BOLT-12 POINT HEAD 1896123 - Caterpillar

Engine Performance
Poor vehicle performance is traditionally believed to be the result of a lack (or loss) of engine performance, when in fact the engine is only one of numerous factors that influence the overall performance of a vehicle. The previous section on fuel economy describes the factors that determine the power demand on an engine. The engine has no control over the demand made upon it by the vehicle or the operator.A vehicle that requires 225 hp (168 kW) to operate at 55 mph (89 km/h) will get worse fuel economy than a vehicle that requires only 175 hp (130 kW).These same factors also effect the amount of power available to perform additional work such as climb a grade or pass another vehicle. With a 285 hp (213 kW) engine, the first vehicle will have only 60 hp (45 kW) available to perform additional work compared to 110 hp (83 kW) on the second vehicle.If you feel you have a vehicle performance problem, first consider the impact of vehicle efficiency and operating characteristics (vehicle speed, design, etc.), on power demand before questioning engine performance. In the case of poor fuel economy, the engine is not likely to be the cause without the presence of excessive exhaust smoke and/or a significant loss of power.
Adjustment of the fuel system outside Caterpillar specified limits will not improve fuel efficiency and could result in damage to the engine.
If you feel you have a valid engine performance problem, contact an authorized Caterpillar dealer for assistance. If your engine is under warranty, then the Caterpillar warranty or extended service coverage will cover the cost of resolving a valid engine performance deficiency.However, if the engine is not found at fault, all costs incurred will be the responsibility of the owner.Performance Analysis Report (PAR)
PAR complements a good preventive maintenance program and Caterpillar recommends a regularly scheduled PAR analysis to monitor the condition and maintenance requirements of your engine and to ensure your engine is operating at peak efficiency.Potential problems can be identified early, thus preventing unnecessary repair costs and unscheduled downtime. Consult your Caterpillar dealer for complete information and assistance in establishing a PAR program for your engine.PAR reflects the results of various tests normally conducted by your Caterpillar dealer for the purpose of: * confirming your engine is operating efficiently and within specification* identifying potential problems* determining components or systems that should be adjusted, replaced, etc.Approximately 80 to 85% of your truck engine's total operation and maintenance cost is attributable to fuel. Therefore, substantial cost reductions can be achieved by keeping your engine operating at peak efficiency. Fuel consumption and performance of your engine is affected by vehicle specifications, how it is operated, and condition of the engine. Each plays an important part in minimizing your total owner and operating cost.Caterpillar has an exclusive Performance Analysis Report (PAR) Program that can help you keep the engine portion of this equation up to "PAR". The PAR Program uses a chassis dynamometer to test the engine under