Ford F-350 Goes 1.3 Million Miles With Original Diesel Engine.

Diesel engines are noted for their longevity, among other things, but the engine on this Ford F-350 seems out of this world. Then again, regular oil changes and routine maintenance can produce a significant service like for your workhorse.

Mircea Panait's March 5 story in Auto Evolution begins by attempting to give us a sense of how far 1.3 million miles is. Since 52 times around the circumference of the earth doesn't have the same wow factor as two and a half trips to the moon and back (plus a little extra) he chooses the latter comparison. Either way, it's a pretty good haul.

If you've ever owned a vehicle for an exceedingly high number of miles, you're probably aware of how the wear and tear of daily use takes a toll on various other parts and components. The owner of this Super Duty detailed all those replacement steps he took along the way. The most shocking stat was the replacement of 12 windshields. Not sure what he did with that truck but I hope no one was hurt. Other replacement parts included "two sets of brakes, four alternators, four radiators, three sets of belts, and two batteries."

Other replacements also occurred during the life of this truck. It's worn out three turbochargers and getting close to needing a fourth. The universal joints have been replaced a couple times as well as the hub lockouts three.

But that Power Stroke V8 has been something else, a stalwart indeed. In part this is because he's dutifully changed the oil and filter every 8,000 miles. He also uses a gasoline additive with every fill and an oil additive with every oil change.

The fellow who put all these miles on that engine was not the original owner. It was purchased in the neighborhood of 98,000 miles, at which time he removed the EGR cooler and diesel particulate filter in or to improve efficiency and performance.

In the closing section of the story Panait describes the meticulous attention he gives to how he drives his truck, thereby lengthening the life of his tires. In short, the owner has been giving attention to every aspect of his truck's "care and feeding." By giving attention to the thing he loves, his F-350 has given him much in return, though I would still like to know why he had to replace all those windshields.

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If you want to take care of the truck you love, here are some Champion products to keep in mind as you baby your own.

Diesel Engine Oils

Diesel Fuel Additives

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Here's the full article at Auto Evolution. Lots of photos help tell the story:

1.3 Million Miles Later, This 2013 Ford F-350 Still Has the Original Diesel V8

When Do Diesel Engines Need To Use A Break-In Oil And Why You Should Choose Champion PowerShield

Champion PowerShield: A Premium Break-In-Oil and Top Choice of Diesel Engine Builders

Champion Oil, with the help of testing from top-tier diesel engine builders from around the country, now offers three different motor oils specifically designed to reduce the potential of engine failure during a hard break-in. These purpose-built “mineral based” lubricants are offered in SAE 30, 10w-40, and 20w-50 viscosities.  

Champion’s PowerShield Break-in oils are specifically formulated to seal the piston rings against the cylinder wall for maximum engine compression and power. Break-in-oils typically use conventional base stock without friction-modifier additives to allow controlled wear between the rings and cylinder wall. They also contain a high level of zinc and phosphorus additives to protect the camshaft and other components during break in.

How PowerShield Works

Break-in oil is different from regular motor oil because it is designed to allow the rings to wear down the peaks on the cylinder wall to form a good seal. Regular motor oil, in contrast, is designed to prevent wear.  

Sealing the piston rings when breaking in an engine requires allowing the rings and piston skirt to carefully wear down the peaks on the cylinder wall. Although a new or freshly honed cylinder appears smooth to the naked eye, it contains microscopic peaks and valleys. If the valleys are too deep, they collect excess oil, which burns during combustion and leads to oil consumption.

The sharp peaks provide insufficient area to allow the rings to seat tightly. That means highly pressurized combustion gases can blow past the rings and into the crankcase, contaminating the oil and taking potential horsepower with it. The result is maximum compression and minimum oil consumption.

Plus, Champion’s PowerShield Break-In-Oil helps harden the camshaft so it’s more resilient to wear. The solution is to use a properly formulated break-in oil that contains conventional base oils and high-quality ZDDP additives. These additives are heat-activated, meaning they provide wear protection in areas of increased friction. The additives form a sacrificial layer on the surface of parts, which absorbs contact and helps prevent cam and tappet wear. 

Champion Brands Engine Builder Products 

Compared to synthetic oils, conventional base oils result in a thinner, less durable protective oil film on engine parts. The thinner fluid film allows controlled wear at the cylinder wall/ring interface.

When Do You Need Break-In Oil?

New diesel trucks don’t need break-in-oil. Some OE manufacturer might still require you to drive under light-to-moderate load for a few hundred miles, then change oil.  But diesel rebuilds or competition engines should use a designated break-in-oil. 

A simple guideline is run the diesel engine above 1,500 rpm for 15 minutes. As for seating the rings, testing has shown it can take multiple dyno passes or more. That time varies depending on the engine, ring tension, cylinder hone, temperature, and other factors. The dyno provides the best method of determining exactly when the rings are seated. Your screen data from the dyno will show a boost in horsepower as the rings seat. 

Another guideline for Champion PowerShield Break-In-Oil might be to run the rebuilt or competition diesel engine under light-to-moderate loads for about 500 miles. Then, drain the break-in-oil, install your diesel specific oil and commence driving.

About PowerShield Break-In Oil

Champion’s robust formulations contain a proprietary technology contains unique high levels of zincthiophosphates (ZDDP), in combination with Champion’s proprietary TVS® (Thermal Viscosity Stabilizer), which extends oil film capacity for proper ring seating.

These top selling break-in-oils are also formulated with polymers and viscosity modifiers. During break-in and heat cycles, as the oil heats up, the friction modifier thickens and allows the oil to behave more like a heavier viscosity oil at operating temperature.

Dispersants and other additives are put in the break-in motor oils to help keep the engine clean. Any wear particles generated by the piston rings, cylinder walls and other moving/sliding parts as the engine breaks in will be suspended and carried away by the oil to the oil filter.

Professional engine-builders that use Champion PowerShield Break-In-Oil will experience the difference provided by numerous barriers of protection. These robust products are field tested and suitable for use in all types of diesel engines. 

https://www.championbrands.com/power-shield-engine-products/

RELATED 
Special Offer For New Champion Diesel Oil Distributors

Limited Edition Armed-Forces-Inspired Ram Trucks Bolt from the Gate

On March 2 another branch of the U.S. armed forces was honored with the introduction of a special edition Built to Serve Ram 1500 pickup. Now available with a 3.0-liter V6 diesel with 260 horsepower and 480 pound-feet of torque, this fifth installment offers a maritime force-inspired theme with both Spitfire and Bright White exterior colors offered, along with a black interior with orange accent stitching. Ram is producing 500 models in Spitfire and 750 models in Bright White.

According to the news release, Ram has been celebrating America's five land, sea and air-based armed forces with Built to Serve editions of its popular Ram 1500 half-ton pickup truck lineup. The Built to Serve Ram trucks will be available in Ram dealer showrooms beginning in the second quarter this year.

"We owe a huge debt of gratitude to our armed forces and the brave men and women who serve them. These Built to Serve models are just one way we honor those who have selflessly served our country," said Mike Koval Jr., Ram Brand Chief Executive Officer – Stellantis. "Whether civilian or military, Ram truck owners are very familiar with this adage as it's something we strive to build into every truck and van we produce." 

Each of the five U.S. military service branches have now been honored by Ram with two specially selected exterior paint colors that evoke the spirit, the mission and history of that service. One of each branch's "Built to Serve Edition" models is offered in a new low-volume paint option exclusive to this program.

Here are the paint options and quantities for each branch of the service:

• Gator (1,000 units) and Diamond Black Crystal (1,000)
• Ceramic Gray (1,000) and Patriot Blue (1,000)
• Anvil (1,250) and Billet Silver Metallic (1,500)
• Tank (1,000) and Flame Red (1,000)
• Spitfire (500) and Bright White (750)

There are a number of other unique interior and exterior features that set the five breeds apart, including a United States flag and "Built to Serve" decal on each of the rear quarter panels.

Stylish embellishments abound, including 20-inch aluminum wheels with a unique-to-the-edition Technical Gray finish. Body-color wheel flares also accent the exterior.

Each of the new Ram front ends gets a unique treatment consisting of an all-black grille and surround, black bumpers with black-bezel premium lighting. Complementing the look are black badges, black wheel-to-wheel side steps and dual four-inch black exhaust tips.

Inside, the Built to Serve Ram trucks are accented with unique, color stitching that corresponds with each branch of the military: Light Frost, Light Ambassador Blue, Light Diesel Gray, Medium Greystone or Orange.

Underneath the skin, each Ram Built to Serve edition is ready for action, loaded with 4x4 Off-Road Group content, including:

• All-terrain tires
• Electronic-locking rear axle
• Hill-descent control
• Front suspension skid plate
• Steering gear skid plate
• Fuel tank skid plate
• Transfer case skid plate
• Tow hooks
• Heavy-duty off-road-calibrated front and rear shock absorbers

Ram Built to Serve edition packages are available on all body styles and all powertrains.

According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, approximately 7% of the U.S. population is an active member, reserve member or veteran of the armed services.

As part of the Built to Serve initiative, Ram is bringing further attention to its volunteer initiative called Ram Nation. Ram Nation has been organizing grassroots volunteer events since 2015 and, through the launch of the Built to Serve edition trucks, is reinforcing its commitment to recognizing those who serve our nation and our communities.

Much the same way that the NFL encourages professional athletes to serve their communities Ram Nation has been recruiting individuals to donate their time and to volunteer in their own communities across the nation. It's an exemplary "leadership through service" mindset. 

In addition to activating the Ram Nation volunteer corps across the U.S., Ram is extending the invitation to all individuals, regardless of whether or not they are a Ram truck owner. To join and learn about new Ram Nation volunteer events, new members can register at www.ramtrucks.com/ram-nation.html.

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Story Source
Ram Launches Final Phase press release
Related: Two Diesel Stories About Ram Fuel Efficiency

Firepunk Diesel S10 Sets New 1/8-Mile Record Under 4 Seconds

World record set in September, broken in February

There is something remarkable about barriers. There was a time when it was deemed impossible for a human to break the four-minute mile time barrier. How it was achieved is a much longer story, but one variable is that competition improves us all. Most interestingly, once Roger Bnanister broke the barrier in 1954 other began to do it. Today, over 1400 runners have broken the four-minute mile. 

This past weekend Firepunk Diesel broke an impossible barrier by becoming the first-ever diesel-powered vehicle to break four seconds in the eighth mile. The Ohio-based Firepunk Diesel team accomplished the feat at the Lights Out 12 in Adel, Georgia.

Lavon Miller has been a builder to watch for many years now, and with Larson Miller behind the wheel, it was a head-turning performance. The Cummins-powered 2000 Chev S-10 whipped out a 3.998-second 1/8-mile pass, reaching a scorching 182.67 mph at the finish.

In recent months the Firepunk Diesel team has been slowly inching toward this breakthrough moment. According to a story in The Shop the established a record at No Mercy 11 with a 4.11-second pass and more recently put down scores of 4.10, 4.04 and 4.00, so they've been eyeing this moment for a while. It's clearly one of those stories of continuous improvement, find new ways to squeeze a hundredth of a second more out of every facet of the engineering.

There are quite few eyes on this cutting edge team, so expectations are always high. No question that what they accomplished at the South Georgia Motorsports Park would have been deemed impossible 20 years ago, or maybe even five.

Here's Monica Gonderman's version of the story at Truck Trend when the news first broke February 25. There's a small squadron of photos worth checking out as well:

They Did It! Firepunk Diesel Has a 3-Second Chevy S-10 Cummins Drag Truck

http://www.trucktrend.com/news/firepunk-diesel-3-second-chevrolet-s-10-diesel-drag-truck

Congratulations to Lavon and Larson Miller, and the whole Firepunk Diesel Team.

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Do you have a great Diesel story?

Leave us a comment or drop us an email:

BlueFlame1952@gmail.com

Surf's Up! This EcoDiesel Is Ready to Hit the Beach

There are some people who just can't get enough of beach culture. "Surf's up!" is more than an expression. It's something that gets your heart racing. As the Beach Boys once sang, "Catch a wave and you're sitting on top of the world."

That's the spirit Jeep is trying to re-capture in their new Wrangler Islander. According to a Fox News story, it's been 11 years since Jeep last produced an Islander. This time the machine has an EcoDiesel engine, and it looks like fun.

The story, by Gary Gastelu, appeared just yesterday. The lead on this story reads, "The Jeep Wrangler Islander is ready to hit the beach."

He describes to new Islander as a beachy 4x4 that is essentially a Wrangler Sport S, all dressed up with somewhere to go: The Beach.

Sporting 17-inch wheels and rock rails from the Wrangler Rubicon, it's emblazoned with its brand name on the edge of the hood along with Surf Blue stitching on the upholstery. You can order it in a variety of colors and some islander-themed accessories. Even the choice of engine is optional, gasoline of diesel.

According to Gastelu. you can get the Islander look on the Renegade subcompact SUV, that includes white roof accents at no additional cost. The article includes pricing for these various vehicles, and also a video from last year of a diesel -powered Jeep in action.

They're selling the Islanders as a Limited Edition, though no word on how limited that limit will be.

HERE'S THE LINK for the full story:
https://www.jeep.com/limited-editions/wrangler/islander.html

SEE ALSO: Three Engine Options for the Current Jeep Wrangler, Compared

2021: What's New In Diesel This Year

A couple weeks ago Rick Popely assembled a story for Cars.com titled What’s New With Diesel Vehicles for 2021?

Popely begins with the disappointing observation of what is not new this year. If you love diesel power and fuel efficiency, you won't find it in a passenger car anymore. Diesel passenger cars are no longer an option in the U.S. market. Part of this pullback is due to recent scandals regarding emissions tampering, as highly publicized in a January NYTimes story. This issue has been a long time coming though. 

It's really too bad since, as Popely correctly notes, "diesels generate far more torque than gas engines, and that low-end grunt makes them the engine of choice for many who need to tow heavy trailers, so you’ll still see this powertrain option in truck and SUV lineups."

Fortunately, there are some pretty stylish SUVs on the market. As for the trucks, we have all the usual suspects, each one amping up their game to not only capture eyeballs but to satisfy the performance standards we've come to expect. Here's what's available for the year 2021. You should go to the Cars.com site (link below) to read about each in more detail and, if you're looking for something to buy, see what's available in your neck of the woods.

The 2021 Escalade and Escalade ESV

As we noted in January, this is the first year Cadillac has offered a diesel engine in more than three decades. The 2021 Escalade is completely redesigned. Both the Escalade and the stretched ESV offer a turbo-diesel 3.0 inline-six-cylinder power plant that delivers 277 horses and 460 pound-feet of torque. 

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado

The Silverado 1500 has increased its towing capacity significantly for 2021. Not only that, this ability to tow more is going to cost less, almost as if we're being nudged into the diesel engine option. The 3500 has also bumped up its guidance for hauling. Additional features include some tailgate refinement and rear cameras, which have benefits as well.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban

Both the Tahoe and Suburban tout roomier interiors. Pickups have a long history of being workhorses, but a little cramped. This trend of making our "living space" inside the can more luxurious has been going on for quite some time.  Popely notes that the Suburban has an added 15 inches of length over the Tahoe, which initially doesn't sound like much, but can make a difference. Purportedly it has 22 more cubic feet for cargo than the Tahoe.

The 2021 Ford F-150

According to Edmund's the Ford F-150 has been the best selling truck and vehicle in America for 40 years. This year's Ford truck has six engine options and the truck itself has had a complete makeover. Popely notes that its more luxurious inside the cab and has a host of new features.

The 2021 GMC Sierra

As with all the others, we get options and more options.The turbo-diesel 3.0-liter six-cylinder gives you more power on the 1500 and the 3500 is no slouch either. Ultimately, the Sierra is described as an upscale Silverado. Which it is.

The 2021 GMC Yukon and Yukon XL

The Yukons share the same drivetrains as their GM/GMC siblings, but differ in style and interior treatment. In keeping with the desire for more space, these are designed to be roomier as well. There are noteworthy dashboard features cited in the Cars.com article as well.

The 2021 Jeep Gladiator

When we first wrote about the 2021 Jeep Gladiator in September we were jazzed by the engineering. The 4WD Jeep has fans coming back for more. 

The 2021 Ram Trucks

Popely makes observation about both the 1500 and the 3500. "The Ram 1500 adds a more efficient diesel model, the Tradesman High Fuel Efficiency EcoDiesel, with an EPA combined rating of 26 mpg, 2 mpg more than the best of the 1500’s other diesel models. On the heavy-duty side, torque on the Ram 3500's Cummins turbo-diesel 6.7-liter rises to 1,075 pounds-feet, and gooseneck towing capacity increases to 37,100 pounds, both best-in-class numbers.

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Make time to check out the additional details. No cars, but they are all stars. 

HERE'S THE LINK to the full story:

https://www.cars.com/articles/whats-new-with-diesel-vehicles-for-2021-432336/

Rick Popely, the author of this story, has covered the auto industry for decades and hosts a weekly online radio show on TalkZone.com.

Special Offer For New Champion Diesel Oil Distributors

Champion Brands has been seeking out new distributors for its diesel oil products. Here is a press release from the company regarding its March Special. 

Qualifying March orders of any Champion Diesel Oil Products will receive a free Champion Display Tent and Free Freight.

This popular promotion includes a Champion-branded 10x10 canopy style instant shelter providing 64 square feet of shaded area. It has a fabric top, wide-track roller bag and stake kit. Features include superior wind resistance with aerodynamically engineered flexible composite and fiber rods. The unit weighs 40 lbs.
 
Become a Champion Diesel Oil Distributor during March and receive the tent for free plus free freight. This offer cannot be combined with any other discount or promo offer.

 
“This is one of our best promotions to date. The canvas tent is really top tier and a great tool for our Champion Diesel Oil Distributors at races, car shows, and other events,” said Karl Dedolph, Director of Champion Racing and Performance. “It’s our hope that many of our prospective diesel enthusiasts will take advantage of this offer.”  
 
Call for details: 660-890-6231

Offer expires March 31st, 2021