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How Does an Engine Brake Work?

Class8TruckParts Blog — Fri, 24 Sep 2010 16:03:00 GMT

Q: How do engine brakes work.?

Answer: Engine brakes work by compressing air. This makes driving downhill safer and extends the life of the service brakes on the truck and trailer.
Service brakes can absorb this energy at a fantastic rate when they are cold. This can be thousands of horsepower, as in a panic stop. But after the brakes get hot, they can only absorb as much power as they can dissipate, which can be as little as only a few hundred horsepower. If the driver descends too fast, the service brakes get even hotter and distort, losing effectiveness. As braking power ‘fades’, truck speed picks up, and the brakes get hotter faster. It becomes a vicious cycle, and you have a runaway.
Engine brakes have become the most popular auxiliary retarder to counter this problem. They work by altering the motion of the engine’s exhaust valves, so that valves open at the top of the compression stroke. This releases the air to the atmosphere, so that it cannot push down on the piston on the following downstroke, which has the net effect of absorbing energy.

Development of Engine Brake Mechanisms
Early engine brakes would use a hydraulic master and slave piston system to move the exhaust valve. They sensed the motion of something convenient, often the fuel injector, to open the exhaust valve a small amount at the proper time.
In 1970, Mack Trucks, Inc., invented the Dynatard engine brake, which was the first factory integrated engine brake. It used innovative hydraulic lash adjusters that “turned on and off”. As solid lash adjusters, the engine ran normally. On downhill segments, a solenoid opened a check valve which would fill the hydraulic lash adjusters with oil. This would cause them to
take up the lash on a special camshaft with two base circles, causing the exhaust valve to open slightly at the proper time to create the retardation effect.
In 1993, Volvo introduced the D12 engine with the VEB (Volvo Engine Brake). The stroke of genius here is a second bump on the cam that causes the exhaust valves to open briefly a second time in engine brake mode, during the intake stroke. With back pressure in the exhaust manifold, air briefly flows backwards into the cylinder, ‘supercharging’ it with more mass, making it more powerful.
The first VEB would absorb 350 HP at 2300 rpm and a strong 235 HP at 1500 rpm. The Volvo VEB has always been very strong at mid-range speeds, where today’s trucks cruise. Over the years this would improve. The 2010 D13 I-VEB will absorb all of 500 hp at 2200 rpm and 350 hp at 1500 rpm.
Where does this all lead? Today’s D13 can come down Fancy Gap VA, a seven mile, 4% downgrade (that has three emergency ramps for runaways), at only 1400 rpm at 65 mph, without even touching the service brakes, leaving them fully available for an emergency stop if necessary.
For parts for your Volvo D13 Truck Engine Parts check out www.Class8TruckParts.com

How to Perform an Inpsection of your Fifth Wheel in 15 minutes or less

Class8TruckParts Blog — Thu, 16 Sep 2010 20:43:00 GMT

The Fifth Wheel on a commercial truck is one of the most critical parts for the safety of the vehicle, and also one of the most misunderstood parts.

The most important thing to keep in mind while you inspect your fifth wheel is to be safe. While moving a truck, disconnecting and trailer, remember to watch landing gear, air hoses, electrical cables, and most importantly the people around you.

First step in the inspection process is to steam-clean the fifth wheel, clean the top plate, brackets, slide plate, and mounting. Using a flashlight or trouble light inspect the fifth wheel. look for wear on the jaws and plate.

Test the jaws

Latch the fifth wheel to a trailer as usual.
Set the Trailer Brakes
With a second person helping have them stand where they can see the fifth wheel as you move the truck back and forth slightly
Have your helper look if the plate moves relative to the trailer. If the plate does move the jaws may be worn.

If the jaws are worn, you may be able to adjust your fifth wheel. It also may need rebuilt. We suggest contacting your local dealer to have them adjust, or rebuild your fifth wheel.

For a parts list of Fontaine Fifth Wheel parts or Holland Fifth Wheel parts , check our company www.Class8TruckParts.com

How to Clean Truck Lights

Class8TruckParts Blog — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 00:55:00 GMT

Go wash the truck. Sounds like a simple task, not much thought needs to go into that right? Wrong, using improper chemicals on your truck can destroy the coatings on your vehicle, including the lights. Our friends at Truck-Lite have come up with a nice list of which chemicals to use for cleaning your truck's lights. Keep this list in mind next time you've got your bucket and rags ready to clean. You don't want to destroy those brand new LED's by not taking care of them properly.

The use of solvents that are not compatible with polycarbonate will result in the softening, crazing, and/or cracking of the plastic part. This is especially true of polycarbonate lamps and mounting bases which may be under stress in their normal applications.

The following solvents/cleaners ARE COMPATIBLE with polycarbonate:

Mild soap and water
Mineral Spirits
Hexane
VM and P Naphtha
Varsol No. 2
#1 and #3 denatured alcohol
Freon TF and TE-35
Ethanol
10% Sol Ban Ami®
Dirtex®
2% Sol. Reg. Joy
Heptane
White Kerosene
Methyl, isopropyl and isobutyl alcohols
Lacryl® PCL-2035 polycarbonate cleaner
Petroleum Ether/65 degrees C boiling point

The following solvents/cleaners MUST NOT BE USED with polycarbonate:

Triclor (Trichlorethylene)
Acetone
Triclene®
Methyl Ethyl Keytone (MEK)
MIBK
Toluol
Benzol (Benzene)
Gasoline
Carbon Tetrachloride
Chlorinated Hydrocarbons
Texine-8006, 8129, 8758
Liquid Cleaner - 8211
Agitene®>
AJAX®
All liquid detergents
Pink Lux® (phosphate free)
Diversol®
Lemon Joy® (phosphate free)
Kleenol Plastics
Lestoil®
Stanisol Naphtha®
Oils

Rain-X Wiper Blades Available

Class8TruckParts Blog — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 18:58:00 GMT

Recently Class8TruckParts.com has added Rain-X as a new vendor. We're proud to offer a full line up for Rain-X Wiper Blades for sale online. We offer the Latitude Wiper Blades, Weatherbeater Wiper Blades, and Rain-X Winter Wiper Blades. Customer feedback on these wiper blades have been positive. Most Recently a Rain-X Latitiude Customer wrote:

Best Wipers on the planet!
Vision is a primary concern for me when driving, and to get the best wipers on the market for such a price is great!

and

I love the rain now!
These wiper blades are great! They don't leave any streaks at all and make no noise whatsoever, just smooth and silent - definitely a great improvement over my old wipers. I hardly even notice it's raining! The shipping was prompt and they were delivered on the expected date. The price was lower than in any of the stores in my area. I am very satified with both seller and product. Thanks!

Check out these new Rain-X Wiper Blades from Class8TruckParts.com, we have a large selection of Rain-X Wiper Blades, with great prices, and quick shipping.

Panelite Clearance Sale

Class8TruckParts Blog — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 18:28:00 GMT

With Panelite going out of business recently, we are cleaning house and looking to sell off our remaining Panelite chrome and truck accessories. Till the end of April we are offering our remaining Panelite inventory at 15% off. Just enter coupon code PANELITE at checkout to receive the discount.
We still have a large selection of Volvo Truck Chrome and Accessories at our Volvo chrome site www.VTChrome.com. />
Click here to view our Panelite Chrome Clearance.

Volvo Truck Seat Covers Available

Class8TruckParts Blog — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 13:28:15 GMT

Volvo Truck Seat Covers Now Available!

Many of you have been requesting seat covers for your Volvo Trucks for some time. Well wait now more! Volvo Truck's VIP parts brand has a new Seat Cover for popular seat brands of Class 8 Trucks. If you truck is new, it can keep you seat looking like new. If your seat is old and looking a little rough, you can make it look like new again.

Custom fitted for most popular brands and styles of Over the Road and Work Truck Seats
Stop UV rays to protect seat finish
Heavy-Duty Polycotton drill weave, Throw in washer/dryer when dirty, Overlapped double-stitched seam
Fabric "breathes" - no "sticky" back
Easy on/Easy off, no tools needed. Seat backs include a handy built-in pocket.

Volvo Truck Seat Cover Plain
$84.12

Volvo Truck Seat Cover Volvo Logo
$84.12

Panelite Out of Business

Class8TruckParts Blog — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 01:41:00 GMT

We are sorry to hear today that Panelite has closed as of February 10th. Panelite had a great selection of chrome accessories for all makes and models of heavy-duty trucks and was known as one of the great names in truck accessories. Panelite's Volvo Truck selection was a great product line for VTChrome.com and always sold well.

Class8TruckParts.com and VTChrome.com have taken our complete listings of Panelite accessories off our site tonight. We will however do a complete inventory of Panelite inventory remaining in inventory and sell our remaining inventory. VTChrome.com will still continue to offer our large selection of Dieter's Truck Chrome Accessories, and American Chrome products for your Volvo Truck Chrome and Accessory needs.

Snow Plow Season is Starting

Class8TruckParts Blog — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 13:33:00 GMT

It's official we are now starting the snow season in most parts of the country. Wheeling Truck Center has recently added a variety of snow plow lights from Truck-Lite and Grote to our site. It may be a good idea to keep a spare set in your truck with you when you're out working. The last thing you need on a cold day in bad weather is poor visibility because your lights don't work. Also check out Grote's LED snow plow lamps for great visibility and long-life. Click here to checkout our complete selection of snow plow lights

Lobster Truck Leasing & Rental, Inc. a 2009 NationaLease Rising Star

Class8TruckParts Blog — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:40:00 GMT

We are proud to announce that one of our companies Lobster Truck Leasing & Rental, Inc. has been named a 2009 NationaLease Rising Star Award Winner. We appreciate our many customers that have helped us grow throughout the years.

Check out the press release http://www.truckinginfo.com/news/news-detail.asp?news_id=68551&news_category_id=10

Lobster Truck Leasing & Rental, Inc. offers the following services at our locations in Wheeling WV and Steubenville Ohio.

Truck Rental
Full-Service Leasing
Contract Maintenance

For more information about Lobster Truck Leasing & Rental, call Chad at 304-232-1440. or email chremp@lobstertruck.com

How to find an Electrical Wiring Faults

Class8TruckParts Blog — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 19:30:00 GMT

Anyone operating a commercial vehicle has dealt with it, electrical wiring corrosion. Chemicals used to treat roads (magnesium and calcium chloride) hang around on vehicles and do not easily wash off. These chemicals tend to find their way into electrical connections and down wires causing corrosion problems.
While this is a big problem to fix, it's even worse when you aren't sure which wire has the problem. Dan Sullivan has come up with the answer to finding wiring faults FAST! Dan has invented the TESlite, a special set of leads that work with a digital voltmeter. Simply change the leads out with the TESlite tool and now with the push of a button, you can load a circuit to identify the wiring faults fast. This tool doesn't damage wiring and has SteadyPin tips.

The TESlite Voltmeter Leads can be purchase from ClassTruckParts.com

Watch the video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U7_yV7jtQWE

Sylvania Replacement Bulbs

Class8TruckParts Blog — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 20:23:00 GMT

Replacement lights are usually an easy fix to take care of for your vehicle, simply remove the lens, unscrew the old burnt out bulb, and install a new one. That is of course if you have the new replacement bulb on hand. We've talked before in earlier blogs about the importance of having an emergency parts kit in your truck. One of the items on our recommended list are replacement light bulbs.

If you look at a list of possible replacement light bulbs you'll see that many of these lights look alike. Make sure you replace the old light with the correct new light. Most miniature replacement bulbs have the part number stamped on the brass base, and most manufacturers use the same part numbers for the lights. So if you pull the bulb and see 1156, you can buy a GE 1156 or Sylvania 1156, they are the same bulb.

Class8TruckParts.com has a large selection of Sylvania Mini Replacement Bulbs available for purchase on line.

Installation Videos on VTChrome.com

Class8TruckParts Blog — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 12:59:00 GMT

We've recently added some video to our website on how to install some commonly purchased Volvo Truck Chrome Accessories. You can view them on our website:

If you have suggestions on other instructional videos for Volvo Truck Parts and accessories, please give us some ideas on what you would like to see.

Save your Radiator from Impact Damage

Class8TruckParts Blog — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 20:20:00 GMT

Anyone who's driven a truck long enough has had the unfortunate experience of the "Fender Bender". In the fall we see a lot of minor collision damage done from deer. Sometimes this minor collision damage can be a major cost due to radiator and cooling pack damage. This is not only expensive to repair, it involves a great deal of unnecessary downtime. Volvo has come up with a minor vehicle modification that can significantly reduce damage to the radiator and cooling system.

The Front Under Reinforcement is a Genuine Volvo part that helps to minimize front impact damage to your radiator and cooling fan. It installs between the bumper and the cooling package to help deflect items from impacting the lower portion of the radiator. It requires less than 30 minutes to install and can be done without removing the bumper or the hood; all you need is an air wrench and a small jack for the front end.

Cost of the parts are $171.99 for post 2003 model year trucks and $247.22 for pre 2003 model VN trucks. The price of this kit is a bargain compared to the price of a radiator assembly and more importantly the downtime that goes along with it. To order this Front End Radiator Reinforcement . If you're not sure which kit your truck needs, call us at 866-464-0183 with the serial number of your truck and tell our parts professionals you need a Deer Guard for your Volvo Truck.

http://hsmackvolvo.com/video.html

Seeing is believing, and that is why Volvo has put together this video showing a collision without the reinforcement, and then a collision with reinforcement. You can order this kit from www.Class8TruckParts.com Deer Guard

and protect your vehicle from unnecessary downtime and expenses.

Grote LED Strip Lights

Class8TruckParts Blog — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 16:12:00 GMT

Grote has recently introduced LED strip lights for sale. These 18" and 48" high output strip lights are available with or without a switch and in 12 or 24 Volts. These strip lights make ideal compartment lights for tool boxes, truck cabs, sleepers or even van bodies. The strip lights are very low profile and have a rugged polycarbonate lens. As with all of Grote's LED interior lights, they are:

Low power draw
Generate very litte heat
Use LED's rated up to 50,000 hours.
High Output 500 lumen white LED

To purchase the new Grote LED Stip Lights, please visit Class8TruckParts.com

Lube System Maintenance Tips

Class8TruckParts Blog — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 13:05:00 GMT

Yesterday we came across this great article from Fleetguard / Cummins Filtration on maintaining the lube system on your engine. In today's tough economic environment there is pressure to extend oil drain intervals beyond manufacturers recommendations. While this may save money in the short run, it can be much more expensive later. For all your Fleetguard Filter needs, please visit Class8TruckParts.com

Ensuring proper lubrication is critical to maintain the performance and life of the engine. It is essential to use oil and filters that are designed for each specific engine application. Without regular oil changes and filters, the oil becomes saturated with impurities and contaminant particles, preventing it from functioning properly. To ensure your lubrication system is always functioning properly, follow these guidelines:

Change the oil and filters according to the instructions of the operator manual.
Verify the oil level daily, or each time you use the engine.
Conduct regular oil analysis to prevent potential failures. Oil analysis detects wearing down of the engine and verifies the state of the oil.
It is normal that an engine consumes some amount of oil (but not in excess). Please review the operator manual to know how much it is allowed to consume.

Why I must change the oil and filters?
Engine lubrication is perhaps the most important aspect in a good maintenance program. The engine oil lubricates all moving parts, provides protection against corrosion, absorbs and neutralizes the contaminants, serves as a coolant and is a sealant.
Through regular oil and filter changes, the oil is able to remove contaminants from the engine, translating into a cleaner engine with diminished wear.
Maintenance Benefits
The benefits for a fleet or an organization with focus on maintenance are:

Diminished risk, preventing the probability of an occurrence of an engine failure
Improvement of service efficiencies
Reduction of operating costs
Prolonged equipment life

LED Headlamps from Truck-Lite Available

Class8TruckParts Blog — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 20:32:00 GMT

Truck-Lite has recently introduced the world's first standard 12-Volt LED Headlamp. What does this mean? As many of you already know LED lights have a longer life compared to incandescent lights, and they also consume a lot less power. The life of these lights exceeds a typical headlamp life by as much as 50 times. What does this mean? You would need to replace your normal headlamp 50 times before you change one of these LED headlamps. While the initial cost is high for these lamps, they are a bargain in the long run. That's why the US Army uses them on their Humvee vehicles.

Some of the other benefits of these new lights are:

Better visibility and improved safety
Pure-white, aesthetically pleasing beam patters through precision optics
Low-power consumption
Solid-state circuit board assembly to combat shock and vibration
Hard-coated polycarbonate lens offers 30 times more impact strength than glass
Meets or exceeds all applicable DOT requirements
Made in America
Exceeds typical headlamp life by as much as 50 times.

"The LED technology used in Truck-Lite's headlamps will offer improved visibility over conventional incadescents, as the color temperature of the assembly is around 5000K, far closer to sunlight than incandescent or halogen lamps." explains Charlie Lambis, OEM sales manager for Truck-Lite.

To purchase your own Truck-Lite LED Headlamp please visit Class8TruckParts.com.

GPS System for Commercial Trucks

Class8TruckParts Blog — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 01:11:00 GMT

Pana-Pacific Introduces new GPS system for Commercial Trucks

I'm sure many of you have been using a GPS system in your truck to help navigate around the country. If so many of you realize a automotive GPS system, while helpful, doesn't work if you haul hazmat, oversized loads. Pana-Pacific's newest GPS system for truck trucks calculates driving routes based of the characteristics of the vehicle that you can customize.
The first time you use the RouteFinder GPS system you will input the type of vehicle you drive, load type, height, weight, length, width, etc. The RouteFinder then stores this information and uses it to provide directions so you don't need to work about driving on a road that can get you in trouble.
While this software is exceptional, the GPS hardware is also designed for truck use. It has a large 7" LCD color touch-screen that can be viewed easily from a distance. Drivers can choose their destination by address, point-of-interest or by pressing your finger on a map and hitting the "GO" button. If you miss a turn of take a pit-stop the RoutFinder will calculate a new route to get you back to your intended destination.
The GPS system includes the navigatio unit, mobile docking station, home chargers, assorted cables and everything you need to get started right out of the box. All US and Canadian mapping comes pre-loaded.

For more information about the Pana-Pacific RouteFinder GPS system, check it out at Class8TruckParts.com

Emergency Truck Parts Kits

Class8TruckParts Blog — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 16:36:00 GMT

Just as the Boy Scout motto says "Always be prepared." How many of us our prepared for our truck breaking down? While many breakdowns cannot be predicted, some minor issues can become a big expensive problem if you aren't prepared. Have you ever had a fuel filter plug up? A burnt out light? These are common problems that can happen, if you are prepared they are just minor problems, if you're not prepared they can become expensive problems. DOT fines, missed deliveries, tow bills, emergency roadside repair, all are expensive and can in many cases be prevented with a little planning.
Why not pack an emergency parts kit for your truck. Here are some items we suggest for your emergency parts kit:

Fuel Filter(s) - Many truck have more than one fuel filter, if you have a plugged filter you can save the money from a tow bill or emergency roadside service.
Filter wrench - How else are you going to change that fuel filter?
Diesel Fuel Conditioner - This serves two purposes. 1. If you need to change a fuel filter, you can use this to prime the filter. 2. If you find yourself in cold weather with fuel starting to gel, this will help prevent your fuel from gelling up. (Be careful to check your engine manufacturers guidelines about fuel conditioners).
Spare Light Bulbs/Lights - Prevent a DOT fine, and the downtime. Do a review of your truck and ensure you have replacement headlight bulbs, marker lights, tail/turn lights.
Oil/Coolant/Washer Fluid - These are main three fluids to keep in your emergency truck parts kit.
Fuses - Many trucks when they come from the factory have spare fuses either in bags or in the fuse control panel. Are all your spare fuses still there?
Belt/Tensioner - While you may not be comfortable changing a belt or a tensioner, you can save yourself some time and money by having a roadside technician change them for you. If not the road tech will drive out to your location look at what belt or tensioner they need, drive back to get the parts and back to you. All of this results in an inflated repair bill for you and excessive downtime.
Windshield Wiper Blades - While this will rarely down a truck, it can be unsafe to have wipers that cannot clear and windshield properly in the rain and snow. Also a squeaking wiper blade can drive you crazy, so have spare to help keep your drive safe and quiet.

With all the items on the list above, the goal isn't to be able to overhaul your engine on the side of the road. The goal is to make it to your destination where a trained technician can properly fix any problems with your truck.

If you need help figuring out what to put in your emergency truck parts kit, call the pros at Class8TruckParts.com / Wheeling Truck Center and let them help you build your emergency parts kit to save you time and money.

Making a Connection - Better Electrical Connections Help Improve HVAC Component Life

Class8TruckParts Blog — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 13:55:00 GMT

Air and refrigerant aren’t the only things that circulate through a truck’s air conditioning system. A third element also needs to flow smoothly and unimpeded — electricity. The compressor’s clutch needs at least 11.5 volts to make the electromagnetic field that activates the clutch pulley, allowing refrigerant to flow. Without 11.5 volts, the clutch hub will slip against the face of the pulley, generating enough friction and heat to melt the clutch bearing seal. Then, lubricant leaks out, the clutch quickly fails and the entire assembly must be replaced.

Unfortunately, the replacement will fail, too, unless you can find out what is causing the voltage drop. Here are some tips to help troubleshoot AC electrical problems.

Improper Ground Wire Gauge.
Most technicians start their electrical diagnostics with a check of the ground path. A loose connection, corrosion or fleck of paint can create resistance, and they’re relatively easy to spot and fix. But sometimes the issue is the ground wire itself.
The ground wire is part of the complete electrical circuit, just like the power line. The longer the power and ground wires, the more electrical resistance it will have. If you’re still getting voltage drop after a thorough inspection, make sure the ground wire is the appropriate wire gauge size for the length. Check out class8truckparts.com for a selection of truck electrical wiring.
Poor Connections Loose electrical connections can cause heat to build up between the conductors. At best, the result is wasted energy. At worst, a bad connection can cause a fire. Inspect all connections and replace any poor connections with new wire connectors, or run new wires being sure to use heat shrink.
Recreate the Demand Take a voltage reading with the engine and air conditioner running, as well as lights, wipers and radios — anything that draws from the truck’s electrical system. Ideally, you want 13.5 volts, but not less than 11.5 volts, at the clutch coil. Don’t forget to check inside the cab or sleeper for an aftermarket power inverter with 110-volt AC outlets. It’s evidence that the driver may be drawing power the truck’s electrical system is unable to handle.

Check out Class8TruckParts selection of Red DOT HVAC Products.

Free Freight on Grote and Truck-Lite Orders over $100

Class8TruckParts Blog — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 17:40:00 GMT

For a limited time (till July 17th) we are offering free shipping on order for Truck-Lite and Grote products over $100. Don't wait around, get your order in soon and save some hard earned money. Class8TruckParts.com has a large selection of Truck-Lite and Grote products in stock ready to ship to you, marker, clearance, LED, and more. Just enter the coupon code LIGHTS17 at checkout.