Experience with new SCR engines?

Discussion in 'Trucks [ Eighteen Wheelers ]' started by Oram, Sep 8, 2012.

  1. Oram

    Oram Medium Load Member

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    I am keep hearing here and there, the new SCR engines fuel economy and reliability back where we were in the "good old days." Is it true? I would appreciate some comforting words, because the day is pretty close when I have to buy a new truck. Please real information and experience, not empty "new bashing".
    (I will not rebuild my old rig and I do not buy glider. Everybody who does has my greatest respect, but I do not do it.)
     
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  3. Cowpie1

    Cowpie1 Road Train Member

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    It is all over the map on fuel mileage. There are some with the new engines getting into consistent 8 mpg territory. Many are into solid 7 mpg territory. Of course, there are some that can't seem to even approach those numbers. Just as with everything, it is all about gearing and how you drive it. You have to think a little out of the box. These newer engines like to run lower rpm's than in the past, so gearing has to be chosen wisely to keep it inside the rpm range it likes and running the road speed you prefer. When done right, these newer engines can really surprise some folks. I know of a couple of people that are consistently into high 7 to mid 8 mpg territory, and no, they are not driving like grandma. One of them, Henry Albert, is using a DD15 scr in a Cascadia and getting solid mid 8's and primarily running around 65 mph. His mpg is documented over something like 180,000 miles. But he is an exceptional driver. But there are a lot of folks that are into consistent 7 mpg territory all the time.

    I don't do anything west of I-25, so a glider with a pre-egr engine was a solid choice. But some of the newest SCR engines are turning in good numbers. Of course, there are potentially more mechanical related problems than a non-emission equipped engine, but that is kind of a hit or miss deal. There are always horror stories about these engines, but there are as many or more stories of people having good luck with them. It is even more critical than ever to study the owner's manual and get real familiar with these engines and operate them properly. You can't just do the Billy Bob Bigrigger type of just flooring them, driving like a maniac expect great results.
     
  4. ShortBusKid

    ShortBusKid Heavy Load Member

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    2011 Volvo, D13 425 hp, 2.79 rears, 12 speed I-shift direct. I have almost 70,000 miles on the truck. Just in the past month have I begun to see very good fuel mileage numbers. I pull a reefer. August average is coming in right at 6.7 mpg. I do not have an APU and it seems like everywhere I went it was super hot so I did alot of idling. Last week I ran from Texas to Iowa and back. 7.4 mpg average. Light loads (under 30,000 both ways) and less idling along with relatively flat terrain. I generally run 65-70 mph where legal.


    DEF is running about a penny a mile. No problems with the SCR system and Volvo has a pretty good warranty on it anyway.
     
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  5. Scania man

    Scania man Road Train Member

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    My heavy haul Scania r620 is 2007, it's scr and no problems at all, I'm pulling lowbeds and I'm 111,000 lbs empty weight and I'm averaging 6.8mpg, a normal one will do 10mpg, a 730 hp will do 11mpg @ 97,000lbs on the smaller 6cyl engines u have a choice between egr or scr and I'm told the difference in fuel mileage is 1-1.5 mpg in the scr's favor , also no problems with egr sensors or any of that crap. It's true newer trucks are low revving, the sweet spot in mine is @ 1200rpm, the newer 730's sweet spot is only 1000rpm.

    When egr engines were introduced here they were troublesome but the issues are mostly sorted out except for the extra fuel consumption, still an scr engine is simpler consumes less fuel and I haven't seen any issues with them
     
  6. Oram

    Oram Medium Load Member

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    I understand the concept of a glider, but to spend 120.000$ for a truck with a rebuilt engine is scary for me. Plus I really believe the importance of aerodynamic, and all of the gliders are kind a classic trucks. They are beautiful, but inside I prefer the pick up truck looks and feels.
    I understand the extra stuff need extra care, I just would not like the horrible reliability and fuel economy what was common from '07-'10. Compared to those truck, I would consider a glider.
     
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  7. Scania man

    Scania man Road Train Member

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    Can I ask , what exactly is a glider? As far as I can see it's a new rolling chassis without a drivetrain, then can be fitted with a drivetrain of your choice, is this correct?
     
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  8. DrtyDiesel

    DrtyDiesel Road Train Member

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    Yes a glider is basically a rolling chassis. The buyer puts in his/her own drivetrain. Some dealers will put the truck together, for a small price of course.

    Ethan
     
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  9. Scania man

    Scania man Road Train Member

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    Thanks Ethan
     
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  10. DrtyDiesel

    DrtyDiesel Road Train Member

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    No problem bro. Their real popular over here because of being able to get a 2012-2013 truck with a Pre-EGR engine and not having to deal with a DPF or DEF.

    Personally I would love to get a glider, because they are starting to offer the Peterbilt 389's with Detroit Engines.

    Although i'd be in trouble if a lot of states started to follow California, but I'm confident that won't happen for a very long time
     
  11. Scania man

    Scania man Road Train Member

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    Ya I can see how they would be popular, to avoid the egr muck and have a proper engine! Wouldn't be allowed here cos a new truck has to conform to environmental standards so a 2012 truck must have an engine that's the same standard as a 2012 truck of that model, I'm sure unfortunately it will be the same for you guys one day
     
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