HEADLINES: How To Kill A Late-Model Diesel (DEF In Fuel)
The fastest way to kill a common-rail fuel system, a stronger 48RE option, and the industry’s most recognizable chassis dyno may be coming to a town near you.
This fuel system catastrophe is brought to you by Double Down Diesel, and it illustrates what happens when you accidentally pour diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) into the fuel tank of a modern diesel equipped with SCR (selective catalytic reduction). See that wiry, fiberglass-looking stuff? It represents crystallization from the urea present in DEF’s chemical makeup. It has the same effect as sand being forced through the fuel system. In short, your high-pressure common-rail system is toast. Worse yet, none of this will be covered under any manufacturer’s warranty. Pay attention out there…and be careful who you lone your truck to…
More Diesel Fails
Carnage At Hassler’s
We don’t know what it is about Hassler Diesel’s customers, but they always seem to experience the worst possible failures on late-model oil burners, failures which often entail engine replacement. This Power Stroke fell into the latter category, having dropped some valves, resulting in all-out, in-cylinder mayhem. Outside of the messiness that is destroyed engines, Hassler is a go-to shop for those pesky, tricky issues no one else seems capable of solving. The troubleshooting abilities here are top-notch. Of course, in between running a busy drive-in shop, the Hassler team spends its summers chasing glory on the pulling track, thanks to a nasty, P-pumped 7.3L powered, Pro Stock Ford.
Transmissions
A Familiar Face Gets The TH400 Treatment
We knew big things would be happening when DNR Customs took possession of Caged Fury, the one-time record-setting second-gen Cummins with a long, storied history in diesel drag racing. But this truck isn’t just sitting in the Smiths Creek, Michigan company’s hands for a simple refresh or a mild resurrection. Rather, it’s being prepped to go head-to-head with the fastest diesels in the country. That means no more lever style clutch arrangement. No way. It’s getting the full TH400 treatment, as well as weight-shedding, back and front-halved, and maybe (likely) even a common-rail power plant…
A Stronger 48RE Option
The wait for a stronger 47/48RE transmission case is over, and Firepunk Diesel has the SFI units in stock and ready to ship. Its primary selling point (though there are several) is this case’s heavy-duty aluminum casting, which won’t crack in racing applications like the factory units tend to do. A CNC machined front flange also accommodates a bolt-on bell housing, and we’re told GM and Ford bell housings are on the way. An improved bolt-in sprag design is also engineered into its design, better securing the sprag for increased durability. The new case also carries a 5-year, industry-standard SFI 4.1 rating, with the flexibility to be re-certified at any point in time.
Chassis Dyno
Northwest Dyno Series’ 2024 Schedule
Is the Northwest Dyno Series traveling SuperFlow coming to a town near you this year? With 16 events on the calendar, chances are it will be in your neck of the woods at some point in 2024. From California to Michigan and Tennessee to Oregon, the dyno team will be crisscrossing the country from spring until fall. The circuit’s load-cell chassis dyno represents the industry-standard for measuring horsepower and torque, and it’s best recognized as the official dyno of the Ultimate Callout Challenge. If you can make the number on these rollers, you can make it anywhere.
