Letter to the Editor: New Engine Gripes

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own a small fleet of Class 8 highway-use, longhaul, flatbed equipment. I bought these units new originally — ’97 up to ’01. I am deluged with electronic malfunction problems, like everyone else.

The mechanics I’ve known a long time at dealerships say, “Do not change equipment yet.” I have the last of the good [pre-2002 emission mandates] engines. The newer engines are nightmares.

What effect will the new fuel — ultra-low sulfur — have on my older Caterpillar, Detroit Diesel, Cummins and Mack engines?

I run a full maintenance shop and have for 30 years. The Detroit and Mack people have sold me the correct software, but Cummins and Cat will not.

Technology is far ahead of the technicians. Only dealers are allowed service bulletins anymore. What a challenge.

Keep up the good articles.

Larry Jackson

i>Owner

&J Truck Service Co.

axahachie, Texas

This letter appear in the Feb. 20 print edition of Transport Topics. Subscribe today.