maxxTORQUE Expands its Diesel Community Coverage in the Pursuit of Peace

Written by maxxTORQUE Staff Monday, 18 July 2011 10:12

Dan Watson, Editor of maxxTORQUE Online Diesel Community, announced efforts to promote peaceful co-existence between diesel oweners from Ford, GM, Dodge and other diesel manufacturers by the expansion of maxxTORQUE coverage beyond GM.

Since 2007, the maxxTORQUE Diesel Community has provided "in the know" articles for GM Diesel enthusiasts in both 6.2/6.5 L and Duramax flavors. maxxTORQUE's unique articles provide readers with information and perspectives they simply will not find anywhere else. For instance, maxxTORQUE writers thoroughly troubleshot and revealed the Duramax LLY overheating and thermal feedback issue: pinpointing the source of the issue, when it is most likely to occur and then suggested practical solutions to overcome the limitations of the stock configuration.

Today, maxxTORQUE Editor Dan Watson announced that the online magazine is beginning its planned coverage of the diesel community in general to include articles beyond the GM diesel family. "We have always envisioned that maxxTORQUE would provide the type of excellent articles that we have been making available on GM's 6.2/6.5L and Duramax vehicles for other diesels on the road in North America and abroad," Mr. Watson said. "Learning to Live with the Powerstroke 6.0L EGR" looks at the problems early Powerstroke 6.0L owners encounter with the the engine's exhaust gas recirculation system as well as offering some straighforward steps to maintaining the system that can potentially save maxxTORQUE readers hundreds of dollars.

"The Powerstroke [EGR] article is the start of articles that will help readers from Ford and Dodge, as well as GM and other diesels, better understand the vehicles they drive and maintain," Mr. Watson said and then joked, "Call me a dreamer, but we envision a day when GM, Ford and Dodge owners will not only acknowledge each others' existence but actually peacefully drive on the same highways." When asked about a secret Federal administration plan to build separate Interstate systems for each of the "Big Three" diesel owners, Mr. Watson responded that the plan was "unnecessary" and a potential waste of US taxpayers dollars."Isn't there a better way?" Mr. Watson mused.

There is. maxxTORQUE Online Diesel Community offers readers valuable insights into the vehicles they own and drive as well as commentary on issues that affect the diesel community. maxxTORQUE content is available online at www.maxxTORQUE.com for an annual subscription of just $17.95.

Government Motors

Opinion

Written by Dan Watson Tuesday, 27 April 2010 10:30

Can GM recover from its fall into government control?

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GM: 2011 Duramax Will Be B20 Biodiesel Compatible

Duramax Diesel

Monday, 29 March 2010 09:27

GM issued the following press release concerning the 2011 Duramax Diesel's ability to run B20 biodiesel/diesel mix:

General Motors Announces B20 Biofuel Capability For New, 2011 Duramax 6.6L Turbo Diesel

GRAPEVINE, Texas (February 8, 2010) – GM announced today that its new lineup of heavy-duty diesel pickups will have B20 biodiesel capability. B20 fuel is a blend of 20-percent biodiesel and 80-percent conventional diesel, which helps lower carbon dioxide emissions and lessens dependence on petroleum. The announcement was made at the National Biodiesel Conference.

GM’s new Duramax 6.6L turbo diesel engine has been substantially revised to include B20 capability, as well as meet strict new emissions standards effective this year. The new Duramax will power the redesigned 2011 Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra heavy-duty pickups, as well as the Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana full-size vans. Chevrolet will unveil the 2011 Silverado heavy-duty trucks at the Chicago Auto Show on Feb. 10.

“B20 capability in our new heavy-duty trucks is the latest addition to a growing number of alternate fuel options offered by General Motors,” said Mike Robinson, vice president, Environment, Energy and Safety Policy. “We are seeking different paths to fuel solutions in order to maximize efficiency, reduce emissions and minimize the dependence on petroleum.”

GM already leads in the marketing of FlexFuel vehicles capable of running on E85 ethanol with more than 4 million vehicles on the road today. Like ethanol, biodiesel is a domestically produced, renewable fuel made primarily of plant matter – mostly soybean oil. In pure form, biodiesel lowers carbon dioxide emissions.

“The 2007 federal energy bill mandates increased biodiesel production and more states and municipalities are requiring it,” said Robinson. “Biodiesel production is growing and GM is excited and ready to satisfy demand with our new B20 capable Duramax 6.6L engine.”

Estimates by National Biodiesel Board indicate about 700 million gallons of the fuel were produced in 2008 – up from about 500,000 gallons in 1999. Market fluctuations caused production to decrease in 2009, but it expected to rise with more mandates and the availability of approved vehicles, such as the 2011 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra heavy-duty trucks.

Validated and approved fuel

Extensive testing and validation was performed on the Duramax 6.6L using B20 that meets ASTM International’s standard D7467, which covers biodiesel blends between B6 and B20.

“True biodiesel is created through transesterfication and that’s what the Duramax 6.6L is designed to use,” said Coleman Jones, GM biofuels implementation manager. “Strict testing and validation was performed to ensure the new engine is B20-capable, however approved biodiesel is the only way to guarantee engine performance and longevity.”

The Duramax diesel is covered by GM’s five-year/100,000 mile powertrain warranty.

To make the Duramax 6.6L and its fuel system compatible with B20, GM upgraded some seals and gasket materials to withstand the ester content of biodiesel and included an upgraded fuel filter that includes a coalescing element. It improves the separation of water that may be present in the fuel, because biodiesel can attract and absorb water. Also, additional heating of the fuel circuit was added to reduce the chance of fuel gelling or waxing that could plug filters.

The Duramax 6.6L’s diesel particulate regeneration system features a downstream injector that supplies fuel for the regeneration process. This greatly reduces potential oil dilution, important with using biodiesel. Downstream injection saves fuel and works better with B20 than in-cylinder post injection.

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Multi-Horsepower Tunes

Duramax Diesel

Written by Joel Paynton Monday, 15 March 2010 11:57

Joel Paynton asks why most drivers would ever want the clutter of another switch on their dashboard when they already have a multi-horsepower tuning device -- the fuel pedal.

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