New engines trigger trouble with torsionals

Modern high-torque electronically-controlled diesel engines are found to suffer from torsional vibrations. Driveline tractor parts are known to break down after mileages of 250,000 to 300,000. This is proving to be costly for suppliers because the breakdown occurs within the warranty period. The American Trucking Assns.' The Maintenance Council is issuing a Recommended Practice (RP) to solve the problem. The RP recommends the use of traditional operational methods unless the recently developed 'soft' dampened clutch can be obtained.
Heavy truck operators are being warned about damaging torsional vibrations from high-torque electronically-controlled diesels, and told that a cure can be found in a 'soft' dampened clutch. Driveline parts in [...]