021 Ram 3500 Heavy Duty - 6.7L Cummins I-6 High-Output - 1,075 lb-ft

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The article at Truck Trend includes much more than data. There are also videos and photos of our 2021 crop of pickups in action. To check it out, click here.
Or visit http://www.trucktrend.com/features/most-powerful-pickup-trucks-for-2021

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Jason Gonderman has been interested in trucks ever since his childhood days in Southern California. Over the years he's held various roles with The Enthusiast Network (TEN) including online editor for Four Wheeler and feature editor at Diesel Power. Today he is editor at Truck Trend. His wife, on staff there with TEN, is also into trucks. 

  

Champion Offers Power-Shield Assembly Lube & Oil Booster to Diesel Engine Builders

As the economy emerges from its pandemic hibernation, Champion Brands is boosting its visibility with a number of new products, programs and product upgrades. The company released this announcement this week. 

Champion Offers Power-Shield Assembly Lube & Oil Booster to Diesel Engine Builders

Champion Oil, a recognized global leader in specialty lubricants, is now offering Power-Shield Engine Assembly Lube & Oil Booster with 6,270 parts-per-million (PPM) of Zinc, 4,820 PPM of Phosphorus, and 54,220 PPM of Calcium providing repair facilities, re-man services, installers, and diesel engine builders superior lubrication protection.

Champion Power-Shield Engine Assembly Lube & Oil Booster, part #4281, provides outstanding resistance to scuffing, wear and friction during hard break-in of new and rebuilt diesel engines.

Champion Power-Shield Engine Assembly Lube & Oil Booster can also be used as an oil booster to replace the critical anti -wear additives that current API rated diesel engine oils leave out. The Power-Shield product is highly concentrated with zinc-thiophosphates, sulfonates, and phenates that boost engine oil protection that prevent sludge formation and keep high-performance diesel engines running efficiently. These additives are also an anti-wear agent to prevent premature diesel engine wear and provide corrosion and oxidation protection.

As temperatures rise and surfaces come closer together, Champion’s proprietary chemistry gradually decomposes resulting in protection of critical metal surfaces. This heat-activated process provides wear protection of an oil film in areas of increased friction. When parts move during operation, any sliding or rolling motion reduces metal-to-metal contact. 

Without an oil film providing sufficient wear protection, diesel engine components can eventually wear down and affect valve operation. Diesel engine power and efficiency can decline if the cam cannot lift the valves enough to adequately charge the chamber for ignition or release exhaust fumes.

This robust product dissolves completely in oil without clogging oil passageways or plugging diesel oil filters.  To achieve a thicker consistency when setting a cam in place, for example, it can be mixed in part with Champion’s Moly Grease – part #4051T.

With assembly lube and anti-wear additives being one of the most important parts of a diesel engine build, the engine-builders that use Champion Power-Shield Engine Assembly Lube & Oil Booster will experience the difference provided by numerous barriers of protection. This quality product is field tested by diesel engine builders and suitable for use in all types of diesel engines including current API rated diesel engine oils that are low in ant-wear additives.  
https://www.championbrands.com/power-shield-engine-assembly-lube-oil-booster/

• Part# 4281K/12 12/12 oz.
• Part# 4281D 5 Gal.

About the company: Champion Brands, LLC, is a globally recognized industry leader in specialty lubricants for over 65 years. Champion Brands, LLC produces and blends over 350 products including fuel, oil, engine additives, and lubricants for the automotive, racing, heavy truck, agricultural, industrial, and specialty markets. For more information about Champion Lubricants contact your nearest Champion distributor, or call Champion at 660-890-06231. Champion Brands, LLC; 1001 Golden Drive, Clinton, MO, 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

ATTN: Diesel Racers. Click on the Orange Button (top right) for contingency program details.

Do You Have Any of These Issues? A Diesel Compression Test Might Help You Find a Solution

Are you experiencing any of these problems with your diesel?

--Starting problems unrelated to weather or outdoor temperature
--Poor fuel economy or increased oil consumption

--Blue smoke
--Unexplainable loss of power
--Excessive crank case pressure

On March 16, Fleet Owner published an excellent article by Chad Christiansen about compression tests, when to get them and what they can tell you. In the same way that a battery of tests at the clinic can help you avoid more serious health issues later, so can a compression test identify engine issues before they become more serious.

Christiansen opens with this: 

"Compression in a diesel engine is essential for effective and efficient performance. And when compression is lacking, damage can result. That is why it’s imperative to know whether your engine’s compression is correct."

Compression tests aren't a necessary part of routine maintenance, he writes. They can be valuable if you're having issues like the ones cited at the beginning of this article.

As most diesel owners know, diesel engines operate on a different principle from gas-powered engines. There is no spark plug in a diesel. Diesel engines work by compressing only the air. This increases the air temperature inside the cylinder to such a high degree that atomized diesel fuel injected into the combustion chamber ignites spontaneously. 

When you bring your truck to a mechanic to run compression tests, he or she will place a gauge in each of the cylinders to read how much compression is being produced when the engine turns over. If the pressure is too low, or too high, or if there is too much deviation between the readouts from all the cylinders, there is probably internal damage of some kind.

You can read the full story here.

* * * 

Last summer CarPart.com published a good article on the signs and causes of low engine compression. Though written for car owners, the article by Sam O. is relevant for diesel owners as well, identifying the various kinds of damage that may be lurking inside your engine. They include:

Holes blown in the piston head
Leaky valves
Worn timing belt
Head gasket failure
Bad piston rings
Camshaft issues

Follow this link to read the CarPart.com  article in its entirety.

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Related Link

Here's a video on How to Use a Diesel Compression Tester.

Continued Investment and Innovation Helps Advance Diesel Engine Technology

This past week the Diesel Technology Forum submitted comments to the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee about ways in which technologies are being developed to decrease emissions and the progress being made. The following information was gleaned from a press release pertaining to these hearings.

* * * 

The presenters began by outlining some of the achievements of past investments in research regarding diesel efficiency and emissions. These investments have not only improved air quality and lowered greenhouse gases, they have also created jobs. 

Allen Schaeffer, executive director of the Diesel Technology Forum began his remarks by giving a nod to Rudolph Diesel, inventor of the diesel engine, whose birthday was just a few days later. He would have been 163. Many are unaware of the significant role diesel engines play in the global economy, chiefly due to innovation, investment and continuous improvement.

“Today diesel engines are delivering substantial benefits to society in the form of efficient and clean power," said Schaeffer. "Thanks to sustained research and investment from leading manufacturers, suppliers and fuel producers, advanced diesel engines have undergone a fundamental transformation in environmental performance while boosting energy efficiency." 

Many critics of big government are unaware of the vast scope of the various branches of government and their functions. One example of this is the DoE's SuperTruck Program. The SuperTruck Program is a partnership between manufacturers and government that has produced new understandings about combustion and emissions reduction. "The SuperTruck program has translated fundamental research into new commercial technology on the road today that enables trucks to use less fuel and emit fewer greenhouse gases and other emissions," Schaeffer said. 

Research enables us to prepare for a cleaner, sustainable future. It takes investment to learn how to couple hybrid-electric technology with battery storage systems or to find the boundaries of thermal efficiency. We're still scratching the surface of our understanding regarding the full possibilities of renewable biodiesel fuels. We don't really know how much we still don't know.

* * * 

These kinds of hearings are significant because the legislators who make decisions regarding Federal spending need to understand what is possible and not possible in the short-, intermediate- and long-term futures. Schaeffer pointed out that although zero-emissions solutions are the objective, few are available today. This is why analysts predict that diesel engines will "continue to dominate the trucking sector well beyond the 2030 timeframe." 

Other key highlights that were made during the hearings included the following.

Diesel is an Economic Driver: According to research commissioned by the Diesel Technology Forum, industries that produce diesel technology and use these technologies generate $275 billion in economic activity.

Diesel is a U.S. Manufacturing and Skilled Workforce Success Story: Nearly a million diesel engines were produced in 2019. It takes a highly skilled workforce to produce these engines and an ever larger force to keep them runing.

New Technology Diesel Engines Deliver Clean Air Benefits Today: New technology diesel engines have eliminated more than 26 million tons of nitrogen oxides (NOx) already since 2010. New diesel trucks are so clean that it would take more than 60 new-generation diesel trucks to equal the emissions from one truck sold in 1988.

New Technology Efficient Diesel Engines Are Delivering Major Greenhouse Gas (CO2) Reductions Today: More efficient diesel trucks now on the road since 2010 have already saved 12 billion gallons of fuel and eliminated 126 million tons of greenhouse gas emissions between 2011 and 2018. This is equivalent to taking 26 million cars off the road for a year.

* * * 

READ THE FULL STORY HERE:

Continued Investment, Innovation in Advanced Technology Diesel Engines Sustains Clean Air and Climate Progress

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/continued-investment-innovation-advanced-technology-165900489.html

Champion Brands Now Offers API FA-4 10W30 Diesel Engine Oil to Fleets and Private Label Customers

Here's another announcement from Champion Brands. This year has already seen numerous announcements, new products and special offers. I will list several at the end of this post. The company is celebrating its 65th Anniversary.

* * * 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Champion Brands Now Offers API FA-4 10W30 Diesel Engine Oil to Fleets and Private Label Customers 

 

Champion Brands, a globally recognized industry leader in specialty lubricants for over 65 years, announced today the offering of API FA-4 Diesel Engine Oils to fleets and private label customers for some of the newer engines currently in the market from Cummins, Detroit Diesel, Navistar, etc.  

Now available to fleets are 275-Gallon Totes of Ultra-Fleet API FA-4 10W30 Diesel Engine Oil -Part #4162. When OEMs recommend this new oil specification, it can make a real difference to a fleet’s bottom line by improving the engine’s fuel efficiency. Fleets should inquire about pricing to sales@championbrands.com .

 

Private label customers can order their size preference from packaged quarts, gallons, 2.5 gallons, 5-gallon pails, 55-gallon drums, or 275-gallon totes. Champion will soon be offering a second viscosity of Ultra-Fleet API FA-4 5W30 Diesel Engine Oil. In time, more and more OEMs will be requiring this types of diesel engine oil. Private label inquiries should be made to marketing@championbrands.com . More information on private label available here: https://www.championbrands.com/private-label/

 

API Service Category FA-4 describes certain XW-30 diesel engine oils specifically formulated for use in select high-speed four-stroke cycle diesel engines designed to meet 2017 model year on-highway greenhouse gas (GHG) emission standards.

These oils are formulated for use in on-highway applications with diesel fuel sulfur content up to 15 ppm (0.0015% by weight). Refer to individual engine manufacturer recommendations regarding compatibility with API FA-4 diesel engine oils. These oils are blended to a high temperature high shear (HTHS) viscosity range of 2.9cP–3.2cP to assist in reducing GHG emissions.

 

These oils are especially effective at sustaining emission control system durability where particulate filters and other advanced aftertreatment systems are used. API FA-4 diesel engine oils are designed to provide enhanced protection against oil oxidation, viscosity loss due to shear, and oil aeration as well as protection against catalyst poisoning, particulate filter blocking, engine wear, piston deposits, degradation of low- and high-temperature properties, and soot-related viscosity increase.

 

API FA-4 diesel engine oils are not interchangeable or backward compatible with API CK-4, CJ-4, CI-4 with CI-4 PLUS, CI-4, and CH-4 oils.  API FA-4 diesel engine oils are not recommended for use with fuels having greater than 15 ppm sulfur. For fuels with sulfur content greater than 15 ppm, refer to engine manufacturer recommendations. 
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 Ultra-Fleet API FA-4 10W30 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 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

ATTN: Diesel Racers. Click on the Orange Button (top right) for contingency program details.

Basic Fundamentals for Adding Life to Your Diesel Engine

Last week The Intelligent Driver published an article on how to increase the lifespan of your diesel engine. Zeid Nasser's story was titled Innovative Ways You Maintain Cars With Diesel Engines Better. 

It's well known that diesel engines are famous for their longevity, but to to get the most out of your workhorse you also need to feed it with TLC. Or as the saying goes: the more you give, the more you get. 

Here are Nasser's seven tips for extending the life of your diesel.

Use the right fuel

Diesel fuel is a petroleum product like gasoline, but it is refined differently. Diesel applications vary, and so do diesel fuels. What you put in a car is not what is recommended for off-road. The key, then, is to use what your manufacturer recommends. In either event, avoid low quality fuels.

Keep your fuel injectors clean

Injectors on a diesel are its most complex component. Unlike port injectors on gasoline engines, diesel injectors spray fuel directly into the cylinders. Injectors must be able to withstand intense heat while delivering the fuel in a fine mist. This is why injectors need to be kept clean and free of deposits. Fouled injectors will result in poor performance and, according to Nasser, eventual failure.  

Allow the engine to cool down

Longer service life for most vehicles corresponds to how we drive. Diesel vehicles should be allowed to cool down before attempting to restart. After a hard day of towing, it is recommended that you not shut off the vehicle immediately upon arrival at your destination. Rather, you want to idle the engine, give it a little rest time so it can cool down. 

For a deeper explanation as to why this is recommended, check out this excellent breakdown: To Idle Your Diesel or Not, That Is The Question!

Keep your filters clean

The author states that keeping your fuel filters clean is an imperative for longer life expectancy. We think this advice should be carried over to all your vehicles filters. They serve important functions and should not be neglected.

Change fluids on schedule

It's one of the first things new drivers learn when they get their license. Check your fluid levels on a regular basis. By paying attention to fluid levels one can often catch a signal of other problems that may be taking place and fix it before it. worsens.  

Winter requires extra care

The harsh conditions of winter can have consequences for the unprepared. Moisture, snow and low temps can be quite unkind to your engines. Check out this article on More Maintenance Tips for Your Diesel Equipment.  

Routine maintenance with a reliable mechanic

The author's final recommendation is a familiar one. Someone once said that whenever you move to a new location, one of the first things you should do is find a competent mechanic whom you can trust. "Diesel engine maintenance is a vital component of keeping your truck or car running properly." It is wrong to assume diesel engines require less maintenance, Nasser writes. 

In short, not only will a good maintenance regimen help your vehicle last longer, it will also save you time and money.

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To read the full story, visit:
https://www.theintelligentdriver.com/2021/03/16/innovative-ways-you-maintain-cars-with-diesel-engines-better/