Cummins confirmed that it will meet the Environmental Protection Agency’s 2007 nitrogen oxides emission standards using cooled exhaust gas recirculation technology.
Caterpillar received certification from the Environmental Protection Agency for its 2004 model year C11 engine, completing the process for its entire heavy-duty on-highway diesel engine product line. Other engines already certified are the C7, C9, C13 and C15.
International Truck and Engine Corp. confirmed plans to introduce a new family of Class 3-5 low-cab-forward trucks, beginning with production of a Class 4-5 product in early 2005.
Parker Hannifin Corp. has acquired Webb Enterprises from Hunter Manufacturing Co.
Goodyear Tire & Rubber announced that, under a three-year agreement, its tires will be standard on all Volvo trucks produced for North America.
TravelCenters of America has selected Mobil Delvac heavy-duty diesel lubricants, including Mobil Delvac 1300 Super and Mobil Delvac 1 synthetic, as its featured engine oils.
Castrol announced that two of its diesel engine oils – Castrol Hypuron S and Castrol Tection Extra – have met the requirements of the Mack EO-N Premium Plus ’03 oil specification.
ConocoPhillips introduced a new oil and air filter line called Pit Stop.
MEDIUM-DUTY ENGINES; HEAVY-DUTY TECHNOLOGY
With all eyes focused lately on lower-emitting, ’03 big-bore diesels, there hasn’t been much talk about medium-duty engines, which have had to meet their own emissions challenges for ’04. Here’s a look at what International has been up to.
The company has rolled out three new, in-line, common-platform, 6-cylinder engines: the 7.6-liter DT 466, and the 9.3-liter DT 570 and HT 570. The engines cover a horsepower range of 210 to 340. (For a complete list of horsepower and torque ratings on current-year medium- and heavy-duty engines, see page 28).
All three engines benefit from technologies first introduced on International’s VT 365 V8 diesel, including: a second-generation hydraulic-electronic unit fuel injection (G2) system; an electronically controlled, variable-rate (EVRT) turbocharger; four valves per cylinder; and available, integral, Diamond Logic engine and exhaust brakes.
The improved, common-rail fuel system uses electronically-controlled, hydraulically actuated injectors to deliver fuel, but does away with external high-pressure lines with joints that might leak.
The injection system uses the engine lubricating oil, rather than the camshaft, for actuation. A dedicated pump provides 3,000 psi oil to a common rail. Then, in the injector, the pressure is multiplied by 7, through the use of different diameter pistons. Finally, fuel is injected at 21,000 psi, greatly improving performance, International says. Also, the new injectors will work with up to 20 percent bio-diesel and low-lubricity jet fuel (Jet A and JP 8).
And, since the injectors are much smaller than the previous units, there is room for four valves per cylinder, for a more complete mix of fuel and air, which makes for more complete combustion. That should increase performance and lower emissions.
The EVRT turbo was designed to improve engine responsiveness and efficiency by using moveable vanes that pivot and adjust the turbo boost to engine speed and load. This, according to International, eliminates turbo lag throughout the entire operating range. The new turbo is electronically integrated with the engine and fuel systems for optimum performance.
International claims that the Diamond Logic engine brake is much quieter than competitive engine brakes, but it operates in a familiar fashion, using slave pistons over the exhaust valves to hold the exhaust valve open at the end of the compression stroke, thus releasing energy and slowing the vehicle. A selector switch offers drivers the option of switching between low, medium and high brake settings.
The Diamond Logic exhaust brake works through the EVRT turbo. By closing the adjustable vanes, system backpressure is created, providing braking horsepower almost identical to that of conventional exhaust brakes, without the need for additional devices. Both brake systems integrate with the cruise control to help keep the vehicle at desired speeds.
Separately, International announced last month that it has determined that all engines used in International trucks for the 2007 model year – its own engines in medium-duty trucks and suppliers’ engines in Class 8 trucks – will meet the federal nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions requirements without the need for selective catalytic reduction technology or NOx adsorbers. This path allows for less complex aftertreatment, International says.
HOLLAND GETS IT STRAIGHT
The Holland Group will introduce new trailer alignment technology on its soon-to-be released CB400 air suspension/slider for the North American van and reefer market. According to Holland, the Swing Align system will provide the quickest and most convenient axle alignment process in the industry.
The new system, which also incorporates a highly engineered cast trailing arm with new bushing technology, uses a lever with a pivot below the bushing, and a jack-bolt that moves the lever forward or rearward to move the trailing arms into the desired position.
According to Ken Griswold, trailer suspension product manager, turning the single bolt is all that’s necessary. The bushing through-bolt does not need to be loosened first, so bushing clamp load is never lost.
The new system should help tires wear longer, adds Pat McGurk, trailer suspension product management team director. “Since alignment is so easy, it’s likely to get done more often,” he says. The CB400, which also features Holland’s Qwik Release pin pull system, will be available during the first quarter of this year and will be distributed to trailer OEMs in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
TIA OFFERS TIRE SERVICE TRAINING
The Tire Industry Association has scheduled a series of back-to-back (same one-day program, two days in a row) Commercial Tire Service technician training and certification seminars for Winter ’04. The format allows companies to split their workforce so that all appropriate employees can attend without leaving the shop devoid of tire personnel.
The ’04 CTS Tour kicks off in Philadelphia Jan. 27-28 and concludes in Seattle on Feb. 26-27. The cost is $250 for each technician needing a copy of the TIA CTS Manual and $175 for each technician who already has one.
A complete list of locations and dates with registration information is available from TIA at THIS SITE.
EQUIPMENT PUZZLER
Welcome to a new addition to our Equipment department – the Equipment Puzzler. Each month, we will pose a challenging, equipment-related question. The first reader to e-mail [email protected] with the correct answer will receive a CCJ Air Brake Book, a chrome pen engraved with the CCJ logo and a mention in the following month’s Equipment department.
This month’s Puzzler:
How can changing air filters too often be detrimental
to engines?
