february2023 - 28

SPOTLIGHT ON POWERTRAIN
Len Copeland, Detroit marketing manager. " One
specific design feature is the coolant system,
because optimized distribution keeps the engine
cool where it needs to be cool and hot where it needs
to be hot-with minimal restriction. That allows
the engine oil to be stable for long periods and is
a big contributor to extended oil drain intervals. "
Designing for less fuel in the aftertreatment
system will also extend diesel particulate filter
maintenance intervals, Copeland said, as this
prevents soot and ash buildup in the DPF.
" We also recommend fleets follow prescribed
maintenance intervals for each engine and proper
fluids recommendations, " he said. " Intervals
are much longer these days than they were years
ago, and the newest diesel technologies require
the most up-to-date and advanced fluids to keep
them operating at peak performance. "
Mark Ulrich, director of customer support at
Cummins, also pointed to control system features
that reduce ash load as a way to promote longer
DPF life. This allows manufacturers to accurately
predict when to maintain the DPF versus a preset
interval, he explained.
" Today's aftertreatment systems also have fewer
failures, which is no small feat considering the
increased number of parts, system complexity,
and controls required to meet emissions regulations, "
said Kris Ptasznik, powertrain TCO and
consultancy leader at Cummins.
Duane Tegels, product marketing manager-
powertrain / VHD, VNX, VAH at Volvo Trucks
North America, noted the importance of turbo
compounding. This technology brings the added
benefit of more efficient heat recovery because
it allows the engine to produce horsepower from
wasted heat in the exhaust stream.
" That not only increases efficiency but also
reduces pressure on the engine's revolving
assembly, resulting in fewer revolutions per
mile, " he explained.
Improving engine
efficiency and
service life
Engine experts
discuss ways to
hit higher levels
of efficiency.
By Seth Skydel
E
28 Fleet Maintenance | February 2023
very fleet strives to achieve two things when it
comes to engines. The first is to maintain efficiency
in order to reduce operating and service
costs. The other is to ensure the longest possible
service life.
The first objective is a long-standing and important
one. With the supply chain and new vehicle
production issues of the past few years, the latter
has taken on even greater importance.
For engine manufacturers, such as Detroit
Diesel, it begins with product design.
" Typically, it takes all engine systems to support
the most efficient maintenance practices, " said
Reaching optimal performance
Proper maintenance is critical to achieving optimal
performance and reliability, said Mike Furst,
director of contract service and business technology
solutions at Mack Trucks.
" Items that can reduce performance if not maintained
properly include engine air and fuel filters,
drivetrain fluids, exhaust and intake systems, and
DPFs, " Furst explained.
When in doubt, just follow the OEM
recommendations.
" Not following published maintenance intervals
can decrease operational efficiency when it leads
to either unplanned downtime due to avoidable
failures or, in some cases, performing maintenance
too frequently, " Cummins' Ulrich stated. " In addition,
in winter months it's important that fleets
ensure their fuel is properly treated. Improperly
treated diesel fuel can lead to unplanned downtime
due to fuel gelling and fuel filter plugging. "
In spite of how cliché it may sound, always
return to the basics, noted Tegels. Regardless of
the component, using the correct oil or lubricant is
always a good place to start. Make sure your filters
are clean, and adjust the overhead per manufacturers'
recommendations. Too much valve clearCummins;
1355286117 | Hasan As Ari | Getty Images
february2023

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