Gear Box: Supplier News

* Qualcomm Buys Eaton’s Fleet Advisor: Qualcomm’s Wireless Business Solutions group has acquired Eaton Corp.’s Trucking Information Services unit, which produces the FleetAdvisor logistics management system. FleetAdvisor is a combination of hardware and software, including a broad set of applications that will be incorporated into Qualcomm’s MVPc in-vehicle computer. Qualcomm says it will provide product support and service to current FleetAdvisor customers.

* Cummins OK’s Texaco Coolant: Cummins says it has resolved concerns about gasket leakage and Texaco Extended Life Coolant (TELC) and now recommends the product for factory fills in new Cummins ISB, ISBe, and B series engines, ISC and C series engines, and ISL series engines. Cummins has also approved the one-time addition of silicate to factory fills of Texaco Extended Life Coolant/Anti-Freeze in N14 and N14 Plus engines; ISX and Signature engines; and ISM engines. The coolant also can be used in all Cummins engines in aftermarket or service-fill applications-both drain and refill-as well as in off-road engines.

The use of silicates is a preventive maintenance recommendation for the ISM and ISX engines. The engine maker says TELC may be used in all Cummins engines in aftermarket (service fill) applications (drain and refill) without the addition of silicate.

* Calibrations for Reduced NOx: Cummins announced a major initiative to provide engine owners with an electronic calibration that will generate lower levels of oxides of nitrogen (NOx). These calibrations will be available on 1996 to 1998 Cummins M11 Plus or N14 Plus engines.

* Haldex Standard at Freightliner: Freightliner named Haldex Brake Systems as its standard long-stroke brake chamber supplier, including spring brake actuators and service chambers, for Sterling and Freightliner vehicles.

* Pennzoil Approved by ArvinMeritor, Dana: Pennzoil’s Long-Life Extended Warranty 75W-90 and 80W-140 non-synthetic gear lubricants have been approved by ArvinMeritor and Dana for 250,000-mile drain intervals under the 750,000-mile drive axle warranties. The drains are twice the frequency of syntheics, Pennzoil says, but the price is about 60% less-which outweighs the extra servicing cost of an additional drain.