The clutch is such a critical part of any truck’s transmission that you’ll want to keep it in top shape at all times. Sometimes, for the good of the truck, that means replacing a part or two, or sometimes, it means replacing the whole thing. To that end, First Motion Products carries a full line […]
Put a Stop to Leaking Oil
Oil is vital to any working engine, so you definitely want to keep it in the oil pan where it belongs, and not on the asphalt under your engine block. Over time, however, any number of small problems can allow the oil to leak. If you find that you have a leak due to a […]
Tips on Keeping your Truck in Optimal Shape
Keep on Truckin’! Several hours of efficient driving are required of truck drivers. Efficiency is also required for maintaining your rig, so when you’re on your leisure time, here’s advice on keeping your truck in working condition. Check Your Fluid: Monitoring fluid levels like oil, which is the life blood of your vehicle, is […]
Caring for Your Big Rig in the Summer
Now that the summer is upon us, it is time to change up our routines. That includes how we care for our trucks. You may not realize it but the heat affects our beloved vehicles. Start by checking all of the fluids in your truck. Since the temperature has increased, your fluids tend to evaporate […]
How to Tell When a Clutch is Worn Out
Replacing a Clutch Brake A clutch is designed to ensure that the driver can accelerate the vehicle smoothly. The disc within its steel plate undergoes friction similar to a brake. Over time, the pressure that is placed upon it causes the clutch to wear out. How can you tell when your clutch needs replacement? Symptoms […]
Dial – Indicating a Bell Housing
Even though the bell housing is out of site out of mind, it is still a very important part of your vehicle. It is the connection between the engine and the transmission, the critical point being the connection between the crankshaft and the transmissions input shaft. When a bell housing is not properly aligned, the […]
The History of Detroit Diesel
Detroit Diesel began in 1939 during the great depression. General Motors created the GM Diesel Division, the origin of today’s Detroit Diesel Corporation. They have been a successful company through the years, and continue to expand and produce reliable, heavy-duty trucks still today. The Great Depression was rough on everyone. It was difficult to support […]
The History of Ford
One of the largest (5th largest to be exact) automakers of all time is none other than Ford Motor Company. Ford Motor Company kicked off in October of 1903 when Henry Ford, of Dearborn Michigan successfully built the first Model T engine. Henry Ford was an innovator, and a smart young […]
The History of Cummins
In 1919, Clessie Lyle Cummins founded Cummins Engine Company in Columbus, IN. Clessie, a self-taught mechanic and inventor, envisioned building a successful diesel engine, an idea Rudolf Diesel had twenty years prior. Luckily for Clessie, William Glanton Irwin, a local banker and investor that had already backed Cummins’ auto mechanic and machine shop, shared Cummins’ […]
4 Surprising Facts About Being a Truck Driver
When considering a job in the trucking industry as a driver, these five facts about becoming a truck driver might be surprising and are definitely need-to-know — especially before you commit to this rewarding, yet challenging career. 1. You can choose your driving time. Many drivers like to wake up with the sunrise and […]
Keeping Your Truck Running
Save Money and Time on Your Commercial Truck Repairs Driving for miles and miles can put serious strain on your truck and its parts. Missing a job or driving unsafely down the highway is not an option. While normal truck repairs can be pricey, the cost of parts for commercial truck parts can be even more […]
Cooling System Maintenance – It’s Time!
With the changing of the seasons, it is a perfect time to go through regular maintenance on your rig, especially the cooling system. Five elements determine the health of a cooling/antifreeze system and these elements are extremely dependent on each other. Cooling system maintenance is easy when you understand those relationships. Maintain Freeze/Boil-over Protection Maintaining […]
Tech Tip #1 – Flywheels
Check out our video on truck flywheels… Flywheels determine the proper setting of the clutch. In this video, we show you exactly how to measure the flywheel to see if we need a spacer, or a first over-sized or a second over-sized when it comes to the brake. On 15 inch Flywheels, get a flat […]