Safety Notice – Cylinder Collar Fatigue in Mainstay CNG Modules
Leo Thomason Executive Director & Instructor Safety Notice – Mainstay CNG Fuel System Modules If you own, operate or service CNG vehicles equipped with Mainstay Fuel Technologies fuel systems, there is a potential safety issue that requires your immediate attention. Two product failures involving cylinder collar metal fatigue occurred in 2019 and 2020 with Quantum […]
Why a Natural Gas Engine Was Slow To Crank and Misfired, with Vapor and Odor in the Exhaust Stream
We often get questions regarding the differences between natural gas-powered vehicles (NGVs) and their diesel counterparts. Sometimes those differences are initially concerning to technicians or drivers who aren’t familiar with NGVs, to include times when natural gas engines may be slow to crank, misfire, or even emit steam, vapor, or odor from their exhaust streams. […]
4 Ways Transit Agencies Can Improve Their CNG Fleets
Transit agencies have four key areas they can focus on if they want to maximize the use of their CNG fleets. They include adhering to the proper vehicle inspection intervals; establishing standard operating procedures for maintenance, repairs, and potential incidents; encouraging up-to-date training for drivers and technicians; and requiring certification for all CNG fuel system […]
The Heavy-Duty CNG Fuel System Inspection Interval Conundrum
We’re asked almost daily about the required interval for heavy-duty CNG fuel system inspections. Our answer is “it depends,” and then we explain. These inspections are both required and essential because natural gas is stored on board CNG vehicles at extremely high pressures — at least 3,600 psi. While most CNG fuel systems are extremely […]
These 2 Vehicle Inspections Are NOT the Same
Has your team ever confused the CNG Detailed Visual Inspection with the FMCSA Annual Inspection? On paper, it might sound like a reasonable mistake, but the reality is far from it. Below are three (3) reasons why FMCSA is no substitute for CNG, and why it is imperative that you have your technicians follow the […]
Minimize Costly Oil Carryover in Your Heavy-Duty NG Engines
These are the most common performance complaints for heavy-duty natural gas vehicles: Low power Difficulty starting Rough idling Engine hesitation when accelerating Occasional stalling The most common culprit? Oil contamination in the fuel. Oil contamination in heavy-duty NGVs can be hard to diagnose and even harder to remedy — especially if the vehicle technician is […]
Have your CNG drivers voiced these concerns?
CNG technicians get a lot of the credit for keeping your fleet up and running, but don’t overlook the value and responsibilities of your drivers. Not only are they directly contributing to your ROI, they’re the employees who spend the majority of their time in these vehicles. Any issues or concerns are more likely to […]
Levels 2 and 3 Damaged Cylinders: Next Steps
By Emily Rios, Learning and Content Developer, NGVi After a Detailed Visual Inspection, a CNG Fuel System Inspector is responsible to determine the final disposition of the inspection, and if necessary, properly handle CNG cylinders with Level 2 and/or 3 damage. Many technicians ask if these cylinders can be isolated from the fuel system and […]
Four Essential Best Practices for CNG Transit Fleets
Transit agencies are one of the most active adopters of natural gas vehicles, due to the favorable economics and unparalleled environmental benefits of natural gas. There are nearly 20,000 natural gas buses on U.S. roads, and about 35% of new transit buses are powered by CNG. Since transit buses routinely operate in more densely populated […]
Prepare Your Drivers for Natural Gas Vehicles
By Kasia McBride, Marketing Manager, NGVi As gasoline and diesel continue their unstable pricing pattern, dictated by the global energy market, natural gas remains inexpensive and steady. Using natural gas as a transportation fuel is still more cost-effective—especially for the medium- and heavy-duty truck applications. According to a recent count by the International Association of […]
