Overdrive Magazine | Trucking Business News & Owner Operator Info
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/409537
46 | Overdrive | November 2014 EQUIPMENT What's this new diesel engine oil I'm hearing about? You are probably hearing or reading about a new API category in development for heavy duty diesel engine oils. This new category, currently referred to as Proposed Category 11 (or PC-11), is under development as you read this. So what is it and why are things changing? In simple terms, when engine technologies change we often see a new oil category introduced. This was true in October 2006 when the current API CJ-4 category was launched. At that time, we needed to work with new technologies like diesel particulate filters and the anticipated higher operating temperatures of some engines. In the past, changes were typically driven by reducing particulate matter and NOx emissions. However the driver for this round of changes is a little different. Truck manufacturers are adapting their technology to develop next-generation diesel engines to meet emissions, renewable fuel and fuel economy standards, as well as to meet CO2 and other greenhouse gas emissions mandates due to be introduced in the next few years. PC-11 will be a significant undertaking for the industry not just in North America but also globally. The engine manufacturers have to respond to new regulation such as renewable fuels mandates, on and off-road exhaust emission and greenhouse gas emission standards. There are also changes to the hardware and operating strategies of engines which can introduce factors such as: increased power density, increased combustion and injection pressure, increased in-cylinder NOx reduction, higher oil temperatures and wear resistance coatings. As an industry we must keep pace with such developments and of course, give the market the products that it needs. This is why the American Petroleum Institute, Shell Lubricants and others in the industry are looking to provide changes in the new oils that include improvements in oxidation stability, aeration benefits, shear stability, biodiesel compatibility and scuffing/adhesive wear protection. This will mean developing new engine tests and modifying existing engine tests for deposits and oil. The development of this specification is well underway and the planned launch is early 2016. We'll keep you updated on developments for the new specification and the next generation of Shell Rotella ® engine oil products. By Dan Arcy Shell Lubricants The term "Shell Lubricants" refers to the various Shell Group companies engaged in the lubricants business. This monthly column is brought to you by Shell Lubricants. Got a question? Visit ROTELLA.com, call 1 - 800 - 231 - 6950 or write to The ANSWER COLumN, 1001 Fannin, Ste. 500, Houston, TX 77002. Text INFO to 205-289-3555 or visit www.ovdinfo.com they are confi gured correctly. 3. Brake lines Check your brake lines for cracks and chaffi ng during pre-trip, post- trip and annual inspections. Brake lines aren't expensive to replace, especially when compared to the potential liability risks involved with an accident due to brake failure. 4. Tires The two biggest complications that will wear out tires prematurely: • When the trailer runs out of alignment. • When tires are not infl ated properly. At every inspection, ensure tires are infl ated properly. Check for alignment often to make sure you aren't dog-tracking. Check wear patterns on the tread and shoul- ders; any irregularity is a sign of trouble. Body maintenance Though the undercarriage has more moving parts, there are main- tenance pitfalls on the trailer body that can lead to costly repairs and take your trailer out of operation. Four components need the most attention and will cost the most in maintenance if left unchecked. 1. Scuff Most damage to a trailer wall costs hundreds to repair. Replacing worn scuff liner to protect the walls saves time and money in the long run. 2. Roof Check the roof as part of your pre-trip and post-trip inspection. Repair any hole or leak as soon as it's discovered. Water inside a dry van will destroy the trailer from the inside out. 3. Threshold plate Inspect the threshold plate often, and ensure that it stays in place. If the fl oor becomes warped or other- wise damaged, it will be trouble- some and expensive to repair. 4. Floor Inspect the fl oor frequently to spot weak spots or small holes. If a small hole develops, simply sealing the hole to keep moisture out is suffi cient and cost-effective. If the hole has grown too large for that, replacing the apitong wood fl oor is critical and a big cost you'll have to bear. Also, optimize weight distribu- tion of any load. If you don't pay attention to that and make use of E-Track or other internal logistics mechanisms, you can develop warped cross-members, which affects the fl oor's integrity. Alignment and inflation are two big areas that can shorten trailer tire life. Replacing a trailer brake line is cheap compared to the problems associated with brake failure.