Sterling adds Mercedes-Benz 12-litre engine

WILLOUGHBY, Ohio (Nov. 27, 2000) — Sterling Trucks has added the Mercedes-Benz MBE4000 diesel engine to its stable of engines. The MBE4000 is an in-line six with 12.8-litre displacement and seven horsepower ratings from 350 to 450, with torque from 1350 to 1550 pound feet. It will be available on the Sterling L-Line 9500, A-Line 9500, and SilverStar models.

The four-valve-per-cylinder engine features a cast-iron block, induction-hardened cylinder liners, cam and crankshafts, forged-steel connecting rods, ceramic-coated pistons, and wet-sleeved cylinders. Maintenance intervals extend to 25,000 miles for oil changes with standard CH-4 oil. Other service features include easy-to-reach upright oil and fuel filters, individually replaceable injection pumps, and individual cylinder heads.

The engine reaches nearly 100% of torque at just 1000 rpm and includes a standard engine brake that delivers 325 hp at 2100 rpm. Sterling will also offer an optional turbo-brake with up to 550 hp at 2100 rpm, activated when a blade ring in the turbocharger slides forward, redirecting air flow against the turbine blade and accelerating the turbine wheel, thus increasing the air mass flow and braking power.

The MBE4000 uses a distinctive two-controller electronic system. The electronic control unit (ECU) senses engine data for precise fuel injection, while a separate vehicle control unit (VCU) governs programmable vehicle and engine parameters like speed limits, idle shutdown intervals, and cruise control, among others.