The Future of Engines & Fuel: A 2018 Outlook

It is next to impossible to imagine the world in existence without the origin of early power sources. In fact, the early 19th century is noted for its “power gap” where a lot of stalled progress was made on the back of the invention of the engine.

Over the last few decades, massive changes have swept this market. From the obsession with clean energy that calls for a completely different take on traditional power production to breakthroughs that have allowed us to do more with less fuel – the need for engines and their systems continues forward.

With 2018 in front of us, experts are cautiously optimistic about the future of the industry.

What Can the Engine & Fuel Injection Industry Expect Over the Next 12 Months?

Some of the biggest buyers of this sector are seeing robust growth.

Commercial fleets and aviation regularly invest in the R&D for better engines and 2018 augers well for them. The massive 1.3 trillion-dollar US freight industry is expanding at a rapid pace and with 1.4 million new vacancies, it is interested in recruiting workers who will view trucking as a lucrative career and not something to fall back on if other opportunities dry up. With this focus on improvement, the ATA has predicted a consistent annual spike of 3.4% in prospects for trucking businesses – well into 2023.

The automotive industry isn’t lagging behind either. Bolstered by low gas prices and a pick up in the housing curve – which has a strong correlation with domestic car purchases – it will continue to generate demand for engines and parts.

2018 also happens to be the year that was marked for the maturity of the fuel injection systems industry. The sector will peak at a value of $72.5 billion and the US will be one of the chief drivers of the momentum. There is no doubt that the concern for a greener world is here to stay and fuel injection systems – especially for gasoline – promise to provide a range of benefits including reduced pollution.

Central Diesel Inc. is Ready for the Upsurge:

As a reliable provider of engines, clean diesel engines, filtration systems, exhaust systems, electrical components and generators, we have successfully served the national government, transportation businesses, fabrication specialists and the automotive industry for close to 5 decades.

We are known for our ability to custom design parts and extend consultation, support and maintenance services for various niches.

If you are looking to keep pace with what 2018 has to offer, please follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn. You can also contact us to request quotes for your needs today.

2017 Industry Highlights

This December we’re taking a look back at some of the most important industry highlights from the past 12 months. We kicked off the new year with the importance of vehicle maintenance and moved right along to other top news stories breaking in the field. The Diesel Emissions Reduction Act, diesel engines, and initiatives like “green” diesel and National Manufacturing Day were all topics that caught the attention of many, not just the employees here at Central Diesel Inc. Let’s review!

What is the importance of maintaining your vehicle? Performing proper preventive maintenance on your vehicle or equipment will reduce the possibility of devastating issues like system failure, breakdown and contamination. Without taking precaution, you risk paying exorbitant amounts on repairs. For example, a contaminated CR fuel system on an over the road vehicle can cost $6,000.00 to $12,000.00. Skip the hassle and check and maintain your system regularly.

The environment is always on the forefront of conversations throughout the industrial sector. The Diesel Emissions Reduction Act, created by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, improves air quality substantially. One of their biggest aims has been replacing harmful diesel engines with upgraded environmentally friendly, clean tech diesel engines.

Believe it or not, there are also business benefits to reducing your carbon footprint. Let’s circle back to maintenance. Properly upholding your diesel engine is the best way to decrease emission effects like your TCO. Protecting and sustaining your gear not only upholds the environment, but is also proven to reduce downtime, increasing both productivity and profitability. Cutting your carbon production is a more effective solution than any other energy option available. Take a look at this recap we put together for professionals to consider:

  • Maintenance cuts your TCO
  • Reduces downtime
  • Increases productivity
  • Increases profitability

And we still had more to say about diesel engines. Transportation plays a key role in both the economy and the supply chain. Clean diesel engines are more efficient for cargo carriers like trains. Electrical systems are expensive, coming with a higher initial cost, and a risk in and of itself. An electric system isn’t a reliable source because obstacles like power outages stand in the way and don’t work as well for pulling heavier cargo. Clean diesel engine rail transportation is simply more reliable, moving a ton of freight for 500 miles on just a gallon of fuel, keeping roads less congested, and as rail and inland connections increase their logistics and productivity, rail becomes even more practical and efficient.

Driving the year home, we recently promoted one of the bigger movements in the manufacturing industry—National Manufacturing Day. Today, many still believe manufacturing is labor intensive factory floor work with little benefit, but that is far from true. Technology, STEM, secure job placement, and strong benefits contribute to a growing economy and are at the forefront of the sector. Annually celebrated on the first Friday of every October, we’re pleased to say that this is a strong, rapidly moving initiative that will continue to gain steam each year.

One more note on diesel! As a part of the effort, all industries that are a part of manufacturing look back at what businesses have achieved over the years. Diesel engines save the manufacturing sector millions every year in maintenance and repairs. The diesel engine market is billions of dollars strong in the US, heavily contributing to both the manufacturing sector and the economy. With the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act that we touched on above, this number is only going to increase.

We’d like to take a moment to thank all of our loyal customers and audience base for reading our blog, following us on Twitter, and connecting with us on LinkedIn. We are passionate about the work we do and spreading accurate information and updates throughout the industry.

Here at Central Diesel, we are a distributor of clean diesel engines and fuel injection components.  We also offer additional services, accessories, and components for repairing your diesel engine.

For questions on any of our products or services, please contact us today.

 We wish all of you a very happy holiday season and can’t wait to connect and catch up with you in 2018! Happy/healthy new year everyone!

 

Business Benefits of Reducing Your Carbon Footprint in the Transportation Industry

Environmental Benefits of Equipment Maintenance

Being a leader in either the transportation or energy industry means taking on a knowledgeable role in environmental impact. Keeping your equipment maintained and up-to-date is one of the best ways to reduce your TCO (Total Carbon Output) ratio. Properly retaining your diesel engine is especially important to decrease emission effects.

Recap

  • Play a knowledgeable role
  • Maintain your equipment
  • Uphold your diesel engine

Business Benefits of Reducing Your Carbon Footprint

Protecting and sustaining your gear not only upholds the environment, but is also proven to reduce downtime, increasing both productivity and profitability. Cutting/dropping your carbon production is a more effective solution than any other energy option available today.

Recap

  • Maintenance cuts your TCO
  • Reduces downtime
  • Increases productivity
  • Increases profitability

Central Diesel’s Initiative

Central Diesel, Inc. is committed to conservation efforts. We continually research and review technologies that allow us to lessen our carbon footprint. Take for example our use of electricity. In just the last four years we have been able to reduce our KW usage by over one-half. At the rate we are going, we will further reduce it to a mere 25% of what we were using as recently as 2013. Certain months require more electric usage, but overall we are on the steady decline of KW usage each year.

A good portion of our company vehicles are diesel powered. This allows us to reduce our fuel consumption expenses by over 25%.

Who We Are

We are a distributor of engines, premier fuel injections systems, and parts. We also offer rebuilding, parts, and many other custom services to diesel-powered equipment markets. We are an authorized, factory-trained, fuel injections and diesel engine specialty company with the goal of meeting and exceeding customer expectations. Other services we offer are custom built generator sets, irrigation pumps, hydraulic pump packages and power units.

To find out more about how we can help you, we welcome you to contact us today.

To learn more about Central Diesel, Inc. or how you can help the environment and lesson your carbon footprint, we invite you to read our blog, engage with us on LinkedIn, and follow us on Twitter. We look forward to connecting with you!

Recognizing Industry Contributions for National Manufacturing Day 2017

Even though experts believe that two decades of policy failures have stagnated the growth of the US manufacturing sector, it is still active enough to employ 8.8% of the national workforce and taken alone would be the ninth largest economy in the world. But if the golden era of manufacturing is to return to the shores of the country in earnest, a lot more than just infrastructural expansion and demand generation would have to be taken into account.

While the next eight years will see about three and a half million new jobs added to the sector, sadly two million of these vacancies will go unfilled.

There is hope for the future but to usher it in the United States needs more students interested in S.T.E.M careers, better knowledge transfer between employees, and a revamped perception of what careers in manufacturing are like in 2017.

The National Manufacturing Day (NMD) – a nation-wide endeavor undertaken the first Friday of every October attempts to hit the goals above.

Annually celebrated on the 6th of October, we’re taking a look at the impact of NMD and the contribution of our industry to manufacturing as a whole.

What Has the National Manufacturing Day Achieved?

Over the last six years, the National Manufacturing Day has seen the participation of hundreds of thousands of suppliers, manufacturers, and students. More than 2,100 factory tours have been organized, and in 2017 it is expected that 600,000 businesses and individuals will be associated with the event.

Thanks to the impact of NMD and a closer look at the changing face of American manufacturing careers, 81% students are more convinced that manufacturing can provide them with stable, interesting and well-paying jobs.

89% are also more aware of manufacturing opportunities in their communities, and 64% are more likely to pursue them.

Diesel Engines: Igniting the Manufacturing Spark

Almost all industries that are a part of the manufacturing sector look back at what businesses have achieved over the years when the National Manufacturing Day rolls around.

The diesel engine market is billions of dollars strong in the US, heavily contributing to both the manufacturing sector and the economy. With the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act, this number is only going to increase.

Moreover, without diesel engines, all aspects of manufacturing from the actual production of goods to their transportation suffer because other combustion set-ups consume more fuel, produce lower torque and are far less durable and resilient than their diesel peers.

Diesel engines save the manufacturing sector millions every year in maintenance and repairs.

A Word on Central Diesel

Central Diesel Inc. with its premier fuel injection systems, parts, and custom services is proud to chip in when it comes to providing these advantages.

This National Manufacturing Day visit our facility in Richmond and allow us to show you how we innovate on the job and boost customer satisfaction.

Want to look at our catalog? Call us at 800.598.9814. You can also follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn for the latest industry updates.

Happy National Manufacturing Day 2017 from the Central Diesel team!

 

 

Time is Money: Diesel Engine Trains Benefit the Economy and the Supply Chain

Railroads have been used to transport goods since the early 1800s. Using the railroad system meant that companies could reach a plurality of consumers more quickly.

The faster products got to their destination, the more profit companies made. Since that time, railroads have played a vital role in bringing products to customers all over the U.S and the world.

Today, there are several types of diesel trains which are broken down by their transmission type: mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, steam, and pneumatic. Without diesel engines another form of power would have to be used. Electricity is expensive and comes with a high initial cost because it needs a third rail system or catenary system. The system consists of overhead lines or wires which run the electricity to the train. Put two and two together – an electric system isn’t a reliable source because obstacles like power outages occur and lines often don’t work well enough to pull heavy cargo.

In addition to being more reliable, diesel engines are also capable of moving a ton of freight for 500 miles on just a gallon of fuel. Freight that is moved by rail is away from roads reducing wear and tear of them. Rail transportation also helps to keep people safe with less road congestion. Although semis may seem faster, trains can now move freight faster than ever before across multiple states too. As rail and inland connections increase their logistics and productivity, rail becomes even more practical and efficient.

Although some would argue that railroads disturb ecosystems, hinder migration routes, and increase noise, some companies have ensured they are working to fight any negative impact of the rail system. According to Go Green Plus, “Most companies have a Code of Conduct having environmental compliance and safety requirements to operate accordingly to protect the environment and human health and safety. They also have procurement standards which look at the total cost of ownership (such as the quality, service, administration, and price) and documentation of compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.”

Here at Central Diesel, we are a distributor of engines, premier fuel injection systems, and parts. We offer rebuilding, parts, and other custom services to diesel powered equipment markets. We are an authorized, factory-trained, fuel injection and diesel engine specialist, with the goal to meet or exceed customer expectations. Our crew also builds custom generator sets, irrigation pumps, hydraulic pump packages and power units. To learn more about Central Diesel, please read our blog, follow us on Twitter, Facebook  or connect with us on LinkedIn.  We also invite you to contact us learn more about ways we can help you.

More than Just Diesel Engines

At Central Diesel, Inc. we have a long history of specializing in diesel engines, parts and services.  We are a growing distributor providing clean diesel engines from some of the top brands in the industry including Deutz, Mitsubishi, Kubota, and Zenith Power Products among many others.  Diesel engines are not our only specialty though, as we provide everything from hydraulic hoses & fittings, diesel engine electrical components, exhaust systems, fuel injection system & parts and diesel engine turbocharger assemblies.

Our capabilities also include a full service department which is manufacturer authorized, factory trained, and includes fuel injection and diesel engine specialists.  Proper maintenance of diesel engines is vital to ensure they operate properly and to extend the life of them and this often includes the replacement and repair of parts and components.

Accessories and components we offer for diesel engine repair and rebuilding include:

  • Hydraulic Hoses & Fittings: Products include hydraulic hose condition monitoring systems, crimp sleeves, hose fittings and hoses.
  • Diesel Engine Electrical Components: Products include cold weather starting products such as freeze plug heaters and diesel fuel heaters.
  • Exhaust Systems: Products include full exhaust systems along with all components such as housing, silencers, catalyst monitoring systems, and catalytic combination units.
  • Fuel Injection Systems & Parts: Products include parts and components for multiple brands of diesel engines including Ford, GM, Navistar, and Dodge/Cummins engines.
  • Diesel Engine Turbocharger Assemblies: Products include next generation turbochargers which can assist in meeting future emission requirements.

For the latest up-to-date company news and information be sure to follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn and contact us here for more information on the parts and accessories we can provide for your diesel engines.

Diesel Fuel Emissions Regulations

Diesel engines are a highly efficient and durable choice to power vehicles such as trucks, ships, locomotives and equipment for farming, construction and mining.  All types of fuel burned in engines produce emissions that are released into the environment.  They can contribute to air pollution which can have environmental and health effects.  In an effort to reduce the amount of air pollution that is released from diesel fuel burning engines, the EPA has standards in place to reduce pollutants, air toxics and other detrimental emissions.

The amount of pollution that is produced when diesel fuel is burned in an engine is linked to the amount of sulfur that is in diesel fuel.  The higher the level of sulfur in the diesel, the higher the amount of pollutants that are released into the air when the diesel is burned.  This air pollution can than lead to health issues such as heart and lung disease, as well as causing damage to the environment by damaging plants, crops and water resources.

To decrease the amount of pollution that is released form diesel emissions the EPA has created a set of standards that all diesel fuel has to meet. Vehicles that travel on roads like cars and trucks must use an ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD) that is a 15 ppm sulfur specification.  As of 2014 all nonroad, locomotive and marine diesel fuel used must also be ULSD.  As of 2015 large marine diesel engines, or category 3 engines, operating with the U.S. Coast Guard established Emission Control Areas must generally use diesel fuel with 1,000 ppm sulfur or less.  These standards have helped to reduce harmful pollutants from diesel emission into the environment.

A diesel engine in the Central Diesel Showroom

At Central Diesel we offer a variety of different diesel engines.  The diesel engines we offer also meet a variety of EPA and state certifications such as U. S. EPA Non-road Tier 3 (with letter of exemption from EPA), U. S. EPA Non-road Tier 3 for ratings 56 kW and higher (with letter of exemption from the EPA), U.S. EPA Non Road Tier 4, U. S. EPA Non-road Tier 4 Interim for ratings less than 56 kW, and California ARB Non-road. When it comes to environmental concerns that effect global warming (greenhouse gases, carbon footprint, etc.) the diesel engine leads all internal combustion engines in protecting our planet today and into the near future.  For more information and engine specs, take a look at our website.

Why You Should Choose Diesel Engines

The diesel engine is increasingly becoming a standard for drivers who need dependable and cost-efficient transportation. Relying on compression ignition and diesel fuel, inventor Rudolph Diesel’s motor has spawned an industry known for fuel economy. With fuel prices continuing to rise along with demand, high-powered diesel engines can provide benefits that outweigh those of engines run by gasoline.

How Does Diesel Work? 

Diesel Engine in the Central Diesel ShowroomOne major difference between diesel and gas engines is their ignition process. Gas engines run with spark ignition. Diesel engines use compression ignition. The fuel pulls into the engine and is subjected to high compression. That compression creates heat; diesel engines function at much higher temperatures. When the system achieves optimum pressure and temperature, the fuel that enters the engine ignites, with the heat of the combustion chamber causing a reaction between the diesel and the oxygen. A vehicle’s exhaust systems can expel any by-products.

Diesel engines receive fuel and air at varying junctures during operation. A gas engine receives a mixture of gas and air to run. A diesel engine compresses only air, so intake throttling is unnecessary to control power within it. Diesel engines require a fuel injector to operate, while gasoline engines use a carburetor or gasoline injectors.

But why buy diesel? Is diesel better? There are certainly pros and cons of diesel engines. It’s no secret that diesel engines can be noisier, and their fuel typically costs quite a bit more than standard gasoline. The reason for this is density. Diesel’s energy density is far higher, so the same amount of diesel provides much more energy than its counterpart. Diesel Fuel has a longer combustion process (burning process) which results in a higher torque curve. As a result, diesel offers much higher mileage. These engines also have a long lifespan with proper maintenance. 

Adding to that their greater torque and functionality in colder temperatures, the advantages of diesel engines give it applications in heavy-duty transport vehicles like long-haul trucks and equipment, power generators, and construction equipment. Overall, this engine type continues to draw greater attention for its fuel-related advantages.

Benefits of Using Diesel Engines

Why is diesel better than gas? A diesel engine in the showroom at Central Diesel

  • Durability. Diesel engines last longer than others. A variety of reasons contribute to this fact. Diesel engines use stronger parts to support stressors like heavier vehicles or machines. The fuel’s lubricating properties are far superior to those of gasoline, which is another element credited with better reliability and strength.
  • Energy density. Another benefit of diesel is that you are able to extract more energy out of it than gasoline, and so less diesel is necessary for longer distances.
  • Fewer parts. As diesel engines do not have distributors or spark plugs, fewer parts can lead to fewer necessary tune-ups. However, this is with the caveat that diesel engines do require regular filter and oil changes to continue running smoothly due to diesel’s high viscosity.
  • Fuel efficiency. The greatest advantage diesel offers is its fuel-efficiency, which translates to cost savings. Diesel engines burn less fuel than a gas-powered vehicle in the long run while doing the same amount of work. If you have two automobiles, one diesel, and one gas, and fill them with the same amount of fuel, you will travel much farther in the diesel vehicle.
  • Improvements in clean energy. Diesel engines are cleaner than before, with a smaller carbon footprint. Scientists discovered new methods in 2015 of harnessing diesel for even cleaner-burning engines. The estimate at the time was that these new engines could be available to the public within five to 10 years.
  • Safety. Another factor in the growing demand for diesel engines is that of safety. Simply put, diesel isn’t remotely as dangerous as gasoline. The fuel and its vapors are much less combustible and volatile. Diesel also doesn’t release the same amount of fumes as gas.

Diesel Engines & Products From Central Diesel, Inc.

The benefits of diesel cars and engines make them a great choice for applications in the marine, rental, mining, construction, military, state and federal government, agriculture, and transportation industries. Central Diesel can help you meet your engine requirements in these fields.

We began in 1972 as a supplier of diesel engines and parts. Since then, Central Diesel is proud to have gained over 4,000 loyal customers by striving for 100% customer satisfaction. We continue to be a distributor for a growing number of esteemed product lines such as Deutz and Mitsubishi.

Please contact us to see our wide variety of diesel engines & learn how we can serve your diesel needs. You can also request further information on our products.

 

 

Fuel System Maintenance

While it may seem obvious that maintaining your fuel system is very important, many times customers simply ignore this fact. We like to notify our customers about their fuel systems when we feel that there may be a problem. For instance, we know that since ultra low sulfur fuel has been introduced, there have been a number of unforeseen repairs on fuel tanks, lines and even the diesel engine itself. ULSD has a lower lubricity which may cause unnecessarily wear .

The new fuels can cause internal diesel injector deposit if left untreated. These kinds of deposits slow the response of moving parts which can result in the loss of control injection event timing or fuel delivered. And no one wants a loss of power, especially when it’s needed most. We highly recommend that fuel systems be maintained at regular intervals, and that extra precautions be taken when using ULSD.

Below are some images we have of our customer’s fuel systems that weren’t maintained correctly. Our expertise with diesel engines and fuel injection systems make us highly capable in helping eliminating these potential problems with your equipment. Contact us today to see what we can do for you.

This illustrates a customer not maintaining their fuel system. The customer was notified many times to check his fuel system for water. They did not and it resulted in the complete fuel system failing on this piece of equipment. $8000 later, and the machine was up and running properly. A simple inspection could saved them both money and a headache.

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The following picture illustrates a fuel system not being maintained properly and causing premature damage to the fuel injection pump. Notice the rust and pit marks.

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The last picture again shows poor maintenance of the fuel system.

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