Cat says engines for October 2002 deliver maintenance-cost advantages
Jul 17, 2002 12:00 PM
Cat On-Highway Engines purchased after September 30, 2002, will include some of the same improvements when engines fully equipped with ACERT(tm) technology are introduced starting early in 2003. However, truck owners are concerned about maintenance costs for these engines as well as those engines equipped with cooled EGR. Maintenance schedules for Caterpillar Engines purchased after September 30, 2002, will be the same as they exist today. There is no dilution in oil-change intervals, and engines are compatible with CH-4 and CI-4 lube oils. Truck owners don't have to use new, more expensive oils required by engines equipped with cooled EGR. These Cat Engines will also utilize the Caterpillar Diesel Oxidation Catalyst to optimize emission levels. This catalyst is incorporated into each truck OEM's chassis and requires no maintenance. "Based on Caterpillar research and EPA data, reliability, durability and maintenance costs will be substantially better than engines with cooled EGR," said Steve Brown, Marketing Manager, Caterpillar On-Highway Division. "In short, this will be the best engine value available to customers during this period." According to the EPA, cooled EGR engines could cost customers $15,000 in incremental owing and operating costs (for details, visit the EPA Web site: www.epa.gov). "Our research indicates that the intense heat load generated in the cooled EGR engine, plus the unavoidable combination of sulfur in the fuel mixing with hydrogen from the combustion cycle and becoming sulfuric acid in the engine, will significantly limit extended oil drain intervals and ultimately shorten engine life," states Brown.
