Speed of Air

In the heart of winter, ski resorts come alive with the hum of machinery, creating the perfect snow-covered landscape for avid skiers and snowboarders. Behind the scenes, a crucial player ensures that these resorts remain operational even in the harshest conditions – the diesel generator. In this blog post, we delve into the world of diesel generators, exploring what they are, how they work, where they are commonly used, and why they stand out as the preferred choice for a variety of industries.

What Is a Diesel Generator And How Does It Work?

A diesel generator is a standby power source that combines a diesel engine with an electric generator that converts energy through compression. The resulting energy can be used as a backup power source for an extended period. Unlike gas generators, diesel generators do not have a carburetor as they generate an electric current. Due to the capabilities of the internal diesel engine, diesel generators are known for their consistent power output and their long-range fuel tank design. As long as there is a consistent fuel source, you’ll have power.

The process begins with the combustion of diesel fuel in the internal engine, where the injected fuel mixes with air and ignites due to compression. The resulting movement of pistons converts chemical energy into mechanical energy, driving the crankshaft that, in turn, powers the generator’s alternator. The alternator generates an electric current through electromagnetic induction, and a voltage regulator ensures a stable current for distribution. 

Where Are Diesel Generators Most Commonly Used?

Diesel generators can be found anywhere from rural settings to commercial establishments as a way to combat grid-peaking. Industries such as construction, marine, mining, hospitals, forestry, telecommunications, and agriculture rely on diesel engines and diesel generators for their high-output power generation and reliability. More often than not, diesel generators are the workhorses of ski resorts. From snow-making machines to ski lift standby power, diesel generators are used to ensure ski resorts are ready for a day on the slopes with a steady power supply.

Did you know that snow-making machines alone can draw the same amount of power as a small town? Other diesel engine uses on the hill include snowplows and grooming equipment. Diesel generator backups thrive during emergencies, powering ski lifts during evacuations. The choice of fuel type, power output, and emissions becomes critical, with diesel generators standing out for their reliability and efficiency. 

How Efficient Are Diesel Generators?

Diesel generators are known for their efficiency, running at 80% of their total load capacity. The combustion process in diesel engines, relying on compression to ignite fuel, contributes to their fuel efficiency. This means that diesel generators require less fuel compared to natural gas generators, offering more energy per dollar spent.

How Long Can a Diesel Generator Run Continuously?

Well-maintained diesel generators are designed to last over 30,000 hours, making them a durable and long-lasting power solution. However, ignoring proper care and maintenance can significantly reduce their lifespan. With wear and tear, a poorly maintained diesel generator will last for 10,000 hours. With a continual diesel supply, standby diesel generators can run for approximately 3,000 hours. The longevity of a diesel generator depends on factors such as the fuel source, engine oil quality, power demand, motor efficiency, and engine type.

When it comes to your diesel generator, there are some added steps that you can take to extend its life, including:

• Checking your oil levels regularly
• Using high-quality fluids
• Performing regular preventative maintenance
• Preparing your generator for winter by switching to a lighter-weight engine oil

Why Is It Preferable To Choose a Diesel Engine Generator?

When it comes to powering through the unexpected, a diesel generator is your best option. Diesel engines are less expensive to maintain compared to gas generators. Your diesel generator can last for decades with regular maintenance and quality parts. To keep up with environmental standards, diesel generators and engine designs are continually improving in the search for a more sustainable and cleaner power solution.

Ski resorts are more and more frequently looking for ways to continue to serve on the hill while also finding ways to incorporate sustainability into equipment choices. Did you know that quality performance parts can be customized to your diesel generator? At DFC Diesel, we are committed to pushing industry standards to bring you the best of the best. We carry Speed of Air Hyperformance Pistons to bring your engine to the next level. 

Compatible with medium-duty engines, you can upgrade your diesel generator’s internal engine with Hyperformance Pistons this winter. With a proven track record of increasing your fuel efficiency by 15-25%, your diesel generator will be more reliable even in cold environments. Other benefits include:

• Reduced oil change intervals by 50%
• Increased power
• Reduced engine maintenance
• Reduced emissions
• Smoother running engine
• Reduced operating costs

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!

Diesel engines are most commonly recognized for their efficiency and reliability under heavy loads, making them the top choice for industries whose bread and butter are long-haul drives and high-torque applications. But are diesel engines as fuel-efficient as they claim to be? The short answer is, yes, but we want to explore why they are more fuel efficient than a gasoline engine. In this blog, we will take a closer look at the differences between a gasoline and diesel engine, the highest efficiency rating, and how that can be applied to real-world diesel engines.

What is the Maximum Fuel Efficiency of a Diesel Engine?

Today, diesel engines have an average fuel efficiency of 20 – 35% more efficient compared to older engines once they have been broken in. Fuel efficiency ratings have continued to improve due to re-engineering the engine design with fuel injection systems, improved management systems, and turbocharging capabilities. The push for increased fuel efficiency goes hand in hand with increased engine durability and meeting emission requirements. While diesel engines are often critiqued for their emissions, continued design improvements have made them far more environmentally friendly than they’ve been in the past.

The largest player in determining a vehicle’s fuel efficiency comes down to the fuel density. Factors that are considered in determining a vehicle’s fuel efficiency include:

• The vehicle’s weight
• Condition
• Age
• Stock or after-market modifications
• Driving habits
• Workload

Taking into account these factors, the largest contender for determining your engine’s fuel efficiency is fuel density. For context, fuel density is the amount of energy in a gallon or litre of fuel.

The fuel density of a diesel engine can range from 13 to 18% more than a gasoline engine. The chemical composition of diesel fuel makes it the denser of the two options, which weighs in its favour. As a rule of thumb, the denser the fuel, the better your mileage will be.

What is the Efficiency of a Diesel Engine in a Truck?

The diesel truck engines that rank with the highest fuel efficiency are Cummins, Powerstroke, and Duramax. Heavy and Medium-duty diesel engines will see an average of 14 MPG for 6.6 Duramax and 6.7 Cummins diesel engines. The 6.7 Powerstroke remanufactured diesel engine has the highest average for fuel efficiency with 15 MPG.

Are Diesel Engines more Fuel-Efficient than Gasoline Engines?

Let’s consider some of the differences between diesel and gasoline engines that play into fuel efficiency. Both use a four-stroke combustion cycle: intake, compression, power, and exhaust. However, the way they handle this cycle is where the magic happens.

• Intake and Compression: Diesel engines draw in air during the intake stroke only and compress it at a significantly higher ratio compared to gasoline engines.
• Ignition: Unlike gasoline engines, diesel engines do not require spark plugs. Rather, the fuel ignites through compression. For more information on diesel engine ignition, check out our previous blog post!
• Performance: Diesel engines excel in long-haul or highway driving due to their higher torque, which contributes to better fuel efficiency and faster accelerations. By comparison, gasoline engines perform better in start and stop traffic and without a load.

In general, diesel engines and their fuel density contribute to their higher rankings for fuel efficiency over gasoline engines. That being said, diesel engines have a higher price tag attached to their fuel efficiency due to their higher fuel costs, higher purchase prices, and their inefficiency for light loads.

How to Improve a Diesel Engine’s Fuel Efficiency

At DFC Diesel, we are committed to continuing to push industry standards to continue to improve your diesel engine experience and keep you moving while on the road. To bring the fuel efficiency of diesel engines to a whole new level, we are proud to carry Speed of Air Hyperformance Pistons. Save more on your engine when you opt for a Hyperformance Piston. When you upgrade your remanufactured engine with Hyperformance Pistons, you can see an increase of 15-25% in fuel efficiency. Some of the other benefits include:

• Reduced oil change intervals by 50%
• Reduced Regn Cycles and DEF Use
• Decreased NoX by 20-80%
• Reduced emissions
• Smoother running engine

Are you interested in learning more about how you can save with increased fuel efficiency for your diesel engine? Check out our Speed of Air engine series today and find out what you can save with our cost calculator!

Looking to improve the performance of your diesel engine? We caught up with The Diesel Podcast this month to answer your questions about the Speed of Air Hyperformance Pistons. DFC Diesel is the first Canadian diesel engine remanufacturer to incorporate Speed of Air’s Hyperformance Pistons into our remanufactured engines.

We believe in the power of diesel engines and finding new ways to improve our customer’s driving experience. For the last two years, we have put the Speed of Air Hyperformance Pistons to the test on a variety of truck models. From replicating load capacity drives to everyday highway driving, our testing has revealed incredible results engine after engine.

Want to learn more? Check out The Diesel Podcast to find out more about how Speed of Air Hyperformance Pistons are improving power, performance, and fuel savings for diesel engines across the board. For more information about how you can save with the Speed of Air engine series, try our cost calculator!

What do you want to get out of your diesel engine? From serving as the workhorse that keeps you on the go for work to understanding the power of a diesel engine, your vehicle has more value to you than just acting as a piece of equipment. Just as you are looking for quality workmanship, we are committed to bringing you the best of the best when it comes to remanufactured engines. There are many hidden benefits to remanufactured engines that can be lost in translation, and we want to be clear and upfront about what makes us so passionate about providing quality services and products to our customers.

What makes remanufactured engines different from rebuilt engines?

First things first, a remanufactured engine and rebuilt engines should not be framed as the same type of engine. A rebuilt engine is one made up of reconditioned parts or new parts, but they do not go through the same quality and performance testing or inspections. Rather, rebuilt engines can use new or used parts at a cheaper price than a remanufactured engine.

Alternatively, a remanufactured engine is made to the original specifications and extra time and care is taken to disassemble, inspect, machine and reassemble the engine to ensure that every component is held to the highest standard of quality. In reality, it is on the same playing field as a new engine, but with a greater emphasis on sustainability.

Want to take a closer look at engine types? Check out our previous blog for a breakdown of rebuilt, remanufactured, and refurbished engines.

Why should I choose a remanufactured engine?

Choosing to upgrade your engine doesn’t always have to be a worst-case-scenario response to a failed engine. Whether you are starting to research the next steps or you want to upgrade your driving experience, a remanufactured engine has many unspoken benefits.

Reliability and Durability

Unlike the stigma surrounding used engines, remanufactured engines and their inspection process bring the machine shop to the next level. Every part and mechanism has been cleaned, undergone thorough inspection and certification, or has been replaced if there are any signs of wear and tear. The expression “good as new” is not an understatement, our remanufactured engines are built to last and withstand the lifespan of the parts. Not only that but they are tested and designed to give you reliable, consistent performance on the road.

Reduced Environmental Impact

The last few years have shown the impact that resource shortages can have on the auto industry and repairs. When you choose to work with an engine remanufacturer, every deliverable piece is already on hand in the warehouse or can be machined on-site, thereby reducing wait times and shipping costs and lowering our environmental impacts. We work with a variety of suppliers to continue to bring you the best parts and customized solutions for your engine. By keeping everything in-house, we are lowering the amount of energy spent on machining processes.

Customization

Our crate engines, designed in-house, can be made to order with customized solutions. After many years of testing and working in collaboration with Speed of Air Technologies, one of the top recommended customized solutions for 2023 is the addition of the Speed of Air Hyperformance Pistons. The Speed of Air line of remanufactured engines is the first in North America to feature this technology, bringing you reduced emissions, increased fuel efficiency and overall performance for your vehicle. You have the freedom to choose what you would like for aftermarket parts for engines.

Are remanufactured engines covered under warranty?

Warranty extends to any remanufactured unit and parts installed by DFC at the time that it left the property. In addition to limited warranties, we also offer Commercial Limited Warranty for 18 months or 48,000 km. Commercial warranties are available for specific models including emergency vehicles, snow removal equipment, government vehicles, farm equipment and more.

DFC builds refurbished engines to be reliable and long-lasting with aftermarket modifications, but the warranty does not cover every part of those added after purchase. Some of the exceptions include:

• Injectors
• Turbos
• Fuel pumps
• Accessories

The length of your warranty is dependent on the part of the unit that is malfunctioning. During your warranty period, you are covered by defects in the materials or the workmanship, and DFC will determine the right course of action for your case.

Interested in learning more about what you can do with your warranty? Learn more about DFC Diesel 2023 warranties for Canada, the US, and our KORE engine series.

DFC Diesel has proudly earned the title of Canada’s largest diesel remanufacturing facility, with standards of excellence unmet by others. Learn about the DFC Diesel difference, or contact us for an engine quote.

Behind every engine, is a team striving for excellence and passion. What started with a passion for seeing a change in the perception of remanufactured diesel performance engines has evolved into DFC Diesel. At our core, we are diesel engine lovers, which drives us to continue pushing the boundaries of what a diesel engine is capable of so that our customers can do more. Think you know everything about DFC Diesel? See behind the scenes and learn more about what makes us tick.

What’s the DFC Diesel Difference?

DFC Diesel has set a higher level of standards in the industry that other manufacturers continue to try and match. At 16,000 sqft and the most advanced machining equipment from Rottler in the industry, our engines continue to be a leading example of quality and precision in the marketplace.

We offer services across North America and are constantly upgrading and adding to our engine series and parts to bring you the best in remanufactured custom parts and service.

Repeatable results: Striving for excellence

Without our team working behind the scenes in the machine shop, we would not be where we are today. Made up of professionals with backgrounds in automotive, performance, and machining industries, each of our staff are passionate about what they do and continue to expand on their knowledge. We hold ourselves accountable for the highest standard of quality engines, including the most comprehensive warranty around. As advocates for excellence, we are industry leaders in remanufactured engines. By setting the bar high for our quality control standards, we are challenging the norm and helping other manufacturers to create quality parts that will outlast the vehicle.

We take pride in our engines, and that means an aggressive approach to quality control. By specializing in select models of Cummins, Powerstroke and Duramax diesel engines, we promise to uphold the quality of the engine you receive, every time. At DFC, we have adopted cutting-edge Rottler equipment throughout our machine shop, allowing us to remanufacture every part in-house. Our equipment is chosen based on speed, consistency, and the accuracy of each part.

Quality parts, Quality support, Every Time

When it comes to repairs and remanufactured parts, we take every customer’s concern seriously. Our process includes disassembly, inspection, reassembly, and engine cleaning. Regardless of the complexity of the issue, our team is here to assist when you have a unique problem pop up but don’t know where to go. Challenging repairs allow us to constantly grow and expand our expertise. During disassembly, each part is cleaned, inspected, and qualified before it is reassembled. We see to give you peace of mind that you are leaving our shop with the highest quality of parts regardless of the age and make of your vehicle. If a part does not pass qualification or we are uncertain during the inspection, we replace the piece with a new, high-quality part made in-house at DFC Diesel.

We will never compromise on our promise of quality parts and quality support for our customers. Every piece that has been purchased from our shop is certified, passing our strict quality control measures. Our processes are thorough because we care about your engine and your safety, allowing you to leave with an engine of higher quality than when it left the OEM factory.

As fierce believers in the power of diesel engines, we are early adopters of tried and tested industry trends and new equipment. We are not alone in our industry and are proud to partner with other manufacturers such as Speed of Air to deliver high-quality parts that can elevate your engine. Our latest crate engine series features Speed of Air Hyperformance pistons, and are quickly changing the game.

Keeping our customers front of mind each day

Caring for your engine is only part of our mission, but a large part of our operations comes from caring for our customers. Throughout our facilities, our team members are here to answer any questions you have about our engines, our services, and recommendations for the next steps when purchasing a remanufactured diesel engine. Your vehicle and engine work hard on the job, and we want to ensure that it continues to stand the test of time so you can continue to support your industry. We work within your budget to provide quality parts and after-service support. If you have concerns regarding your diesel engine or a part fails, we will honour the warranty and ensure that your engine is repaired to the best of our ability.
If you have a question about our services and processes or concerns about your engines, give us a call at 1-587-405-3105 or fill out our contact form with your inquiry. We are always open to answering questions or addressing problems in your engine as your safety is our top priority. For questions regarding our engine series and Speed of Air, check out our options in-store and speak to one of our diesel experts to find the right fit for you.