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2022, DEF, DPF, Emissions -

DEF Shortage and DPF Maintenance

DEF Shortage and DPF Maintenance

Be careful, plan ahead. The shortages our country is experiencing are making their way to diesel fuel and Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF).  If the current shortages of mechanics, trucks, and drivers does not improve then shortages may continue to get worse.  As an owner operator you should have oil and filters for at least 2 oil changes, a spare set of tires, and you should also stock up on a few extra gallons of DEF as well.  Since all new diesel engines in semi trucks from 2012 use DEF, a supply chain shortage of DEF could cripple an independent truck...

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2021, scr -

The lifespan of an SCR

The lifespan of an SCR

Repair shops struggle as the scarcity of replacement parts are keeping trucks in shops and drivers in waiting rooms. Here at Pittsburgh Power, we are feeling the impact of these shortages. It is maddening to know the issue but are unable to perform repairs because we can’t get the parts. Detroit’s One Box and the SCR catalyst for Cummins engines are among the many parts that are currently unavailable. In a few paragraphs I will briefly describe parts of the SCR system that fail and what can be done to extend the life of your system.  An SCR (selective catalyst...

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2021, Fuel -

Lightweighting & Bad Fuel

Lightweighting & Bad Fuel

If you’re looking for new ways to increase efficiency, one thing to keep in mind is the overall weight of the tractor. Lightweighting is a popular new trend fleets are using to increase fuel economy, but you can take advantage of leightweighting as well. Efficiency gained can be up to 0.5% to 0.6% for every 1,000 lbs. of weight reduction. If you manage to lose 4,000 pounds of weight, that’s a 2% MPG gain which is significant. Think of all the benefits of a lighter vehicle, less energy is needed to accelerate, brake, and change direction. In addition to using...

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2021, Injectors, Oil, OPS -

Common Rail Fuel Pressure & OPS

Common Rail Fuel Pressure & OPS

When you call us with engine or truck related problems, please help us help you. Know exactly what engine, transmission, and rear gear ratio you have. Also know your cruising RPM, cruising turbo boost, and peak turbo boost. I need this information to help you with fuel mileage questions.  If you are calling for a part such as a torsional damper, turbo, exhaust manifold, all of the above information is not necessary. Turbo boost tells us a lot about how your engine is performing, most trucks are not equipped with this gauge, the boost gauge kit is only $102.00 and...

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2021, Emissions, Gear Ratio -

Gearing Canadian Kenworth & Differences in Detroit and Cummins Aftertreatment Systems

Gearing Canadian Kenworth & Differences in Detroit and Cummins Aftertreatment Systems

What were they thinking, maybe the problem is they do not think? A client of ours is purchasing a new W900-L or W990 in the Toronto Canada area, the truck will be powered with an X-15 Cummins and the 18-speed transmission, which has a final drive of .73 thus making it a double overdrive transmission. The dealer has a 500 horsepower, 1750 torque at 950 RPM, however the rear gears are 3:70 with low pro 22.5 tires. Really? Are you kidding me? This spec dates back 30 years ago. With a peak torque at 950 RPM the best operating range...

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