OEMs Warn of More Complex, Integrated Engines

NASHVILLE — Engines will continue to become more complicated.

That was the message from OEMs and engine manufacturers yesterday during a study session at the Technology and Maintenance Council’s (TMC) 2013 Annual Meeting.

Except there was an exclamation mark after the word “complicated” on Vic Meloche’s PowerPoint.

Meloche, manager of Technical Sales Support with Daimler/Detroit, was joined by Bill Kendrick, Cummins Inc., and Dave McKenna from Mack Trucks.

The speakers were sharing insights into what to could expect from emerging engine technology for model years 2014 through 2018. And it looks like the manufacturers have no shortage of work ahead of them to meet Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) GHG regulations.

“The burden of EPA regs for 2014 is on OEMs,” Meloche said. “There is nothing the fleets must do.” But, he cautioned, “The improvement in CO2 is no guarantee that your fuel economy will improve.”

You can also expect a new vehicle certification label to be on the inside of the driver door — an emission label that will list all the components that affect CO2. “You have to make sure those components stay in working order,” Meloche warned.

Each speaker also stressed the importance of updating engine software. “We go through extraordinary updates to get these software updates to you,” said Mack’s McKenna. “Make it a part of your regular business.”

Kendrick, speaking about on-board diagnostics (which, he stressed, only monitors the functioning of emission control components) said that thousands of algorithms are required. “Expect ‘bugs’ and many software updates.” All engines will have on-board diagnostic systems in 2013, he said, ahead of the 2016 deadline.

Basic maintenance will be important, the speakers stressed. “There are metals we haven’t used before and we’re running temperatures we haven’t seen before,” McKenna said.

McKenna stressed the importance of training operators and technicians on these new engines, making a special point to mention the importance of “following the diagnostics tree all the way to the end.”

Oh, and that on-board diagnostic ‘check engine’ light? OEMs may be a little “overly aggressive” causing it to come on early — but they’re working on getting that right, Kendrick noted.


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