Diesel Engines

How well do you know your reman diesel engine? As summer rolls in, it might be time to upgrade or replace your engine. Whether you’re looking for ways to improve your medium-duty diesel engine or a replacement for work, DFC Diesel offers a wide selection of crate engines and parts to fit your needs. As the newest addition to our remanufactured diesel engines, we are proud to carry Speed of Air crate engine series featuring the Speed of Air Hyperformance pistons. This state-of-the-art technology can save you time and money by extending the life of your diesel engine and increasing your diesel engine’s fuel efficiency. Let’s break down the facts about diesel efficiency and debunk some myths along the way.

Diesel vs. Gasoline: Which Engine Lasts Longer?

While diesel engines may cost more upfront, the long-term value is unmatched. A diesel engine typically runs up to 800,000 km (500,000 mi), compared to around 320,000 km (200,000 mi) for a gasoline engine. Diesel engines are the powerhouse for work trucks, offering you greater load capacities and towing capacity compared to gasoline. But why do they last longer? Three reasons: engine design, fuel properties, and operating RPMs.

Engine Design

Reman diesel engines are designed to withstand a higher compression ratio and cylinder pressure. The powerful nature of the compression chambers and high heat requires high-quality internal parts, meaning that diesel engines house larger and sturdier bolts compatible with larger crankshafts and camshafts. Designed for more stress, this durability translates to better engine lubrication, less wear, and a longer lifespan. For more information on the benefits of your engine, check out our previous blog post to find out which diesel engine design gets the best fuel mileage.

Diesel Fuel Properties

The price difference at the pumps for diesel and gasoline fuel is reflected in their different chemical makeups. Gasoline fuel is an aromatic hydrocarbon, making it harsh and corrosive to your engine over time. Alternatively, diesel fuel is made from crude oil and allows your engine to burn the fuel more slowly than gasoline due to a smaller air-to-fuel ratio. The result? Less frequent maintenance and longer-lasting engine parts.

See Also: How Many Miles Will A Reman Diesel Engine Last?

Lower RPMs, Higher Torque

The power of a diesel engine comes from the higher torque in the engine compared to gasoline. Through requiring less power, there is less wear and tear on each of the engine parts, namely the pistons, rings, cylinder walls, bearings and valves. Regardless of your relationship with your mechanic, fewer trips to the shop for maintenance make diesel engines a more attractive option.

At DFC Diesel, our remanufactured engines are designed to withstand tough working conditions that you may encounter. We partnered with Speed of Air Technologies to test the Hyperformance Pistons and see the results for ourselves. The dimpled effect of the pistons allows for less carbon build-up inside the combustion chamber, giving you more power and a longer-lasting engine.

Why Diesel Engines Are More Fuel Efficient

Diesel engines win when it comes to fuel economy under load. Towing and hauling put gasoline engines under stress—but diesel engines maintain power while burning less fuel.

The fuel efficiency of a diesel engine is a result of the longer strokes of the engine. There is more time for the piston to move away from the heat, lengthening its lifespan and building up the power in the engine. Due to the high heat in the chamber, diesel engines require high-quality parts, and pistons are part of the puzzle as they are designed to withstand countless heat cycles without crumbling. To reduce heat transfer, pistons are coated with a protective thermal barrier coating. In our Speed of Air crate engines, the Speed of Air Hyperformance Pistons resist heat better, reducing wear and carbon buildup.

Why are maintenance and high-quality parts important for a diesel engine?

When you care for your engine, it will care for you by saving you money time and time again. At DFC Diesel, there is no doubt that we love diesel engines and the potential they hold. Built for reliability, durability, and longevity, properly caring for your vehicle and your diesel engine will save you money every year. Regular maintenance and investing in quality parts and service will help save costs for replacement parts and oil changes. 

So why do we love our Speed of Air engine series? Each Hyperformance Piston in our crate engines is custom-made and follows a strict quality control procedure to ensure that our customers are receiving industry-standard safety and quality. This is the only piston in the world that pays for itself. Did you know you can save $20,000 to $60,000 when purchasing a Speed of Air engine? We care about providing our customers with the best, and we found in our testing period that our remanufactured engines show:

• Reduced engine maintenance
• Better fuel economy by 20%+ greater efficiency
• Smoother running engines
• Increased power
• Reduced operating costs
• Reduced oil change intervals by 50%

Ready for A Reman Diesel Engine Upgrade?

We offer 0% financing for up to 24 months on all SOA Series engines for our Canadian customers. If you are interested in learning more about our reman diesel engines or diesel engine parts, contact us today for a custom quote for your engine type and order your DFC Diesel SOA series engine. Check out our Speed of Air calculator for your personalized fuel efficiency and maintenance savings!

With long hours on the go, hauling supplies and ensuring your gear is ready to go, ensuring your engine is ready for anything is our top priority. Diesel engines are powerhouses, but even with the best care they can start to break down over time. Speed of Air’s Hyperformance Piston is designed with you in mind to give your engine a longer-lasting life and save you money to invest back into your work.

The 3 most common pitfalls for fuel efficiency in diesel engines

Diesel engines are known for their consistency, and that can extend to common troubles that people encounter over time that can dramatically impact fuel efficiency. The three most common pitfalls include carbon deposits, glow plug replacements, and engine oil oxidation. 

Carbon deposits, or carbon build-up, take first place for being one of the most common causes of decreased fuel efficiency in diesel engines. Due to the high temperatures within the combustion chamber, carbon soot can form within the chamber and around the piston and injectors over time, preventing it from reaching the necessary temperature. 

In diesel engines, glow plugs are heating elements used to preheat the air in the combustion chamber before the engine starts, allowing the fuel to ignite faster for a smoother start. Along with improved cold weather starts, glow plugs can improve combustion efficiency, but they are designed with a limited lifespan due to corrosion and increased wear and tear from high temperatures. For more information on glow plugs, check out our previous blog post.

The last common pitfall is engine oil oxidation, which can cause the formation of deposits or sludge, increased oil degradation and decreased fuel efficiency. Like each of the other issues we have covered, this cannot be avoided but the use of engine oil additives can greatly improve the oil quality.

What makes the Hyperperformance Pistons more fuel efficient?

The unique design of Speed of Air’s Hyperformance Pistons was made with customers in mind by focusing on the challenge of carbon build-up within the chamber. In testing, flow bench techniques revealed the fuel wash areas on a typical diesel engine piston crown to determine where carbon is most likely to build up. The turbulators, or dimple effect, are optimized for medium-duty vehicles with Powerstroke, Duramax, and Cummins engine pistons.

So how does it work? 

The turbulent layers and surfaces allow for the flames within the chamber to burn closer to the cool metal surface of the combustion chamber wall, thereby making it difficult for carbon to form with each use. Each Hyperformance Piston is crafted with a thermal barrier and anti-friction coating on the crowns and skirts of the piston, which help to keep the heat in the combustion process while minimizing resistance. The result means more power within your engine and greater fuel efficiency.

At DFC Diesel, we are committed to offering high-quality products and services to ensure you are getting the best quality engine for your money. For two years, we have been independent testers of Speed of Air Technologies with over a dozen models found in Dodge, Ford, and Chevy trucks. As of 2023, we now offer a full range of Speed of Air remanufactured engines.

Under work conditions, our real-life testing of Speed of Air Hyperformance Pistons found that they offer: 

• 20% or more fuel consumption reductions based on your engine tuning
• Reduced engine maintenance
• Reduced emissions ranging from 20 – 80%
• Smoother running engines
• Reduced operating costs
• Increased power

What are the benefits for commercial diesel trucks?

Finding ways to keep your operating costs low can be a challenge, but it is possible. We have found that Speed of Air Hyperformance Pistons can help you to reduce your overall fuel expenses, while also staying with safety regulations. With after-gas modifications factored in, they can also help to stay within your emissions requirements across Canada and the United States.

How do I calculate my fuel savings?

On average, there are more than 20% for fuel savings with a Speed of Air remanufactured engine, but it can vary. Determining your fuel savings can depend on several factors including:

• Vehicle maintenance
• Engine application
• Altitude and temperature
• Idle time
• Driver habits

As a side note, when compared to gasoline engines, diesel engines operate with greater fuel efficiency at higher altitudes because they do not have a throttle.

Interested in what you could save? For our calculations, we compared the saves for 100,000 km based off oil change extensions of 50%

• Under normal usage, with oil changes every 10,000 km: $5450
• Under moderate usage, with oil changes every 7,500 km: $5700
• Under heavy usage, with oil changes every 5,000 km: $6200

Did you know that you can test your own fuel savings? Check out our fuel savings calculator!

We currently carry Speed of Air remanufactured engines for DFC Long Blocks, Street Series, Tow/Haul Series, and Tow / Haul HD Series engines at DFC Diesel. For up to 24 months, we offer 0% financing on all SOA engines for our Canadian customers. 
Interested in learning more about Speed of Air Technologies? Contact us today for a custom quote for your engine type and pre-order your DFC Diesel SOA Series with Hyperformance Pistons!

Your truck can be your livelihood, but pushing your engine with long hours and heavy hauls can have severe impacts on your engine life. In 1952, the average new gas vehicle could go 500 miles (804 km) between oil changes. Thanks to modern technology and new gas engines, using products like full synthetic oil, an oil change interval can now go for as long as 25,000 miles or 40,000 km before wear and tear are noticeable. Frequent oil changes can be costly for your vehicle as you lose time on mechanical repairs and spend hundreds of dollars on oil.

Oil change intervals are an essential aspect of vehicle maintenance. Whether it’s the synthetic oil change interval, or a more specific full synthetic oil change interval, or even the synthetic blend oil change interval, it’s crucial to know what’s best for your vehicle. For instance, Ford’s recommended oil change intervals provide a great guideline for many Powerstroke engine owners. For oil recommendations for your specific engine, check out our previous blog post.

Your medium duty diesel engine holds more potential with new product designs and optimized crate engines. We have run a series of tests on engine performance with Speed of Air Hyperformance Pistons, and we have found that they are reducing oil change intervals on average by 50% or more!

Factors impacting oil change intervals

No one knows your engine and how your truck drives better than you, and every vehicle’s oil life can vary. Based on the industry standard, the average oil drain interval is around 5,000 miles (10,000 km), but individual factors can change your intervals. 

Engine design, age and condition

Within your engine, the combustion efficiency can improve your overall engine life, but carbon deposits are a major player for contaminants. When hydrocarbons are not fully burned during the combustion process, they can escape the combustion chamber and make their way into other parts of your engine. Your engine design and condition can depend on the sealing efficiency of the pistons rings, regulated temperature control, and emissions. Every engine is designed with an expected total operating hours and mileage, but good filtration and sealing can help to prolong your engine.

Driving patterns and conditions

What kind of road and temperature conditions do you work within? If you are constantly driving in extreme temperatures on both sides of the spectrum, it can impact your engine oil. Continued cold starting can result in oil thickening, which can impair lubrication for bearings and cylinders. If you drive regularly on steep roads, with high loads and many stop-and-go instances, it can lower your fuel efficiency as your engine oil is working harder. Dusty roads or areas with high humidity can also increase airborne contaminants getting in your engine oil.

Oil properties

Your oil properties are related to the oil quality and formula performance. When it comes to contaminants, some that we look for in your engine oil include:

• Sludge and soot
• Water and coolant ingression
• Fuel dilution

If you are looking for a specific recommendation for your engine based on your line of work and driving conditions, our team at DFC Diesel is here to help to keep your engine operating as it should. 

Are Speed of Air Hyperformance Pistons compatible with my engine?

We are proud to be in collaboration with Speed of Air Technologies in creating game-changing crate engines. For over two years, we have been testing and refining our crate engines with a variety of Powerstroke, Cummins and Duramax designs. Speed of Air’s Hyperformance Pistons are compatible with a wide range of engine applications and fuel types such as diesel, natural gas, and gasoline engines.

Our crate engine applications are specialized for medium-duty work trucks and are fit for your unique working conditions and industry. The pistons are designed with turbulators, or a dimple effect, to minimize resistance during the combustion process, allowing for a more complete process and less carbon buildup forming within the engine.

What does this mean for your engine? Reducing the carbon buildup in your engine prolongs the surface life and allows for extended periods between oil change services. Our extensive testing found that your oil change intervals are extended by over 50%. Interested in seeing the benefit for your engine? You can find personalized fuel efficiency and maintenance savings with our Speed of Air calculator. 

Why work with DFC Diesel?

Since 2010, our team at DFC Diesel has been serving customers across North America by building the highest quality engines with the most comprehensive warranty in the industry. As Canada’s largest diesel remanufacturing facility, we have adopted rigorous standards to create quality products that we take pride in. When you work with a remanufacturer, you can trust that every engine part is made to the same or greater standards as your original parts, while also measuring up to OEM tolerances, durability, and quality.
Our Speed of Air series crate engines are made with Hyperformance Pistons that will keep your engine running more reliably and efficiently so that you can spend more time on the road doing what you love, and less time in the shop. Interested in learning more about our engines? Check out our Speed of Air series engines and find your match. For more information, contact us for a quote today and preorder your new engine!

For twenty years, Speed of Air Engine Technologies has been creating solutions to decrease emissions and increase fuel efficiency by improving the fuel combustion process within internal combustion (ICE) engines. Compatible with Cummins, Powerstroke, and Duramax engines, they have introduced a new piston technology to optimize your engine’s performance, longevity and efficiency.

At DFC Diesel, we are proud to partner with Speed of Air in developing a crate engine for medium-duty diesel applications that have been tested with incredible game-changing results for your engine.

What makes the Speed of Air pistons unique?

Speed of Air Hyperformance Pistons seeks to address the number one issue with diesel engines: combustion. With their new patented design, the pistons have a dimple effect called turbulators across the surface of the piston with varying sizes that are reminiscent of a golf ball design. The design has more than just a visual effect though, as these turbulators create adhesion for the flame and allow for a longer burn time. The dimpled surface can also be applied to the intake manifold and turbocharger compressor blades. Unlike a normal flat-surfaced piston, the jagged edges of a piston make the surface unstable, which can create increased emissions and more fuel consumption.

Through using a combination of specialized metal coating to control the combustion chamber temperature, the heat generated by the piston can be harnessed from the engine and enhance the air-fuel mixture. The result? Over time, you will see fewer carbon deposits form in the chamber for longer-lasting engine life.

What value do they have for you?

Each Hyperformance Piston is custom-made and follows a strict quality control process to ensure they are industry safe for your vehicle. Speed of Air Technologies are manufactured to work for every consumer, industrial engine, and fuel type. When you order a DFC Diesel engine with Speed of Air  Hyperformance Pistons you are getting the only piston in the world that pays for itself.

So what does this mean for your engine? Through real-life testing on engines in a work setting, we have found that Speed of Air Hyperformance Pistons offer:

• Reduced engine maintenance 
• Reduced oil change intervals by 50%
• Better fuel economy by 20%+ greater efficiency can be experienced through emissions-compliant tuning for fuel efficiency
• Reduced emissions ranging from 20 – 80%
• Smoother running engines
• Reduced operating costs
• Increased power

Investing in your engine can have its perks. You can save $20,000 to $60,000 on your purchase of a Speed of Air Hyperformance piston-equipped DFC Diesel engine. These are the only pistons in the world that pay for themselves with independent testing showing fuel economy improvements between 15-25%+ across all engine applications DFC Diesel remanufactures.

We offer 0% financing for up to 24 months on all SOA Series engines for our Canadian customers, so don’t lose out on a good deal! Interested in learning more about Speed of Air Technologies? Contact us today for a custom quote for your engine type and pre-order your DFC Diesel SOA Series with Hyperformance Pistons!

Diesel engines have a unique ignition process where they don’t have spark plugs. In this blog we’ll cover what spark plugs and glow plugs are, the benefits and disadvantages of the two ignition types, and more!

What are Spark Plugs?

In a gasoline engine, spark plugs provide the spark that ignites the fuel-air mixture in the combustion chamber. This spark is created by an electrical current passing through the spark plug, which generates a spark that jumps across a small gap between the electrodes. The spark occurs when the piston is in the ideal position and the mixture is at the right pressure, and this helps to ensure the most efficient combustion possible.

Why Don’t Diesel Engines Have Spark Plugs?

Diesel engines don’t rely on spark plugs to ignite the fuel. Instead, they use a process called compression ignition. This means that the fuel is injected into the combustion chamber while the air is being compressed. As the air is compressed, it heats up, and when the fuel is injected, it combusts spontaneously, creating the power needed to move the pistons. This is why diesel engines are often referred to as compression-ignition engines.

What are Glow Plugs?

Glow plugs are heating elements that are used to preheat the air in the combustion chamber before the engine starts. This makes it easier for the fuel to ignite, and helps the engine start more quickly and smoothly. Glow plugs are typically used in diesel engines that are designed for use in colder climates, and they can be found in a variety of vehicles. So, while diesel engines do not use spark plugs, they do use glow plugs.

What is the Difference Between Spark Plugs and Glow Plugs?

The main difference between spark plugs and glow plugs is that spark plugs are used to ignite the fuel-air mixture in gasoline engines, while glow plugs are used to preheat the air for ignition in diesel engines. Both play an important role in ensuring that engines start and run smoothly, and both have their own unique set of pros and cons.

Benefits of Spark Plugs

There are several benefits to spark plugs, spark plugs have a high energy output, so they are able to produce a high-energy spark that is necessary to ignite the fuel-air mixture in the combustion chamber, which ensures efficient combustion and smooth engine operation. Second, they are easy to replace. Spark plugs are relatively easy to replace and can be done by most vehicle owners with basic tools. They are also widely available and can be purchased at most auto parts stores. Finally, spark plugs are relatively low maintenance. They typically have a long lifespan and require minimal maintenance, making them a cost-effective option for vehicle owners.

Disadvantages of Spark Plugs

Spark plugs also have a few disadvantages to their use. They need to be replaced periodically. Spark plugs need to be replaced at regular intervals, every 30,000 miles (48,280 km), approximately. Spark plugs can also fail if they get dirty or worn. They can become dirty or worn over time, which can cause them to fail and negatively impact engine performance. They can also be affected by heat, this might cause them to wear out faster in high-performance engines or in vehicles that are driven in hot climates. Replacing spark plugs can also be expensive. Some high-performance spark plugs can be very costly and may require a higher level of technical knowledge to install.

Benefits of Glow Plugs

Glow plugs offer several benefits for their ignition power. They have improved cold weather starting, which means that the diesel engine will start more quickly and with less cranking. Glow plugs have increased fuel efficiency. They improve combustion efficiency by heating the air in the chamber to help vaporize fuel more efficiently. This leads to less fuel consumption and lower emissions. Reduced emissions is also a benefit of its own, glow plugs help to reduce emissions by improving combustion efficiency and reducing unburnt fuel.

Disadvantages of Glow Plugs

Glow plugs do feature some disadvantages. They have a limited lifespan, so they will eventually need to be replaced. This can be caused by regular use and tear, corrosion, or exposure to high temperatures. The frequency of replacement will vary depending on the vehicle and driving conditions. If you have malfunctioning glow plugs, it can be expensive to replace them. Depending on the vehicle, the cost of replacement can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. This can be a significant expense for some vehicle owners. Finally, glow plug diagnosis and repair can be costly. This is because the system is complex and often requires specialized tools and knowledge to remedy effectively.

While spark plugs and glow plugs both play an important role in ensuring engines start and work to the best of their ability. They are used in different types of engines with similar pros and cons. It’s important for vehicle owners to understand the difference and to keep them in good working condition to ensure the engine runs effectively.

At DFC, we are Canada’s largest diesel remanufacturing facility and are proud of our diesel engines. We also have one of the best warranties in the industry, and our dealer network expands across Canada and the US. We remanufacture D-Dodge Cummins, F-Ford Powerstroke and C-Chevy/GMC Duramax, and also carry a large selection of parts.

If you need help with your diesel engine or are looking for a supplier, contact us to learn more about what we can do for you.

It’s winter time, and that may mean your battery is on its last legs. If you’re shopping for a new battery for your diesel, you may be wondering how many volts it takes to start a diesel engine. 

Read our guide on everything you need to know about diesel batteries, and how many volts it takes to start a diesel engine.

How Many Volts for a Diesel Engine Battery

The best diesel engine batteries are 12 volt batteries. When starting a diesel engine, it is typical for a battery to have less than 12 volts, but then get up to closer to 14 volts and above when the engine has warmed. Diesel engines require a 12 volt starter that is able to spontaneously combust and get the engine running. That’s why even though diesel engines require 12 volt starters, they run on two 12 volt batteries that work in tandem to ensure that the starter has the juice to get the engine running. 

Can You Run a Diesel with One Battery

Most diesel engines have two batteries that are connected in parallel. Even though you need 12 volts to start a diesel engine and each diesel battery would be a 12 volt battery, it’s not recommended to run a diesel on a single battery. This is because along with needing voltage to start, diesel engines require a higher cranking amperage than gas powered engines. So although you can definitely start a diesel engine with a single 12 volt battery, you won’t be able to run the engine effectively for very long. 

Furthermore, if one of your batteries dies, it’s important to replace both. When batteries are running in parallel, it’s important that they are the same age, type, and size. This is because the size, type, and age of a battery all relate to its amperage and how current will be distributed through the engine. If the batteries aren’t working the same, it can cause issues with your engine.

Difference Between Voltage and Amperage

Volts and amperes are completely different measurements regarding electricity. A volt is a unit of electrical potential, or the size of force that would send electrons through a circuit. Amperes, on the other hand, measure electrical current and how many electrons are flowing through a circuit. Regarding diesel engines, the battery voltage is the amount of force it takes to get the engine started, whereas amperes are how much electricity is flowing through the engine when it’s running. 

Best Diesel Engine Batteries

There are plenty of diesel batteries to choose from, so we’ve compiled a list of three diesel engines that we would recommend. 

1. XS Power D3400 XS Series 12V AGM High Output Battery

This battery has a tight seal and fiberglass layers to prevent spilling and limit vibration. This battery is also incredibly powerful in the cold, making it a great choice for climates with long winters like Alberta. It can deliver steady power in frigid temperatures as well as has a fast recharge time, making it a great choice for your diesel.

2. ACDelco 94RAGM Professional AGM Automotive BCI Group 94R Battery

This battery contains high-density negative paste to increase performance as well as the batteries overall lifespan. Its vent cap design reduces acid leakage risk, and it runs great in the cold weather with 800 cold cranking amperage. With solid specs and efficient performance, it’s an ideal choice for many diesel owners. 

3. Optima Batteries 8004-003 34/78 RedTop Starting Battery

Optima batteries are a fantastic choice, and the RedTop ensures 800 cold cranking amps for those frigid winter mornings, plus it has a strong casing that gives the battery more resistance to vibration, making it incredibly durable. You can definitely trust that this battery will do its job with your diesel.

We Know Diesels

DFC Diesel are your Dodge, Fod, and Chevy diesel engine experts. Our specialized team remanufactures and refurbishes diesel engines to make them as good as new. If you have questions about your diesel or want to get started working with DFC, please contact us!