Uncategorized Articles

For centuries the argument has raged. Does size matter? Well, if you like great performance, power and copious amount of torque, the answer is a resounding no. At least in the world of diesel engines. Currently being tested on the roads of North America, the X12 is a massive 600LBS lighter than other medium bore engines and has been especially designed for weight sensitive applications and for vehicles where the X15 has more grunt that’s needed for the task. ... read more »

Diesel engines are much more prevalent in Europe than in the United States, however that love affair has softened in recent years. In the wake of the VW “Dieselgate” as well as increased environmental pressure from regulators, diesel has had a bit of an image problem. Great Britain is moving forward from its reliance on diesel with a new biofuels program. The British Biofuel sector hopes to double the use of renewable fuels in the over-the-road trucking industry within the next 15 years and significantly reduce the amount of diesel fuel imported into the country. ... read more »

Things are not starting the the new year off right for manufacturing giant Caterpillar, Inc. Last year the IRS came down on Caterpillar for attempting to use some creative accounting practices to avoid paying tax on earned income. The investigation by the IRS started many years ago and was officially entered into legal precedent last March. Investigators have stated that Caterpillar has evaded paying their full share of taxes going back 18 years. If found to be true the company used illegal tax strategies to save over $2.4 billion. ... read more »

Leading heavy-duty diesel engine manufacturer, Cummins Inc., is pioneering the use of 3D Printing technology to produce and repair critical engine parts. Unlike many manufacturers in the diesel industry, Cummins has its sights on future technology; recently unveiling the first electric engine for semi-trucks. The company believes that in order to thrive in the 21st century it must innovate new technologies rather than adapt to them. Although, 3D Printing is still in its infancy it is becoming more common place for manufacturers due to the potential cost and time to market savings. ... read more »

There is no standard diesel engine for every application. For example there are industrial applications, truck application, electrical power generation, RV applications, heavy duty emergency, pumps and of course marine applications. Although, each engine is slightly different the core design is the same. The exhaust, cooling, electrical and fuel systems are all different in marine engines. This article will discuss the differences between industrial diesel engines and their marine counterparts. ... read more »

Big news dropped today in the diesel engine industry today as the Kubota Engine Corporation announced the arrival of the V5009 Engine. This is significant news for the company as this is the first ever Kubota engine to ever exceed 200 HP. Kubota is known for its small and mid-ranged diesel engines primarily for forklifts, skid steers and wood chippers. The V5009 is a five-liter inline diesel engine and part of its new 09 Series. The engine will begin production starting 2020 and is consistent with Europe’s Stage V emissions mandates. ... read more »

In the heavy duty equipment world there has always been an unspoken battle between the OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) and the Aftermarket and/or Independent Dealers. The rift goes back roughly 100 years when the first automotive dealers began popping up in mass. Ford, GM, Chrysler as well as long gone brands like Plymouth, Auburn and Hudson all kept an efficient supply chain including the service department, dealership, wholesaler and manufacturer. ... read more »

At the turn of the century there was a lot of buzz around a new diesel engine being produced at Caterpillar, one that could meet the growing emissions requirements enacted by the EPA. The Caterpillar C7 Engine was supposed to be the “golden child” in Caterpillar diesel engine lineup; one that combined raw horsepower with computer controlled clean emissions. However, sometimes things don’t go according to plan. The engine was produced from 2003 to 2009 and was installed primarily in over the road medium duty class 8 trucks. All of the big players in the trucking industry hopped on board hoping the CAT C7 was going to live up to the hype. Paccar Freightliner, Ford and GMC all purchased the engine in droves ... read more »

Diesel is big business internationally. The vast majority of places outside of the United States continue to use diesel in passenger vehicles nearly as much as gasoline based engines. Despite recent emission scandals with Volkswagen and Fiat Chrysler sales continue to rise across the world. ... read more »

The Cummins ISX Engine first debuted in 2001 replacing the popular N14 Series. The Cummins N14 was a fantastic engine and beloved by diesel fans for many years. The only reason for the discontinuation of the engine was the EPA passed stricter emissions regulations that made the N14 outdated. The ISX was originally called the “Signature” series due to the revolutionary fuel system known as the “Interact System” The IS in ISX stands for the Interact System and is in use for on-highway applications. Consequently the QSX or “Quantum System” is used in off-highway applications of the engine such as industrial, generators, pumps, oil & gas, agriculture and marine engines. ... read more »

For equipment rental companies fleet management is an integral part of the business. Inventory fleet management can encompass everything from depreciation, product life cycle, maintenance and repair costs, fuel expenses and inventory age. When it comes to diesel engines, equipment rental companies manage a lot them. Everything from generators and portable light towers to excavators and boom lifts all have diesel engines that power the equipment. For example, when a rental generator or box truck is nearing the end of its useful life the company might be left with a tough decision to replace the equipment with a brand new unit, phase out the product line or sell it at auction. However, many companies are now following a new approach by seeking out engine remanufacturing to breathe new life in old engines. ... read more »

When low oil pressure is detected the immediate response is to think the worst. However, most issues can be resolved with simple solutions. This article explains 7 of the most common causes for low oil pressure in a Caterpillar C7 but the principals can apply to the majority of diesel engines. ... read more »

On Thursday, January 12, 2017 the Environmental Protection Agency set forth motions to open an investigation against automaker Fiat Chrysler over allegations of cheating emissions regulations with their diesel engines models. The EPA stated that the automaker knowingly used undisclosed software that allowed excess emissions on 104,000 diesel powered Jeep SUVs and Dodge Ram Trucks between model years 2014-2016. ... read more »

"Okay, campers, rise and shine, and don't forget your booties 'cause it's cooooold out there today.... It's coooold out there every day. What is this, Miami Beach?" (Groundhog Day) That's right folks winter is upon us once again here in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. With a so called "polar vortex" on its way tomorrow, we here at Capital Reman thought it would be fitting to show a little video of some of the best "cold diesel starts" from last month in addition to offering some tips on how to start a diesel engine on a cold day. Take a look at some of the tips below. ... read more »

The remanufacturing industry came to a consensus this week in regards to the official terminology of what “remanufacturing” consists of as well as what constitutes a “core”. Six leading associations in the automotive sector met in Germany this week and reached a common understanding of basic definitions regarding the industry. The declaration helps define a common process everyone can benchmark their work and services. The move also helps raise awareness for remanufacturing worldwide and ties the industry in with the sustainability/green movement. The associations involved are: Motor & Equipment Remanufacturers Association, Automotive Parts Remanufacturers Association, Automotive Parts Remanufacturers National Association, European Association of Automotive Suppliers, European Organization for the Engine Remanufacture and China Association of Automobile Manufactures. John Chalifoux, President of Motor & Equipment Remanufactures Association, stated that this is a giant leap forward for the industry and helps to “communicate the quality, value and sustainability of remanufactured goods.” ... read more »