Carbon deposit buildup on diesel engine components such as piston heads, fuel injectors and intake valves is a bigger problem than it is for gasoline engines. There is a federal requirement that certain detergents be added to gasoline at the refinery itself, but there is no such mandate for adding detergents to diesel fuel. For […]

Perhaps the most important property of lube oil is its ability to remove heat from a surface where two or more metals are sliding across each other. In much the same way as air flows around cylinder head fins to remove heat, oil flows through a bearing and removes the heat caused by friction. I […]

The Diesel Technology Forum recently issued the following explanation on Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR), an advanced active emissions control technology system used in clean diesel engines. Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) is a proven and advanced active emissions control technology system that injects a liquid-reductant agent through a special catalyst into the exhaust stream of a diesel engine. The […]

Let’s face it: timing used to be relatively easy. These days, however, as with most every other engine component, the technology and innovation that leads to more fuel efficiency and performance also means increased complexity with timing components. You’re already facing challenges in understanding late model chain drive timing systems and how to properly set […]

Some people have a negative view of biodiesel. They say it gums up the fuel pump and injectors. They say it gels in cold weather. They say it’s diverting food resources to make fuel. They say it’s too expensive and can’t compete economically with conventional No. 2 diesel fuel. Then they hear that diesel engines […]

We left off talking about bearing and bushing retention and the terms “Crush” and “Press Fit”. The locating lug on a half shell bearing registers with a mating slot in the housing to locate the bearing shell (figure 1). The lug is not intended to prevent bearing rotation. Crush holds the bearings in place and […]

The idea of injecting water into the combustion chamber of an engine has been around since the 1940s when it was first employed in aircraft engines. While weaving in and out of cars since the 1960s, the technology has never really caught on. However, BMW recently announced that they would be marketing their upcoming M4 […]

One of the common problems with direct injection engines is their tendency to develop carbon deposits. Symptom: Misfire codes, stumbling and suspicious fuel trim numbers. On a scan tool, the engine may show a loss in volumetric efficiency. The driver may complain about a loss of power, poor fuel economy and hard starts. Cause: Carbon deposits on […]

1. What are the biggest challenges that face today’s competition pushrod maker? “Racers seeking to exploit every tiny advantage tend to select lighter and lighter weight oils, many of which are impaired or even deficient in lubricity at high loads and high revs. Also, installing pushrods positioned between lifters and rockers with contact surfaces rougher […]