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

PLZ Aeroscience Acquires Champion Brands

PLZ Aeroscience Acquires Champion Brands to Expand Full-Service Automotive Capabilities

DOWNERS GROVE, ILL. – July 1, 2021 – PLZ Aeroscience Corporation (“PLZ”), North America’s largest independent specialty aerosol and liquid product manufacturer, today announced the acquisition of Champion Brands, LLC (“Champion”), a leading manufacturer of specialty lubricants for the automotive and industrial markets. Financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed. With this acquisition, PLZ expands its full-service automotive and industrial offering, positioning the company to better serve its customers with a comprehensive suite of aerosol and non-aerosol products.

Founded by Ralph Lowe in 1956 and with more than 65 years of market leadership, Champion has one of the largest product portfolios in the industry. Champion produces more than 300 functional fluids and performance products, including brake fluid, fuel treatments, semi-synthetic and full-synthetic engine additives and specialty motor oils. Champion operates a 450,000 square foot manufacturing facility in Clinton, Mo., and serves customers across automotive, heavy duty, agricultural and performance racing markets. The speed and versatility of Champion’s lines make the company a cost effective solution for many customers.

“We are very excited to welcome Champion Brands to PLZ,” said Aaron Erter, PLZ’s President and CEO. “Champion is a market leader within the automotive aftermarket industry, and we look forward to leveraging their capabilities across our combined enterprise to strengthen the value proposition we bring to our customers. Champion is an incredible addition to PLZ as we continue growing our specialty automotive and industrial footprint across North America.”

Champion is led by Matt Lowe, the third generation of Lowe leadership at the company. Mr. Lowe will remain with Champion following the transaction.

“I am thrilled for Champion to become part of the PLZ family,” said Matt Lowe. “We look forward to leveraging PLZ’s extensive industry experience and national footprint to help grow Champion in the years to come. Together with PLZ, we will propel the combined company forward into its next chapter as we continue to deliver exceptional innovation, quality and service to our customers.”

Headquartered outside Chicago, PLZ is owned by Pritzker Private Capital.  With their support, PLZ has continued to grow organically and through acquisitions, including four in the last two years – Mansfield-King and Custom-Pak Products in 2020 and Liquid Technologies and Precise Packaging in 2019.

About PLZ Aeroscience
PLZ Aeroscience is a leader in specialty aerosol and liquid product technologies.  PLZ specializes in the development, manufacturing, packaging and distribution of a comprehensive line of contract fill, branded and private label products. PLZ has a robust and proprietary portfolio of products in household cleaning, personal care, food service, maintenance, specialty and industrial, and automotive. For more information, visit PLZAeroscience.com.

About Champion Brands, LLC
Champion Brands, LLC has made a name for themselves as a leader in specialty lubricants. Headquartered in Clinton, Missouri and with over 300 products, Champion is always looking for new and better ways to make their customers more efficient with quality products and high standards. Champion products can be found all over North America and have had long-standing relationships with its customers for over 65 years. For more information, visit ChampionBrands.com

About Pritzker Private Capital
Pritzker Private Capital partners with middle-market companies based in North America with leading positions in the manufactured products, services and healthcare sectors. The firm’s differentiated, long-duration capital base allows for efficient decision-making, broad flexibility with transaction structure and investment horizon, and alignment with all stakeholders. Pritzker Private Capital builds businesses for the long term and is an ideal partner for entrepreneur- and family-owned companies. Pritzker Private Capital is a signatory to the United Nations Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI). For more information, visit PPCPartners.com.

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

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

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

 

Two Cummins Stories: Westen Champlin's Twin Turbo Diesel Super Stang and the Cummins Cowgirl

There are some things people do just to see if it can be done, and other things folks do just to see what will happen. GM has put diesel engines in Cadillacs and made it work. Does it make sense to put a diesel into a muscle car? Here are two stories about diesel mechanics who have also built a social media following. 

HotCars.com put its spotlight on Westen Champlin, a gearhead with a YouTube channel, who dropped a Cummins diesel into a Mustang that he nicknamed "Smokestang." The guy has built a major online fanbase. His video The Cummins Mustang Gets Twin Turbos off Semi Truck has had over 900,000 views and it was just posted less than a week ago.

After watching a couple of these videos it's apparent Champlin has become an unlikely celebrity of sorts. The things he works on are just unusual enough to capture viewers, and the serial style of storytelling is not unlike Dickens' weekly installments of the Pickwick Papers that were dribbled out in an ongoing series.

Lask week's installment found Westin beefing up the power of his Cummins engine that had been dropped into his 'Stang, and adding weight as well. He's previously punched out some numbers on a drag strip in a previous video that posted in May. 1.5 million pageviews is pretty indicative that this isn't his first rodeo.

"How much room do we have for the turbo?" he asks, then answers, "Not enough. Are we worried about it? Of course not."

The article by Gene Kosowan gives us glimpses of the install and makes clear that it is a story that is developing. In addition to the turbos Westin has added a smokestack to keep the view clear when he's giving it a run. 

Westen is casual about the possibility of blowing up the engine. Though he believes the setup will produce 1,300 horsepower, he simultaneously acknowledges, "The engine will probably blow up at around a thousand, but we're not scared. We'll just do it." 

For sure it's a Mustang like no other. When they take it out for it's first pass, he can feel the restrained power.  After a leaving a pair of black stripes on the pavement the make a visual inspection and see water leaking from the radiator a little leak from the turbo. "We need a bigger radiator now," he concludes.

* * * 

In another story, here's another social media maven in the diesel scene. This story appeared in The American Reporter about a diesel mechanic who is now a social media influencer. She calls herself the Cummins Cowgirl.

The article begins by citing the 21st century emergence of this new profession.

It would not be wrong to say that the 21st century is defined, among others, by the emergence of a new profession – social media influencer. Through posts, captions, and endorsements, these individuals are the stars of busy internet platforms and hold considerable weight on the opinions of their audience.

The Cummins Cowgirl is a heavy duty mechanic with an entrepreneurial bent. Born Chloe Yonker, she used to wrench on semis. Now she has her own shop, and her own social media platform where she is both a star and an instructor. That is, she really does show people how to work on their equipment.

Though he intent is to help people, she says her real aim is the empowerment of women. She wants to show young women that you really can be a female in a male dominated industry.

The article by James Boley ends with this nice summing up:

From big smiles, coveted vehicles, and friendly outings to greased cheeks after a hard day’s work – The Cummins Cowgirl shows an authentic, inspiring glimpse into the everyday life of a mechanic and a woman making it on her own. 

In addition to working on trucks she's also working the social media pretty hard. You can follow her on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and her own official website.

Links

You-Tuber Installs Twin Turbos from a Semi Truck on His Diesel-Powered Mustang
Diesel Mechanic Turned Social Media Influencer
The Cummins Cowgirl 

Big Diesel Engines for Big Mining Trucks

"It's dark as a dungeon way down in the mine..."
--Merle Travis

On June 22, International Mining posted a brief article about a massive Toro truck with a Volvo Penta diesel engine that has a 63 metric ton carrying capacity. The highlighted feature wasn't the size of payload it carries, but rather the reduced emissions and fuel economy benefits it provided.

The story's spotlight is on the team effort between Toro, Volvo Penta and Sandvick. The truck is a Toro™ TH663i, Toro's largest.

Sandvik is a global engineering group with 37,000 employees. What they have designed is a powerful, reliable fuel efficient 16-litre Stage V engine that delivers 585 kW output. It uses a Selective Catalytic Reduction system (SCR) instead of a diesel particulate filter. The SCR uses diesel exhaust fluid to reduce emissions of NOx without sacrificing the truck's performance or fuel efficiency. 

Stage V is a reference to EU emissions standards for vehicles or equipment used in non-road applications. Stage V set stricter standards for emissions and particulate matter.

When you think about trucks carrying heavy loads underground, several thoughts come to mind. First, you need equipment that is reliable. The last thing you want are breakdowns. Diesel is the workhorse in that department. Second, anything you can do to reduce emissions and particulates is a plus. 

The Stage V Penta Volvo diesel is a new engine option that requires ultra-low sulphur fuel and low-ash engine oil to operate. It can also be run on paraffinic diesel fuels that meet the EN 15940 standard. According to the article, renewable paraffinic diesel fuel significantly reduces the greenhouse gas footprint as well a emissions of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides and diesel particulate matter in the engine exhaust. Because it can use use both fossil diesel and paraffinic fuel without limitations, it is a very versatile engine. It's both flexible and user friendly.

The article notes that Sandvik has made a number of improvements in the past few years for the Toro TH663i including a new transmission that has cost benefits and improves reliability. The engineering firm has also introduced what they call an autonomous system called  AutoMine® that enables miners to operate the equipment remotely.

The end result of these incremental improvements is an increase in both productivity and efficiency.

Related Links

Sandvik deploys Stage V Volvo Penta engine on 63 t underground Toro TH663 truck

Five benefits of Volvo Penta's Stage V off-road engines