Stepping Out With My Own Numbers

I haven’t given much of an update on the Vector 8500 yet. Since they uploaded that software patch a while back, it’s been fantastic. I just looked at total fuel from January until today. I topped it off and that should be it for this month. It’s used 383 gallons. Considering most of what is do is -10, I don’t think that’s bad at all. It has 3618 engine hours.

 

I just booked the last load for the month. 10,687 total miles, 12% DH, 19,123 revenue, 1.78 all miles. That’s not terrible in these conditions, and I made profit this month.
I’m on a multi stop load now I’m up state NY and a multi stop out of there to MD and PA that had good money on them. That gave me a nice boost to finish the month.

 

I forgot to post the spreadsheet. You’ll see there a lot of duds this month. It still worked out though.

 

I’ve been getting some big MPG numbers lately. I’ve had 3 fills in a row, 9.56, 9.86, 9.88, each about 1100 miles between fills. Back and forth between NJ, PA, NY to WI and KS. All of the miles except for 445 were about 67k gross, this leg I’m in now, only 57k gross, the 445 mile part. 10% DH. Since the last valve adjustment a few weeks ago and the new ECM program mileage has been up. I’m not sure what all was in the software update, but it’s made a difference. The only change I really notice is the throttle response. It wasn’t bad before or anything, but the change is noticeable.

 

With fuel discounts...cheaper than water. The 1 gal jugs of water at those fuel stops cost more than diesel these days...

 

The lowest I’ve paid was .74 cents per gallon in IL, once you account for the State tax.

 

The only thing about IL is that they switched to the ugly bio diesel in many places. Do you notice any difference in performance when you fill up with bio?

 

I typically don’t come across the high blends. Most pumps have up to B20. Most places aren't really putting B20 in the pumps, it’s usually a B5 or a B10. MN and CA are the worst, they are at least B20. Most Diesel engine manufacturers say a B5 or B10 is fine and may actually be a good thing, because of the added lubricity. Anything higher than B20, you’ll start sacrificing mileage. I used to fuel in MO at the double nickel near Sikeston, until they started using B40, I quit fueling there.

 

Well, that 2015 Volvo, 290k miles, just died on me. The driver said the oil was over full by a lot. He said the oil looked runny. I said get it to the dealer ASAP. I told them to drop the pan, change the oil, and inspect main bearings. Didn’t get to the oil change part. Main bearings are totally gone. The oil was just changed 10k miles ago and NOTHING in the oil sample I took at the time of the change. Something went seriously wrong in a short time. They’re going to test everything to find the problem. This is going to be a HUGE bill.

 

Volvo was know for injector cup issues.