Improving Efficiency and Saving Costs
The Freightliner truck |
Freightliner with a Cummins |
CHALLENGE
A Freightliner Century Class with a Cummins M11 engine had 641,000 miles and frequently carried heavy loads of minerals around 40,000 lbs. The excessive amount of fuel consumed was a concern. In addition, the volume of smoke at the venting pipe indicated engine wear. The blowby, in fact, was measured at 0.8 inches of water, an excessive amount. It was decided to evaluate the use of Rewitec Surface Treatment in improving these issues.
OUTCOME
After about 1,000 miles, the engine became noticeably smooth, with more power so that no shift down was needed when driving uphill. After 5,000 miles, the blowby was also noticeably lower; it was measured to be 25% less (0.6 inches vs. the 0.8 in measured initially.)
The fuel economy was also evaluated based on historic recorded data:
| Load Range | Trip Avg. Before | Trip Avg. After | Improvement |
|---|---|---|---|
| 44,000 Lbs | 5.9 mpg | 6.5 mpg | 10% |
| 35,000 Lbs | 6.5 mpg | 7.1 mpg | 9% |
| 25,000 Lbs | 7.0 mpg | 7.8 mpg | 11% |
| Average: | 10% |
RESULTS
- Running 120,000 miles per year, the 105 fuel economy represents $5,000 in diesel cost
- Additional benefits occur in increased efficiency, speedier travel for timely deliveries
- The reduced blowby confirms the extended life of the engine. Renewed surfaces in cylinders can avoid an overhaul of $5,000
- Finally, the savings in lost service for an engine overhaul amount to at least $6,000
Total savings are in excess of $16,000. Payback for the investment occurs in the first month.