Caterpillar, Inc.'s C9 ACERT (Advanced Combustion Emission Reduction Technology) engine for heavy duty trucks has received certification by the Environmental Protection Agency. The engine is the first to use exhaust after-treatment instead of cooled EGR to meet the 2002 emission standards.
The C9 is an 8.8 liter engine and is offered in horsepower ratings of 275 - 400. It is largely used in dump truck, bus, trash collection and other service applications involving stop-and-go, high idle time service. Full production of the ACERT C9 is scheduled to begin the first quarter of 2003.
Most other heavy duty engine manufacturers used cooled EGR to meet the court ordered emission standards by the 10/1/2002 deadline. The impact of EGR on lube oil durability and service intervals has received a lot of attention from both engine manufacturers and lubricant producers. Exhaust after-treatment technology does not place the additional stress on the oil caused by the exhaust contaminants from EGR.
Caterpillar, Inc. has announced that all of its on-highway truck and bus engines will be equipped with ACERT technology by the end of the fourth quarter of 2003. Caterpillar also indicated that the ACERT engine technology would expand to its entire engine product line to respond to future emission requirements.
Technical Services
Universal Lubricants, Inc.
February, 2003
0203.2
Source: Caterpillar ACERT Newsletter, January, 2003
For more information, please contact our Technical Services Dept. at 1-800-444-6457.
