At some point, if you are in the cooling system service and parts supply, you will be affected by poor coolant quality. Your customer and their level of coolant education will determine if you are faced with warranty issues arising from poor quality coolant. It is evident that some areas and demographics are more susceptible to cheaper inferior coolants, but this problem is widespread and affects your business, your customer, radiator suppliers, and manufacturers.
Author: Mark Taylor
Veteran of the radiator industry for over 36 years before becoming Executive Director of NARSA/ IDEA
Wrapping Up a Busy Spring
The association has wrapped up a busy Spring with the International Tour in March and the conclusion of the 2023 Spring Conference in Rochester, New York, a few weeks ago. A huge thanks to the Schelkun family for their hard work and hospitality on the first day of the conference which was hosted at their facility, Empire Radiator. Arranging an event of any kind requires a lot of preparation and these preparations wouldn’t be possible without the dedication and expertise of NARSA/IDEA’s host company, staff and board.
Enthusiasm
In many ways I may have already touched upon the subject of this editorial, but I am not sure I have identified the “E” word before. This editorial is about the “E” word, ENTHUSIASM. You may be wondering how enthusiasm affects you, or how it is even relevant to you and business? It is simple but worth writing about because it may be overlooked in your business life.
Another meeting season completed
This year, we had a renewed excitement in the beginning of the year by being able to plan and facilitate in-person events. This year has renewed the enthusiasm of members, the Board of Directors, and the home office. We have had three hugely successful meetings this year. We started off at Don Hart’s Radiator in Waller, Texas for our 2022 Spring Conference. Then we had a hugely successful International Tour in the United Kingdom where we visited G&M Radiator and Advanced Radiators. Finally, we had a great AAPEX convention the first week of November.
Another Chapter Coming to an End
The Board of Directors decided on a different approach to start the search for my replacement. In the past, the search was kept behind the scenes. Sometimes head hunters were used to identify candidates, but now the Board is convinced that a person from within our industry is best suited to help manage the affairs of the association.
How NARSA/IDEA Helps with Your Return on Investment (ROI)
NARSA/IDEA is still the only trade association that represents engine heat transfer for transportation and stationary engines along with the diesel particulate filter systems industries. Our members are service/repair facilities, distributors and manufacturers. The board still believes in creating the one idea, the one opportunity, and the one connection which will allow your business to be more profitable.
Diesel Engine Regeneration Types & Failures
The diesel engine has seen many changes over the last 20+ years. One of the most significant changes was to the diesel emissions system in 2007 which was necessary to meet new Environmental Protection Agency mandates for diesel exhaust. When the EPA mandated these new lower levels of pollutants in the exhaust, engine manufacturers had to develop emissions systems that would meet the new criteria. Previous advancements in turbos, charge air cooling, common rail fuel injection and Exhaust gas recirculation helped to pave the way in creating more efficient cleaner operating diesel engines.
Welcome to 2022! Did you learn anything?
2021 left us with a lot of questions: With the fragility of our supply chain exposed, will there be any long term changes? Has partnering with countries who have a different governing philosophy made us vulnerable? Will small businesses who are struggling with their labor forces ever fully recover?
Turbos, EGRs & Charge Air Coolers: How Do They Affect DPFs?
By being able to speak intelligently about the diesel exhaust system, your people can be a resource for your customers. In some businesses, the technician cleaning the diesel particulate filters is one of the least experienced people in your shop. To help them better understand the process, let’s do a simple review of how the diesel engine operates and the components that control and or create the exhaust. Understanding that the diesel particulate filter is just a trash can and only catches what comes down the exhaust pipe is the first step in understanding the process.
Weathering the Pandemic Together
NARSA/IDEA has weathered the COVID storm with you, which since the founding of NARSA in 1954 has probably been the most serious threat to the viability of your association. The Board of Directors had the foresight to plan for an economic atmosphere where we could sustain a financial downturn. I am proud to report the membership in your association is the same as it was at the end of last year. Through all of the hardships and uncertain times our members have chosen to support their association. We have lost some members, but have had new members take their place. I feel so lucky to have had the opportunity to be part of the custodial effort in ensuring the future of NARSA/IDEA.