Tag Archives | Diesel Trucks

?5 Accessories For Diesel Performance

Diesel performance has come a long way. Let’s face it, trucks have not always performed as well as they do today. Diesel engines originally were only good enough to run construction equipment. As technology advanced so did the uses, until today when we see trucks and even some cars powered by diesel.

With the popularity of diesel engines, there are many aftermarket accessories available to increase the performance of your diesel engine. Below are 5 of the most popular accessories for increasing diesel performance:

Diesel Performance Fuel Systems

The fuel system is a popular diesel performance upgrade that is usually done on most diesel trucks. Unfortunately most diesel trucks fuel tanks are mounted at least two feet below and ten feet away from the fuel pump and this can cause problems with the fuel delivery to the engine, one of the biggest ones is retarded timing. If you upgrade your fuel system to a diesel performance fuel system some of the benefits you will experience are; increased horsepower, increased fuel economy, reduced engine and cab noise and a smoother idle and quick throttle response.

Performance Exhaust Systems

Another major modification that is very popular for diesel trucks is to add a larger diameter and less restrictive exhaust system. A larger diameter and less restrictive exhaust system relieves back pressure on the engine because now it will not have to exert the effort as much effort to push the exhaust away. The main benefit of adding diesel performance exhaust system is better fuel economy and a longer lasting engine. This diesel performance accessory is especially important if you have already added a performance module because the exhaust system will help to keep temperatures lower, resulting in the engine not having to work as hard.

Diesel Fuel Injectors

One of the most popular accessories is upgrading to performance diesel fuel injectors. The main benefit to upgrading your fuel injectors is of course more power and better fuel economy. Diesel performance fuel injectors come in a wide variety of makes and models and can add up to 150hp to your diesel engine.

Diesel Performance Modules

Diesel performance modules are another accessory upgrade that is most commonly completed on a diesel engine. One of the benefits of adding a diesel performance module is the module can provide up to a 35% increase in torque and an additional 150 horsepower. It can also increase fuel mileage by about 10%. Another added benefit of installing a diesel performance module is that you will not have to reprogram the truck’s main computer chip. You can just install the performance module in any areas where there is a gap between the computer and fuel injection.

Cold Air Intake Systems

Upgrading the cold air intake system is another way to get great diesel performance out of your diesel truck. The cold air intake is sealed away from hot engine air and it is used to bring down the temperature of the air going into a diesel engine. The main benefit of installing a cold air intake is an increase of the power of the internal-combustion engine and with the higher percentage of fuel being burned the better it is for fuel economy.

?Diesel Generators – The Good, the Bad and the Ugly!

When an emergency strikes, your safety may depend on a reliable generator to kick in and save the day. Is a diesel generator the best type to use? There are many sizes and functions to a good diesel generator. Selecting the correct one for your needs will mean weighing up a few Pros and Cons.

Here are a few points to consider!

Good life expectancy A liquid cooled diesel generator will last longer than a gas powered generator. A correctly serviced generator should give you up to 20,000 hours of service compared to around 6000 hours for a gas powered unit.

Diesel Fuel is less expensive Prices will obviously vary depending on your location. Generally, the cost of diesel will be lower compared with other fuel types over the long haul. Most generator sets are designed for off-road use and are capable of running with the use of ‘construction grade’ diesel which is usually a more cost effective fuel.

Cold temperature tolerant Diesel fuel can easily operate in arctic level temperatures with the use of fuel additives.

Diesel fuel is safer Due to its low flash point it is difficult to set diesel fuel alight. The risk of fire or explosion is greatly reduced.

Marathon runner Diesel generators are designed and work best under load over long periods of time.

Readily available in emergencies Most, if not all emergency vehicles, trucks and equipment operate with diesel. This will mean a supply of fuel will more likely be available just when you need it most.

Efficient Consumption In the long run they will outpace an alternate fuel source generator such as gas.

On the down side you will need to take into account the following:

Noise In comparison to alternate powered generators a diesel generator will usually be noisier. Depending on the size and location of your preferred generator you may need to check and clarify local regulations before installing and using a large unit.

Pollution Diesel isn’t a 100% clean emission fuel. Exhaust extraction will need to be assessed appropriate to the type and location of the generator. Local regulations will also apply here.

Weight They are heavier than their counterpart gaseous operated generators.

Moisture averse Diesel fuel doesn’t like moisture. Running a generator with unclean fuel will cause maintenance challenges.

Selecting an appropriate generator is greatly influenced by its end purpose. Ultimately a diesel generator for long haul, emergency situations will be the best choice.

?How Used Diesel Generators Enable Telecom Companies to Keep The Telephones Ringing

The very nature of telecommunications ensures that its systems and reliability will never be easy to provide. Anyone working within the telecom industry understands that one of their greatest challenges will be to keep the cell tower sites powered and ready for service.

In some cases, the problem is getting power to the work site in order to actually build and power the cell tower. Getting work crews and equipment to the building site is generally a tough process, due mostly to the remoteness of cell phone tower locations. In some cases, the cell tower sites will be in the mountains or deep woods.

With the very remoteness of most building sites, having the electric companies string new power lines to the locations might be a process that will take weeks or months. But, progress cannot wait on the power company to get their new lines strung to the work site. Instead, the cell phone tower construction crews must make assurances that they will have the full amount of electric power they need, when they need it. This is the very reason why the construction industry relies so heavily on diesel power generator sets (or gensets) at their work sites.

As more cell towers are built, more consumers come to rely upon those new towers. This is the power of progress as we move forward. When the towers were originally erected, maybe only a few hundred people benefited from those towers coming online. But down the road one year, two years or five years, thousands or tens or thousands of consumers will notice when those towers break down.

This is why telecom providers have found it necessary to foresee worst-case scenarios and prepare contingency plans to address those scenarios. Natural disasters are the most common reason why electric utility services break down, so they are the most frequent scenarios for contingency plans.

* Oklahoma saw this kind of disaster on May 3rd, 1999, when a F5 tornado swept through Central Oklahoma and into the Oklahoma City metropolitan area.

* At various times, utility and telecommunication companies in Canada and most of the United States, including those in the Deep South, have had to confront major system repairs in the aftermath of an ice storm. Under the weight of the frozen sleet on power lines, most power poles simple collapsed under the enormous weight of the ice.

* In 2005, Hurricane Katrina ravaged Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama, bringing devastation to homes, businesses and the entire infrastructure in the region. Although much of the infrastructure in the Gulf States has been returned to pre-Katrina status, the business and residential areas are still widely in a state of perpetual flux.

In all of these natural disasters, the infrastructure took a heaving pounding. Electric, natural gas, and cable companies suffered heavy losses. The telecommunications industry also suffered heavy losses with the loss of power to nearly the entire infrastructure, and they also lost a few towers. Despite the loss of many cell towers to these disasters, the greatest loss to telecommunication revenues was the loss of electrical power to the cell phone towers.

In many instances, the cell towers could have continued delivering essential communications support to rescue crews, had telecoms employed more power generators at their cell tower sites.

Diesel power generators tend to be used most often in remote locations or mobile gensets. Natural gas gensets are better employed at factories and other stationary buildings within the current natural gas infrastructure.

Facing the challenge of keeping essential power flowing does not need to be a daunting task. 2000 kW diesel generators are able to provide all of the power needed in most situations. Because diesel engine gensets are long lasting and reliable, the obvious choice for many experts in the telecom industry is to locate and invest in used diesel generators, to provide the backup power supplies they need for their cell phone towers.

Some who are reading this are likely to wonder why they should purchase a used diesel generator when they could rent or lease one that is new. Others will recognize the following benefits immediately:

1. Gensets built with a diesel engine are made to last. The engines run at a low RPM level, they are water-cooled and, as a result, they run tens of thousands of hours before requiring a significant amount of maintenance or repair work. When some companies inevitably go under, low-hour diesel generators become available at significantly reduced prices. By buying low-hour diesel generators, most purchases are able to gain all of the benefits of having a new genset, but at a lower price.

2. Purchasing a used diesel generator is often more cost-effective than renting a new generator for a set amount of time. The benefit here is used low-hour generators are just as efficient as their new counterparts, but are less expensive and the savings add up quickly.

3. Because large gensets, such as 2000 kW diesel generators are mounted on a trailer, they are tow ready and you can put them where you need them, when you need them. When one owns a used diesel generator, they will not have to ask permission or re-negotiate a contract with the supplier if they need to move the electric generator to a different work site.

When buying cars and trucks, it frequently makes more sense to invest in brand-new vehicles, but when buying a diesel power generator, used is frequently the better choice. Low-hour diesel generators are much cheaper than new units; they permit their owners more flexibility in their use – flexibility that they cannot rely on while leasing equipment; and used diesel generator sets will be as reliable as any of the new genset units.

The best advantage of buying diesel power generators to supply the energy needs of a cell phone tower is that the telecom managers can put aside any concerns they may have about keeping power to their cell towers, enabling the telecom managers to focus their time and attention on those matters that will help them to improve their services and increase their profits.

?Diesel Fuel Prices Getting To You Or Bad Fleet Fuel Auditing

Fleet management it is essential to have auditing of fueling purchases.

Your company has worked hard to get the right fleet fuel program in place. You have picked the right fleet credit card provider, and you may have negotiated and set up some fueling discounts with your fleet card provider, mobile fueling company or truck stop provider. However, the fleet management task has only just begun to be able to maximize on lower diesel fuel prices.

Companies often neglect to monitor their fleet management programs following the original set-up. Some companies do review fleet card transactions or exception reports. However, do they review all reports, check for duplicate transactions, or confirm discounts are applied properly? Many companies cannot perform this level of scrutiny because they lack the time or tools to check. How should companies audit diesel and gas invoices?

Anyone that is reading this article who is in the fleet management solutions department clearly knows that your company:

� Won’t pay for fueling data because it appears expensive. � You have other jobs so nobody is 100% dedicated to your fuel management system� You’re in a job with fueling that you don’t have a strong background or no background� The field operations people have less time or experience then you do about diesel fuel prices� No time, no communication, poor data and you have a bad situation in fueling department

Audits Require Time & Data

Staff time and access to relevant fueling data are the first elements in a successful purchase & auditing fuel management system for your company.

A few tips to facilitate this process include:

* Subscribe to a fuel price service.

* Have a “”sense”” of the fueling market.

* Hire an outside service to review your fuel management program.

Diesel price data is available through Oil Price Information Service (OPIS), Data Transmission Service (DTN), or other diesel fuel prices published daily at a local level. Broader-range indices, such as the New York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX), Department of Energy (DOE), and the Automobile Club, provide national diesel pricing.

While these national services offer a big picture view of diesel prices, they can also obscure the various price differentials distinguishing one area from another. Local indices provide more accurate fueling price data.

These services are not cheap to purchase, but they are essential to a successful fuel management program.

Detecting Duplicates

Duplicate transactions are another fuel management program invoicing issue to track. These errors occur more frequently than commonly realized. When hundreds of thousands of fueling transactions are produced each day, mistakes happen. If invoices are not monitored carefully, a fleet manager can miss duplicate transactions, and there’s a good chance the fleet fuel card provider won’t catch the mistakes as well or the fuel card company made the mistake. With fueling transactions being processed in ‘real time””, batched, file delays and other ways that would only make you scared, you bet there are mistakes all of the time.

Guidelines in monitoring fuel reports include:

* Develop a good “”feel”” for the monthly volume and transaction count.

* If purchased volume or transactions are higher than normal, dig deeper into reports.

* Randomly sample 5 percent of monthly fleet invoices and closely review the selected transactions.

Again, it is all about time, resources, experience we do fuel analysis and fuel audits on all fueling transactions.

Implement Checks & Balances

Fuel is among fleet’s top five expenses, and hundreds to tens of thousands of transactions happen each month as part of a fuel program. Successful programs require a good checks-and-balances system. One of the best checks is performing monthly fleet fuel audits of the fleet management operation.

A fleet might have trucks fueling off-road equipment or reefer units, putting all that volume on the same transaction. One fleet fuel card for each truck, equipment, reefer, small tank, etc, is recommended to accurately capture every drop of fuel and where it went. A few fuel card providers will allow for another transaction to be attached to the on road diesel fuel.

Accurate records of where the fuel is used are critical. If on-road fuel is used in an off-road application, as much as 50 cents per gallon or more in extra, unnecessary taxes could be spent. In other words, fuel tax should be paid when fuel is purchased, but accurate record keeping allows fleets to file for a tax refund with the federal and state government. Those 50 cents per gallon can add up quickly. You don’t want to give up that kind of money anymore than you don’t want to buy diesel fuel additives.

Another critical benefit of accurate record keeping is the ability to spot incidents of fuel theft. Most companies would downplay the possibility employees would steal from them. However, the national rate for fuel theft is 1.5 percent of a company’s fuel budget on overall fuel purchases. That rate rises to more than 3 percent when dealing with a fleet of gasoline-powered vehicles. The more controls in place, the greater the control over one of fleet’s top expenses.

Giving Money Away

An old expression holds that what isn’t inspected is not respected. By neglecting to perform daily fuel management audits on fleet fuel purchases, companies could be literally giving money away. It would not be surprising for someone like myself to see thousands of dollars a day go away from a company in fuel savings because it has been stolen. Companies think they have good diesel fuel prices or their fuel cards are protecting them. Don’t be so na�ve, it could be costing your fuel management department or I should say company a lot of money.

Most often, fuel invoice errors are not the result of unethical business practices or nefarious individual actions. Generally, errors are the result of an incorrect account set-up or account change. If invoice numbers are not audited, they look like what they are – simple numbers. However, when fleet managers “”peel back”” the first “”layer”” and take a deeper look, comparing the numbers to a benchmark, the figures become numbers with a purpose.

?4×4 Trucks – Look Beyond the Gloss Before You Buy

4×4 trucks for sale are often presented to potential buyers with a fine sheen. Learn to look past that sheen with these clever tips for inspecting used 4×4 trucks.

When you analyze 4×4 trucks for sale, make sure you to take a good long look at how hard the previous owner pushed that vehicle. This can be subtle sometimes, especially if you are looking at a truck at an auto dealer. Dealerships often sanitize the truck with things like a nice cleaning on the interior and pressure cleaning of the engine.

Brake Pedal Wear

So here are some things you can look for regardless of how well the dealer tries to hide them. Take a close look at the used diesel truck’s brake pedal. How worn is it? In particular, how worn is it on the right edge of the pedal? Wear there indicates frequent stop and go driving, which is just another way to excessively age a truck and burn it out.

4×4 Truck Tires

Another thing to look at is the tires. They may seem superficial, but in fact tires tell a lot about the truck’s past and recent history. For example, if you are looking at a used truck and it has brand new tires, you should be very suspicious. Tires for a diesel truck are expensive and not at all a wise investment for a seller. If they put new tires on the truck they are probably hiding something.

What is the size of the tires? People often like to put extra big tires on their trucks. What they often do not realize is that this puts extra stress on the transmission. Transmissions are tuned for a certain size and weight of tire at the factory. Go beyond that size and weight and you need to change the transmission, which is a costly change so most owners don’t do it.

So if the truck you’re looking at has over-sized tires but the owner doesn’t have any record indicating transmission work, then you are probably looking at truck in need of expensive transmission work. You are also looking at truck that has been owned and maintained by someone who either does not know what he is doing or is too irresponsible to do it right.

Examine the Exhaust System

One last and almost full-proof way to check how hard the truck has been driven is to get underneath and check the bolts on the exhaust system out from the engine. If any bolts are broken or missing, then this truck engine has been driven hard and hot. A sign of wear here can mean heavily stressed valves and piston rings, even if you can’t see or hear signs of it yet. Stay clear of such a truck. There are better ones out there.

I hope this helps you better understand how to look past the superficial gloss of how that dealer tries to present his 4×4 trucks for sale. There are a lot of trucks for sale out there, so you don’t need to invest your time or money on one that has been driven and burned this hard.

?Diesel Engines – Tap the Advantage!

If you own a diesel powered vehicle, you probably appreciate the inherent qualities of this type of engine. More torque, better fuel economy, easier maintenance are some of the attributes of owning a diesel powered vehicle. Still, some motorists complain about the engine’s weak power, particularly when accelerating from a full stop. What you may not know is that a diesel engine can be tweaked to produce more power without harming fuel economy. Let’s take a look at diesel engines and what you can do to squeeze out more power.

Thanks to the work of one man, Rudolf Diesel, we have a choice when it comes to driving. Besides hybrid or rotary engines, the chief way most vehicles run is via a gasoline powered internal combustion engine. However, with Diesel’s 1892 patent of the engine that bears his name, diesel power has played a significant role in powering buses and trucks across North America. Some passenger vehicles, particularly pick up trucks, are also diesel powered giving motorists an option to gasoline.

Diesel engines have the following advantages over their gasoline counterparts:

Diesels use air compression to create combustion versus the air/fuel mixture required by gasoline powered cars. This attribute means that diesel engines do not require spark plugs and thus do not have to be tuned up.

Diesel fuel has a higher fuel density than gasoline resulting in fuel economy increases of 20-30% over comparable gasoline powered models.

Diesel engines are cheaper to maintain as they have less parts vs. a gasoline engine. The lifespan of a diesel engine is also significantly longer.

If it is torque you need, particularly for pulling a boat, camper, or equipment, than a diesel engine has the advantage. A diesel engine is definitely slower especially when starting from a dead stop, but when climbing hills or going over bridges, your diesel powered vehicle can definitely handle the challenge.

So, why aren’t more vehicles built in North America diesel powered? A few reasons including:

Stricter emissions control standards. Diesel engines pollute more, so not many manufacturers have improved upon the technology to produce an engine that is environmentally friendly. However, several upcoming engines from VW and others may change all of that.

Not enough power. Yes, a common complaint, even with turbo diesels, is that the engines are not powerful enough. North American drivers are accustomed to getting on the highway with a minimum amount of effort. With a diesel engine, it can take as much as twice as long to get up to full speed.

Fortunately, several aftermarket product developers are helping motorists squeeze out more power from their diesel engines. Performance programmers, made for specific diesel engines, are helping motorists see a nice spike in horsepower as well as increases in torque. The beauty of some of these aftermarket parts is that they don’t harm fuel economy. In fact, some claim to help improve it.

Yes, the number of diesel powered passenger vehicles presently on North American highways is presently very small; however with newer, cleaner and stronger engines on the way, you may soon find yourself opting for a diesel powered vehicle too.

?How to Choose a Pickup Truck

The trucks of the past were fairly basic. They were without a variety of options for choosing and they all looked pretty similar. Although there were variations in styles of the automakers but a truck was a truck.

This modern era has changed things completely. Plenty of choices are available for the drivers nowadays. They vary from basic work trucks designed for carrying cargo to option-filled trucks that competes with a luxury sedan.

The question arises how to choose a right pickup truck. One way for getting started is to take time for analyzing the wants and needs.

Do You Have a Favorite Automaker?

If one has a good automaker and the automaker builds trucks then that is the proper place to start.

The references in the index of ‘Truck By Manufacturer’ are arranged yearly and by automaker. Reviews, facts, features, options and specifications can be found. They are enough to give a better overview of what is offered by each truck.

Compact Truck or Full Size Truck?

Compact trucks are smaller in size as compared to full size trucks. They have the power to usually tow a weight of about 3,000 pounds; this is the weight that appropriate for many trailers and towing tasks. If one has more heavy towing needs then a mid-size or full size truck is a better option.

As compared to size, mid-size pickups and full-size of compact trucks can be relatively close in size with each other. The finest way for understanding how they compare to each other in respect to interior and exterior size is to compare them on dealer lots.

The compact trucks generally get better gas mileage than as compared to the full size trucks. Although EPA Fuel Economy Ratings should also be checked to confirm average mileage statistics but the actual mileage will be different.

It should be made sure that the interior space of a compact truck is spacious enough to meet the needs.

Engine Choices

Engines of four-cylinder and six-cylinder can be found in compact trucks. More variety is offered in full-size trucks available with six-cylinders, diesels, V8s and V10s.

Drive train Options

Many trucks in the market are available with either a manual or an automatic transmission and there is a choice of 2WD and 4WD. There are many trucks that offer limited-slip or locking differentials and electronic traction control. The options that are becoming increasingly popular are the safety options that are available on new pickup trucks.

The Seating Needs

Several trucks are available in cab styles; this makes one able to find what suits the seating needs.

A standard cab truck comes in one bench or two bucket seats, there is no second row seating and usually and there is also no considerable storage behind the seats.

The extended cab truck has jump seats; there is also a bench seat at the back. It must be made sure to sit at the back while someone else drives the truck so that one feels its seating comfort. Extra space for carrying groceries or other luggage behind the first row is also provided in the extended cabs. They are weather proof and can be locked for security.

The crew cab truck comes in full seating of second row; there are four doors that swing open towards the front. Crew cabs are getting popular as more and more people started using pickup trucks as their primary vehicle. Tundra CrewMax of Toyota has a deep second row; it is spacious enough for rear seats to stretch out. The Dodge Ram Mega Cab that started in 2009 also offers rear seats that recline.

?Diesel Chips – How Much Money Can They Save You?

Diesel Chips have been around for a long time. Mostly to add power to a diesel truck. Men would go out and get their diesel trucks “”chipped”” in order to get more power or speed out of a diesel engines. But lets talk about why a diesel chip can actually save you money. A diesel chip can save you money in three areas RPM’s, Fuel Injection, and Shift points.

RPM’s are the Revolutions Per Minute in an engine. The more revolutions, the more work you engine is doing and the more gas it burns. A diesel chip can be programed to lower the top speed or acceleration for a diesel truck. By changing the acceleration and top speed then your every day RPM height will drop. This will give you better fuel economy.

A diesel chip can also save you money by changing the amount of fuel that is being injected with every pump of a piston. If you decrease the amount of fuel that that you engine uses with every explosion ten you in will get better gas economy. And if you decided that you would like to switch back to a more powerful setting at any time a chip can be easy configured to return to its original setting. So you can save money when you want to and spend it when you want to.

Last, a diesel chip can be programmed to change the shifting point of an engine. This will allow for shifting at the best point for fuel economy instead of for power. So if you have a diesel truck and you want to save a little bit of money, invest in a diesel chip so you can save money when you don’t need all the power of a diesel truck. Don’t worry you can turn the power back on at any time, just in case you do need all that power to pull something.

If can add even 5 miles per gallon to your fuel economy on your diesel truck then you can save 25×5 miles per gas tank you use. That’s 125 miles that you drove extra on each tank of gas. Do the math, a diesel chip can be a good investment and not just a toy for a diesel truck.

?4X4 Lifted Diesel Trucks: Successful Buying Negotiation Tips

For new 4×4 lifted diesel trucks, a dealership would be the first point of contact. Certain models are typically available with body spacer type lift kits with lifts from one to four inches. Purchasing this type of 4×4 truck with a lift already installed is a quick way to get the vehicle you are seeking.

Research special incentives and other offers from the manufacturer before visiting the dealership. You want to know what your options are before talking to the sales person. The sales person will be aware of these offers as well, but knowing them in advance can help give you an advantage during price discussions.

Another option is to find 4×4 lifted trucks for sale by owner. These may have diesel powered engines, or they might use gasoline or other fuel. Diesel engines are typically preferred for towing or other heavy duty applications because they produce more power at lower engine speed than comparable gasoline engines.

When looking at a diesel trucks for sale, it is important to test drive the vehicle. Pay attention to any poor handling or odd sounds, as these can indicate underlying problems with the vehicle. Then tell your mechanic about anything you noticed. The mechanic should inspect the vehicle carefully to look for any issues.

The test drive and inspection will typically reveal most major existing problems with the used truck. Then these items can make for good discussion with the seller during negotiation on the price. Sometimes the seller is not aware of the existing problems with the vehicle.

Also make note of any maintenance records. If maintenance records are not available, you can only assume that major maintenance was not performed. Diesel engines can introduce fair amounts of soot into the engine oil, so it is important that the engine oil was changed regularly with a quality heavy duty engine oil. The engine oil needs to meet the manufacturer’s specifications, especially on late model diesel trucks that have exhaust particulate filters. And this requirement is even more important if the engine is turbocharged.

Also watch for modifications that might have been made to the diesel truck. For example, propane injection and performance tuners made by companies such as Bully Dog are popular with diesel enthusiasts. If the truck has an automatic transmission, these modifications can cause it to slip.

The clutch packs in the transmission can withstand only so much torque before they slip, and diesel engines produce relatively high amounts of torque at low speeds already. The addition of performance tuners can push the torque above what the automatic transmission can handle.

?Diesel – The New Muscle Car

The muscle car era hit Americans roughly around 1964. It was a race between Detroit automakers to produce the meanest, fastest, most powerful cars on the street. Cars were rated by the rumble coming from under the hood, not just how they looked on the outside. The young generation of drivers wanted a car that had plenty of horsepower, could lay down 2 strips of rubber a mile long, and was able to barrel down the 1/4 mile faster than anyone else. But that period in time slowly faded out and by the mid-70’s was over with.

Have Americans entered a new muscle car age? No…but they have been introduced to a muscle truck. The light duty diesel market has produced some very powerful machines in recent years and the race is on to produce the most powerful diesel powered truck. The big 3 are fighting (not literally) for the top spot, and in such a poor economy you most definitely need popularity. Though it is debatable, I believe the diesel market to have received its biggest boost in popularity somewhere around 2003. It was 2003 that the 6.0 liter Power Stroke diesel was introduced into Ford pickups, and the jack rabbit acceleration of these trucks seemed to have started the torque wars between automakers. Imagine a 6,000 pound vehicle capable of out-performing (in every aspect) any gas powered truck on the street (with the exception of a few high-end sports trucks being offered). Not to mention, there are not many cars coming off the lot these days that could come anywhere near matching the performance of these vehicles.

What is truly fascinating about the new diesel trucks is their power potential. With fairly simple upgrades, these trucks can put out 500+ rear wheel horsepower without any internal modifications. How many gasoline engines can do that? And for the diesel enthusiast, a 700-1000 HP daily driver is no longer just a dream; its a reality! The parts and information necessary to turn your heavy hauler into a street machine have long been available. The potential of these engines has increased the popularity of diesel motor sports, including drag racing and sled pulling.

Sadly, we may have seen the end of our second “”muscle car”” era. The government is cracking down on diesel emissions and this has eliminated much of the power potential through the use of aftermarket parts. However, the diesel market is far from dead, and with every major automaker moving towards diesel powered vehicles, who knows where this could lead…round 3? With the big 3 increasing horsepower ratings to 350 HP recently, the diesel truck market is still booming despite being hurt by new emissions requirements. At this rate, it will not be long before Ford, Chevy, and Dodge are selling 500 horsepower diesel powered trucks…and possibly cars?

?Helpful Ideas From a Ford Diesel Truck Owner

I have a 94 Ford Diesel truck and in the last 14 years, I have added a coupe and a sedan to the family line up of cars. Previously, I had not thought twice about keeping the old truck around, but lately the cost of fuel has me thinking about what to do with my truck. I thought about selling it, but saw the price new and old trucks are garnering and decided to look elsewhere for some ways to get more out of my old truck.

1. Offer in town moving services: Craigslist and other online classified services are chopped full of people selling furniture, mechanical equipment and other heavy items that are not easy to transport. What’s missing on CL is an abundance of people offering moving services to get items from point A to point B. This is particularly true in major cities where there is good transit and many people don’t have cars like NYC and San Francisco. So take a moment post an ad, wake up a few hours early next weekend and make some money and help a few people out.

2. Rent it out: Every once and again people need a truck to move things and you might not have the time to help, but what you do have is a hearty ford diesel truck (any truck will do, but you see where my loyalty lies) and for a few extra dollars a month, you can change your insurance coverage to include business use. As most car/truck rental locations will charge $100+ per day and another arm and a leg for insurance, now is your chance to undercut them and make some money.

3. Short distance car hauls: So this one might not be for everyone, but if you like to do some traveling and can spare an extra day of vacation every month, why not take a few road trips next year. With major auto shipping carriers charging upwards of $500 for short hauls from Vegas to Phoenix, Phoenix to Los Angeles etc. now is time to jump in and tow someone’s car. A simple hitch and a few extra dollars on insurance and you are set.

These are just a few basic ideas to think about making money using your truck on the weekends. For the most part, there might be some cash outlays involved in getting some of these ideas rolling, but if your truck is paid off and in good working condition, you can make some pretty easy money without sacrificing much more than your free time. If you have suggestions or other ideas on how to get the most out of your truck, please drop me a line.

?Diesel – The New Muscle Car

The muscle car era hit Americans roughly around 1964. It was a race between Detroit automakers to produce the meanest, fastest, most powerful cars on the street. Cars were rated by the rumble coming from under the hood, not just how they looked on the outside. The young generation of drivers wanted a car that had plenty of horsepower, could lay down 2 strips of rubber a mile long, and was able to barrel down the 1/4 mile faster than anyone else. But that period in time slowly faded out and by the mid-70’s was over with.

Have Americans entered a new muscle car age? No…but they have been introduced to a muscle truck. The light duty diesel market has produced some very powerful machines in recent years and the race is on to produce the most powerful diesel powered truck. The big 3 are fighting (not literally) for the top spot, and in such a poor economy you most definitely need popularity. Though it is debatable, I believe the diesel market to have received its biggest boost in popularity somewhere around 2003. It was 2003 that the 6.0 liter Power Stroke diesel was introduced into Ford pickups, and the jack rabbit acceleration of these trucks seemed to have started the torque wars between automakers. Imagine a 6,000 pound vehicle capable of out-performing (in every aspect) any gas powered truck on the street (with the exception of a few high-end sports trucks being offered). Not to mention, there are not many cars coming off the lot these days that could come anywhere near matching the performance of these vehicles.

What is truly fascinating about the new diesel trucks is their power potential. With fairly simple upgrades, these trucks can put out 500+ rear wheel horsepower without any internal modifications. How many gasoline engines can do that? And for the diesel enthusiast, a 700-1000 HP daily driver is no longer just a dream; its a reality! The parts and information necessary to turn your heavy hauler into a street machine have long been available. The potential of these engines has increased the popularity of diesel motor sports, including drag racing and sled pulling.

Sadly, we may have seen the end of our second “”muscle car”” era. The government is cracking down on diesel emissions and this has eliminated much of the power potential through the use of aftermarket parts. However, the diesel market is far from dead, and with every major automaker moving towards diesel powered vehicles, who knows where this could lead…round 3? With the big 3 increasing horsepower ratings to 350 HP recently, the diesel truck market is still booming despite being hurt by new emissions requirements. At this rate, it will not be long before Ford, Chevy, and Dodge are selling 500 horsepower diesel powered trucks…and possibly cars?

?4 Ways Obama Has Not Done a Good Job Up to This Point in Trucking

Obama signed the 2009 Omnibus Appropriations bill, which included a provision to end the Department of Transportation’s trucking project.

Which was supposed to allow 100 Mexican carriers to do business beyond the border zone in the United States, and a reciprocal number of U.S. carriers to do the same in Mexico. This was a trucking plan started by the Bush administration.

Job creation:

Now this same administration is trying to put in another cross-border plan for trucking. With a unemployment rate still above 9% it’s hard to imagine Obama wanting to implement another cross border trucking plan with Mexico to eliminate even more jobs.

The Obama administration keeps claiming it is creating jobs, but where are they? “”While Democrats promised their 2009 stimulus would create 3.7 million jobs, the reality is far different, to date, 2.6 million jobs, including 2.5 million private sector jobs, have been lost.”” This was posted August 21, 2010.

The United States Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood “”touts”” that this new cross-border trucking plan with Mexico is going to create jobs. But, it does not take a genius to see that by allowing Mexican trucks into the US will cut jobs.

Steve Russell, chief executive officer of Indianapolis-based Celadon Group Inc., which serves the U.S., Canada and Mexico said, “”The theory behind cross-border trucking is that one tractor would replace three.”” in a recent article. I know my math is not perfect, but that looks like it will remove jobs from the trucking industry in both countries.

This new cross-border trucking plan with Mexico seems to me like is only going to help Mexico truck drivers, and lesson the cost on imports and exports. “”U.S. truckers that want to take advantage of a cross-border accord also may able to reduce labor costs by hiring Mexican drivers, who earn about half of what their U.S. counterparts are paid,”” Femsa Logistica’s Theissen said in another recent article.

Environmental issues:

The US trucking industry is strict on environmental issues that deal with exhaust from the US trucks. So strict that it put many owner-operators out of the trucking business, and caused many companies to have to renew their fleet of trucks to meet the standards also putting some companies out. Plus, it has also caused many states to impose very costly “”No-Idling”” laws for truck drivers – some without regard to the drivers rest necessities.

“”Most trucks in Mexico, whether owned by U.S. companies or Mexican carriers, don’t meet the proposed air-quality requirements to cross the border,”” said Salvador Saavedra, president of the automobile industry sector of the National Manufacturing Industry Chamber, a Mexico City business group.

So are Mexican trucks able to meet U.S. environmental standards? Not according to Juan Carlos Munoz, the president of Mexico’s National Chamber of Motor Transport of Freight, in a recent article he said, “”Mexican trucks cannot meet U.S. environmental emissions standards, which effectively shuts them out of the market. Mexican oil companies do not have sufficient capacity to supply the diesel suitable for these new technologies that is required by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.””

Safety and Security:

The fact that a cross-border program is in any stage of development does not sit well with the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) leadership. “”With all the talk about the need for every initiative to create jobs, it’s absolutely shocking,”” said OOIDA Executive Vice President Todd Spencer. “”The only jobs this ill-conceived idea can create are for non-citizens who will take jobs away from U.S. citizens.””

Coupled with the fact that the program would threaten U.S. trucking jobs, Spencer is equally concerned about the safety and security of truckers and U.S. highway users alike. “”It’s a pipe dream that the safety and security issues can be resolved, given the general state of disarray or war that exists in Mexico,”” he said.

So how is this all suppose to create jobs, again?

Diesel Price increase; results more job losses:

I have not even mentioned the fact that the White Houses continuing drill moratorium on deep-water drilling in the Gulf of Mexico, will undoubtedly cause fuel prices to continue to sky-rocket, which will likely cause even more truck drivers to go out of business, and more companies to close resulting in even more jobs lost.

What I don’t understand is we need to QUIT BUYING foreign oil, but Obama has stopped drilling in the Gulf of Mexico – which is our oil. Obama has been obsessed with passing a “”clean”” or renewable”” energy bill since he took his oath of office.

The first manifestation of that desire was the poorly drafted and ill-fated “”cap and trade”” bill rushed through the House early in his presidency. The legislation was so flawed that it never was brought up for a vote in the Senate. After running into other energy policy dead ends, the Obama administration tried a new gambit.

By executive order he reopened the door for some expansion of drilling on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) and used that action as leverage to try to get members of Congress from energy-producing states to assist him in passing what he could claim to be a “”clean energy”” bill.

That idea was upset a month later when the Deep-water Horizon erupted in the Gulf. Obama then shifted his strategy. He tried to use the spill to build public pressure on Congress to pass an aggressive “”green energy”” bill. That went nowhere, and the Obama administration shut down OCS drilling. The president still seeks his Holy Grail of a renewable energy bill. His problem lies not just with Republicans. His energy policies mean disasters to many Democrats from energy-producing states as well.

So we see Obama’s agenda to make us greener, but he is also costing millions of jobs in the process. Going green is a good idea, just not now. Right now we can not afford to go green, but we could gradually change, but to do it over-night is a ludicrous idea.

Obama’s intentions may have been for the good, but his failed attempts are putting the US deeper and deeper in debt. And now with this cross-border trucking plan coming into the picture – he is going to be putting you and me in danger on the roads. With fuel prices going up, and “”CHEAP”” labor being allowed into the US by way of Mexican truckers – who do you think these companies are going to want to hire to haul their freight? Expensive US truckers – or the “”El-Cheapo trucking”” company from Mexico?

Mexico is not even within the same planet in comparison to Safety regulations that US truckers endure. So, how much safety do you imagine goes into a Mexican trucking fleet? Congress needs to hear from you about this cross-border trucking plan.

There are many different reasons why a trucking program with Mexico is a bad idea. The following are just a few things that public officials need to know:

The burden should be on Mexico to raise the regulatory standards of their trucking industry, not on the U.S. to lower ours or find ways to accommodate their trucking companies and drivers.
Every year, U.S. truckers are burdened with new safety, security and environmental regulations. Those regulations come with considerable compliance costs. Mexico-domiciled trucking companies and drivers do not contend with a similar regulatory regime in their home country nor must they contend with the corresponding regulatory compliance costs that burden U.S. truckers.
To date Mexico has failed to institute regulations and enforcement programs that are even remotely similar to those in the United States
To ensure the safety and security of U.S. citizens, Mexico-domiciled trucking companies and truck drivers must be required to comply with the same level of safety, security and environmental standards that already apply to U.S.-based companies and drivers, NOT ONLY WHILE OPERATING IN THE U.S. BUT ALSO IN THEIR HOME COUNTRY.
Without a level playing field with Mexico, thousands of U.S. jobs will be lost if a cross-border trucking program is initiated at this time.To reach your Senators and your Representative in the House, call the U.S. Capitol switchboard at (202) 224-3121, provide the operator with your home zip code. The operator will connect you with the offices of your elected representatives.

?Daily Forklift Truck Maintenance

Many businesses require a forklift truck for their day to day operation. A forklift truck can be a valuable piece of machinery for any business involved in, or planning to be involved in, the movement of heavy goods and materials. Forklifts are used extensively, and there are many different types of machine, each more suited to a specific job that the next. Fuel type is one such consideration in the process of selecting the correct machine for the application. Forklifts are available as diesel, gas or electric, regardless of fuel type all require daily maintenance checks to ensure the safety and smooth running of the vehicle on a day to day basis. The following article provides an overview of what these checks should include for each fuel type, and who should carry them out.

Anyone involved in the operation of a forklift truck should be qualified to do so. This is a legal requirement much like obtaining a driving licence. Furthermore qualifying to operate one type of truck, does not cover the same operator to drive another. For example a licence for a telescopic handler would not cover the same operator to drive a rough terrain forklift truck. This is important to take note of, if your business requires the use of a number of different types of machine. Ensure that any operators have taken a conversion course to cover any additional truck types they are required to drive (see earlier article for more details on forklift truck driver training). A key component of any forklift truck training course, and one of the first elements to be taught is the routine daily checks, which must be performed on the machine prior to use. This is the case for diesel, gas or electric trucks, for which the following checks should be performed:

Electric

Check battery electrolyte levels after charging battery
Check hydraulic oil level
Check all wheel nuts for tightness
Inspect hoses for leaks and damage
Visually inspect tyres for damage and inflation pressure
Top up batteries with distilled water/di-ionised

Additionally ensure that batteries are recharged after each shift, and avoid engaging in random charging.

Diesel / Gas

Check radiator water level
Check engine oil level
Check all wheel nuts for tightness
Check fuel level
Visually check water trap
Inspect hoses for leaks and damage
Examine tyres visually for damage and inflation pressure

Ensuring that the above checks are carried out not only prolong the life and ensure the safety of your forklift truck, they also reduce any costs incurred. Any neglect or misuse of a forklift will result in damage and hence unnecessary costs, therefore it is wise to make sure operators sign off on such duties on a daily basis.

In summary making certain that your machine is well maintained, and daily checks carried out, can not only prolong the life of any machine the business owns and ensure safety is preserved, but also make sure that additional costs are not incurred and the smooth running of your business is ensured.

?”Green” Chevy Parts for the Future

The Chevrolet brand is an enduring success in the American automobile industry. Founded by Louis Chevrolet and Wiliam Durant in 1911, Chevrolet continues to roll out vehicles known for their aggressive styling, power and reliability – all sporting Chevrolet’s world famous ‘bow-tie’ logo. Chevrolet is General Motor’s most popular and top-selling marque, currently offering 19 vehicles in its line including the Corvette, Impala, and Silverado. Chevrolet has invented many features that are now standards in car manufacturing such as articulated brakes and independent front suspension.

The Chevrolet story is one of opposing visions. Louis Chevrolet wanted to produce luxury vehicles while William Durant pushed for more affordable models like Ford’s runaway bestseller, the Model T. Louis prevailed and in 1912 the company introduced its first car to the public, the Classic Six – a roomy, five passenger sedan with a top speed of 65 miles per hour. But in 1915, while Louis was on vacation, William altered the production and introduced the Chevrolet “”490″” to challenge the Model T. This caused a falling out with Louis, who then left the company. Chevrolet was merged with General Motors in 1918, the same year it sold its first truck, the Model 490 Light Delivery. It has since then diversified its offerings from SUVs to subcompacts – a legacy from Durant who pioneered the system of a multi-brand car company.

Chevrolet’s focus is the adoption of environment-friendly technology, in line with American automakers’ commitment to make one-half of the vehicles produced flexible fuel of bio-diesel capable by 2012. Versions of the 2007 Chevy Impala and the 2007 Chevy Avalance will use flexifuel or E85 ethanol, a renewable fuel made from corn which is a blend of 85 ethanol and 15 percent diesel. E85 ethanol reduces the emission of greenhouse gases and lessens the need for petroleum. It has a higher octane rating than gasoline which means better vehicle performance, the 2006 Chevy Silverado Hybrid Pickup Truck has a hybrid engine. Hybrid vehicles use a combination of electriciy stored in a battery and a combustion engine powered by diesel.

There are currently different strategies for hybrid cars. In Chevrolets, as with most GM hybrid cars, the battery part is charged when the car is moving and when the vehicle stops (during a red light for example), it switches to electric power from the battery. The long term plan is to do away with fossil fuels like diesel and gasoline altogether. In September 2006, Chevrolet announced the arrival of Sequel, its first petroleum-free vehicle that runs purely on hydrogen derived from water. This means that the car does not have a combustion engine and instead of mechanical controls, it uses electric signals to perform conventional tasks such as steering, accelerating, and braking.

Expect Chevy parts to evolve as the world looks for cleaner and sustainable fuel sources. Soon, the Chevy engine parts may become the Chevy fuel cell parts and the Chevy fuel tank may morph into the Chevy water tank. Whatever the future brings, purchase only genuine Chevy parts as replacement to get the most out of your Chevrolet.