2-STAGE ECM PROGRAMMING
We now have 2-stage ECM programming available for Detroit Series 60 DDEC 3, DDEC 4 and DDEC 5 engines. This new technology will enable you to literally “switch” which program you are running. For situations where lower horsepower is more appropriate, we can have your engine running a custom-crafted program that will only produce 550 flywheel hp (or whatever hp you want it set at). Then, by simply “flipping a switch” in the cab, you can instantly move to a completely different program when your situation demands more performance. You will now be able to decide whether you want the engine to be set for 525 or 625 hp, or any other two amounts of your choice (as long as they are within the range that we feel is acceptable for the engine). If you want or need even more power, our high-performance exhaust manifold and turbo can add another 100 hp to whichever program you are running. This is why we see 710 flywheel hp and 600 rear wheel hp being produced on the dyno by an engine programmed to produce only 585 flywheel hp. So, if you ever get a chance to schedule an appointment and visit us, we can set your ECM to two different horsepower ratings of your choice. A switch will be installed in the cab to control which program is being used. Dyno testing will ensure that you are getting exactly what you want and that everything is functioning properly when we are done. Further on down the road, once we are familiar with all of the different programs we are offering, we should be able to provide this service through the mail, along with the switch that will need to be installed. The price of this programming is $1,895 (which is still much lower than most single-stage reprogramming out there). Also, if you have already paid us to reprogram your ECM and you would like to have a 2-stage program, we will honor the business you have given us in the past by only charging the single-program price of $1,250 for the upgrade. Remember, at this time, two-stage programming is only available for Detroit DDEC 3, 4 and 5 non-EGR engines.
FLEET-AIR FILTERS
Here is a tip to keeping your washable, reusable, lifetime air filters clean and free-flowing – buy extra wraps. By now, almost everyone is aware of the savings that can be realized by running these filters. However, as an owner operator, time is not always on your side. Many times, routine preventive maintenance is postponed because of the demands of the moment. Rather than letting your filters get filled with dirt, which can then find its way into your oil, consider keeping an extra set of foam wraps on-hand. These will especially come in handy during the winter months, when it’s not nearly as fun to get out the buckets and kitchen gloves to wash your filters. By having one or two extra sets of foam, you can wait for that perfect sunny day to clean your dirty filters and get them oiled-up and ready to be used again. It’s barely any more work to wash and spray 2-4 sets of foam than it is to wash just one. Always remember to apply Klotz foam oil spray liberally to BOTH sides of EACH layer, and then seal them up in a Ziplock bag to keep them clean and portable. Give us a call with your air filter part number and we can send you what you need!
BUMPER-TO-BUMPER PARTS
As we continue to expand both in terms of space and parts/services offered here at Pittsburgh Power, our staff keeps an open ear to our customers regarding the growing list of challenges they face. The need for trucks (and engines) is constant, and will be met by reconditioned older ones or gliders (with their obvious advantages), or, heaven forbid, new trucks. Every owner operator and small fleet has different needs, preferences and budgets. This is why it is so hard to achieve the “perfect fit” when looking for a used truck. As a result, most trucks are moving “works in progress” as they roll down the road. If we can spare our customers the hassles of an endless scavenger hunt by evolving into a one-stop shop, then everyone benefits. One major step in doing so has been achieved by our becoming a Kenworth Satellite Dealer. We now have access to all Kenworth and Peterbilt OEM parts, along with everything made by TRP, an aftermarket supplier of everything imaginable for all major truck manufacturers. Unfortunately, “parts changing” is a common method of troubleshooting in the industry. Here at Pittsburgh Power, we strive not to waste our customers’ time and money on “guessing” when it comes to identifying the real cause of a problem. Through advanced diagnostics and the knowledge of our technicians and engineers, we can save you a lot of time (labor costs) and parts. Having a truck on the dyno, while an engineer monitors the ECM and a technician uses thermal imaging to identify parasitic losses of power, makes it much easier to solve problems than the use of a “flow-chart-style” manual, which basically tells you which part(s) to change next. Being able to correctly identify the root of a problem while having convenient access to the necessary parts at a competitive price enables us to make the most of your maintenance budget. When you leave our facility, you can be sure that every effort was made to keep you not only up-and-running, but also running strongly and efficiently.
If you have comments or questions about performance and/or efficiency issues, I can be reached at Pittsburgh Power in Saxonburg, PA at (724) 360-4080 or via e-mail at bruce@pittsburghpower.com.