Aggregates Manager Digital Magazine
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/187920
Better Business with Mobil Delvac™ By Steve Temple The impact referrals can have on your business ENGINE KILLING CRUD Word of mouth is a powerful thing, and customer referrals can go a long way to help grow your business. Clearing up concerns about diesel fuel contamination K eeping your pickups running reliably starts with the three Cs: clean air, clean oil and clean fuel. We'll focus on the latter aspect in this article, as dirty diesel fuel can be catastrophic for an engine and costly to your company's bottom line. As durable and powerful as today's diesel pickup engines are, their Achilles' heel is the fuel. If it's "off spec," there's going to be a price to pay. SAE studies indicated that as much as 70 percent of filling-station diesel doesn't meet design standards of OE engine manufacturers, especially in the area of lubricity. One distributor we contacted (who asked to remain anonymous), sees variances in fuel quality as often as once a month. These variances can be caused by different sources of crude, types of refining processes, seasonal changes in Even a small amount of fuel contamination can lead to major engine work. Injectors under today's high pressures don't like water. Neither do pistons. formulations – and how the fuel is stored. That's why David Johnson, Manager of Auto Services for Clark County, NV, flushes his storage tanks at least twice a year. Since he's responsible for keeping nearly 2,700 municipal vehicles operational (35 percent of which are diesel pickups), he says, "It's imperative to clean the tanks. You never know what's in there, especially if they've been run dry, and there's residue in the bottom." He also adds filters to the pumps, as fine as three microns, which are replaced every 30 to 60 days. Erik Bjornstad of Bell Performance, a leader in additives to resolve fuel contamination problems, says cross contamination of ethanol blends with diesel in the distribution system are a major culprit. When there's "phase separation" in the ethanol (caused by the presence of water), microbes can grow inside a storage tank. "Acetobacter, a strain of bacteria, produces acetic acid that cause corrosion," Bjornstad points out. It can clog filters and leave deposits in the fuel system and engine components, causing several mechanical problems. Bjornstad agrees with Johnson about the importance of annual and even semi-annual cleaning of storage tanks by commercial "fuel polishers", but notes that it's important to determine whether they incorporate a biocide or not to kill off the bacteria so it doesn't return. Another potential source of contamination might be from biodiesel that hasn't been refined properly. ©2013 Exxon Mobil Corporation. Mobil and Mobil Delvac are trademarks or registered trademarks of Exxon Mobil Corporation or one of its subsidiaries. SHOPTALK "Networking is a key aspect for obtaining business referrals," says Bruce Smith, editor, ProPickup. "Developing good relationships with other service professionals in your area can lead to more business being sent your way." It's also important to always have business cards on hand. Potential clients are more inclined to take advice from those they know that have had a pleasant experience with a landscaper or contractor, so be sure to share your card with all of your customers. And always carry extras, as you never know when you'll meet someone who may require your services in the near future. Finally, ask customers who are ecstatic about your work to spread the word about your business. Also ask to capture a brief testimonial from them to include on your website, complete with before and after photos. Check back next issue for other helpful tips. For more information on how using Mobil Delvac™ heavy-duty diesel engine oil can help your business, call 1-800-MOBIL-25 or visit mobildelvac.com. ADVERTISEMENT Text INFO to 205-289-3781 or visit www.ppmrequest.com SP12134_PPU Exxon Ad.indd 1 PP1013_Shop Talk.indd 15 propickupmag.com PROPICKUP 15 8/7/13 1:56 PM 9/11/13 8:51 AM