A recall has been announced for Detroit Diesel engines, specifically the DD13, DD15 and DD16 units manufactured from July 2006.
The recall has been announced by the National Highway Safety Administration in the USA, with the issue being that the pump to rail high pressure fuel line support is sensitive to torque during assembly and may loosen, leading to a fuel leak.
The particular trucks affected have been fitted to Freightliner, Sterling, and Western Star vehicles that came off assembly lines between January 2006 and February 2012. The small number of engines sold to other truck makers are also affected by the recall.
Locally, operators of affected vehicles will be advised of the recall, according to James Gilchrist, Detroit Diesel New Zealand’s manager.
“The technical details of the recall program have yet to be worked out, even in North America, but what I can say is that there is no immediate safety risk to any engine and what rectification that is needed will be carried out when the trucks come in for scheduled servicing.”
The recall comes at an interesting time, as Detroit Diesel sets up a subsidiary in New Zealand. The well known engine maker opened a new centre in Wiri on April 2, in a move that it says will improve the customer and support network in New Zealand.
Rob Sisk, president and CEO of MTU Detroit Diesel Australia says: “Detroit Diesel New Zealand aims to provide world-class product and service support for its on-highway engines, customers and 24 service dealers throughout New Zealand.”
As well as the usual warehousing and distribution of parts, the centre will also be used for technical support and training.
James Gilchrist, who has been MTU Diesel Australia’s New Zealand country manager since 2008, will expand his role to run the new centre.
