Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Auto Care

Recorded Live at MACS (Mobile Air Climate Systems) 2024 Training Event & Trade Show, Joe Long at discusses the evolution and importance of coolants. Joe shares his expertise on the impact of coolants on engine systems, the specifics of coolants for electric vehicles, and the challenges posed by new technologies. He also explores the transition from conventional to organic acid coolants and the importance of proper coolant testing and maintenance. The conversation also covers diesel exhaust fluid (DEF), its testing procedures, and maintenance tips to ensure fluid quality in automotive and heavy-duty applications. Joe emphasizes the need for education and proper maintenance to prevent system failures and maintain vehicle efficiency.

Joe Long, Director, Heavy Duty Business Development, Old World Industries

Show Notes

• Watch Full Video Episode
• Joe Long’s background (00:00:42) Joe Long’s extensive experience in the trucking industry and his transition to working with Old World Industries.
• Old World Industries and Peak brand (00:02:06) Discussion on Old World Industries and the Peak brand as a leading supplier of various coolants for heavy-duty and automotive applications.
• Importance of coolants in automotive and heavy-duty applications (00:02:51) The critical role of coolants in engine maintenance and the impact of coolant-related engine downtime.
• Battery electric vehicle coolants (00:05:19) The development and testing of coolants for battery electric vehicles, including the challenges and specific requirements for these systems.
• Longevity and types of coolants (00:08:09) Insights into the history and types of coolants, including the case of Dex-Cool and its compatibility issues.
• Coolants for hydrogen-powered battery electric vehicles (00:10:16) Research and development of coolants for future hydrogen-powered battery electric vehicles and the challenges associated with this technology.
• Coolant color and types (00:11:18) The significance of coolant color and the distinction between conventional and heavy-duty coolants in different vehicle systems.
• Testing and maintenance of coolants (00:14:57) The importance of testing coolant for compatibility and the recommended test procedures for automotive technicians.
• Color, Clarity, and pH (00:18:59) Discussion on testing for color, clarity, and pH levels in coolants, and the significance of organic acid technologies.
• Water and Glycol Content (00:19:48) Explanation of the purpose of water and glycol in cooling systems, and the impact of temperature and driving conditions on the glycol-water ratio.
• Refractometer Testing (00:22:02) Importance of using a refractometer to accurately measure water glycol content and freeze point in coolants.
• Coolant Blend and Inhibitors (00:23:17) Discussion on maintaining the proper blend of glycol and water, and the consequences of diluting inhibitors in the coolant system.
• Testing for Inhibitors (00:24:00) Explanation of the importance of testing for inhibitors in coolant systems and the differences between old and new technology.
• Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) and SCR Systems (00:26:37) Overview of the evolution of diesel exhaust systems, including EGR, DPF, and SCR systems, and the role of DEF in reducing emissions.
• DEF Composition and Shelf Life (00:29:11) Insight into the composition of DEF, its production process, and factors affecting its shelf life such as temperature and sunlight exposure.
• Testing and Storage of DEF (00:33:20) Guidance on testing DEF quality, considerations for storage, and the impact of temperature on its shelf life.
• DEF Maintenance and Testing (00:34:57) Discussion on the importance of maintaining DEF quality, testing procedures, and the significance of color, clarity, and odor in DEF.
• Cleaning Coolant Systems (00:38:38) Discussion on washing coolant balls with soap and water and proper cleaning methods for refractometers.
• Fleet Maintenance (00:39:21) Importance of proper cooling system testing and maintenance in fleets, and the need for education and awareness.
• Coolant Evolution (00:40:34) Transition from nitrite-based to nitrite-free coolants in automotive and heavy-duty applications, and the impact on cooling system performance.
• Coolant Failure Analysis (00:43:39) Joe Long’s expertise in analyzing coolant failures, identifying causes, and providing solutions.
• Cooling System Cleaners (00:44:24) The need for cleaning coolant systems to address rust, corrosion, and other contaminants, with specific products for different types of failures.
• Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) Inspection (00:47:00) Discussion on DEF freezing, white crud formation, and the need for regular inspection and maintenance.
• Platinum DEF Product (00:51:10) Introduction of Blue DEF Platinum with added inhibitor to prevent white crud formation, and the importance of using the right DEF for vehicle maintenance.

Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Auto Care

Learn more about NAPA Auto Care and the benefits of being part of the NAPA family by visiting https://www.napaonline.com/en/auto-care

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George Arrants is currently the Director of Training & Recruitment for the Wheel Time Network, which includes the Wheel Time University.  WTU provides on-line assessments, training and ASE test preparation for Wheel Time member technicians and fleets that are in need of a training program. WTU has designed instructor lead courses to support and enhance on-line training. As part of the recruitment component of the position, he is developing a program to assist the members 200 + locations to fill their workforce needs.

Commitment to Education.
Arrants is an Automotive Education Consultant specializing in NATEF/ASE Accreditation. He Works with instructors and administrators to develop partnership with local business and industry through programs advisory committees.

George also works with ASE, NATEF & AYES to develop and implement an initiative for the medium/heavy truck industry to partner industry and education and open opportunities for student internships across the country similar to what is already in place in the automotive industry.

Supertech.
George also chairs the Technology and Maintenance Council TMC Suptertech Competition from the beginning in 2005 and the Future Technicians Skills Competition. This competition provides recognition and awards for Technicians and their companies from across the country to showcase their skills and abilities. In 2015, he was awarded the Council’s highest honor — The Silver Spark Plug.

George is also a former high school and community college automotive technology instructor.

NATEF & AYES.
While working for a tool manufacturer he co-authored an instruction manual for schools. This manual simplified the industry accreditation process that is approved by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF). George was selected to serve on NATEF’s board of trustees and was the tool company’s liaison to Automotive Youth Educational Systems (AYES).

Oman listened to George.
Arrants has been a guest of the government of Oman where he evaluated the countries automotive programs and made recommendations to the countries Senior officials including the Minister of Man Power.

DOL.
He also worked closely with U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration where he led the automotive strategic development team that advised the agency’s “High Growth Job Training Initiative”.  He was also selected by the agency to help improve the curriculum and training facilities of the nationwide Job Corps programs in automotive services.  He was a key stakeholder in federal automotive services grants designed to increase training capacity and raise career awareness for youth and other untapped pools of labor.

Education and Family.
He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Business Management and Marketing from Carthage College in Kenosha, Wisconsin. George holds ASE certifications in Automotive & Medium/Heavy Duty Truck, Parts Specialist (Truck & Auto) and Service Consultant.

He and his wife Mary (Saint Mary) live in Lake Jackson, TX. They have 5 children, 1 girl & 4 boys (2 are twins) and has been married for 32 years. Of the 5 the only child in the auto industry is their daughter.

Major talking points in this interview:

• How to develop a good advisory board for secondary and post-secondary education.
• The need for quality Advisory Boards is a national concern with a local solution.
• George shares how to recruit members for advisory boards.
• Advisory panels are made up of the schools ‘customer’.
• Less than 50% of vocational programs in the US do not have an advisory committee.
• Our industry doesn’t have a career ladder but a career lattice. Once you’ve learned the foundational skills you can go anywhere.
• Ask 21 people what the definition of the technician shortage is and you’ll get 21 different answers.
• Tech Shortage: Do we have a lack of qualified applicants or a lack of applicants. Qualified applicants is a different problem.
• We have young people interested in our industry but they are not coming out of the other end of the pipe the way we want them.
• Super Tech is a skills USA type program for big kids. Everything they do in the competition is what the tech would do on the job everyday. The focus is on process and procedures.
• Between 2014-2024 the industry will need 76,900 technicians on the truck side. 60% of that number is replacement; the rest of the number is a new position. George believes the need on the automotive side is north of 200,000.

George urges everyone to get involved in education.

George Arrants Email

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This episode is brought to you by Federal-Mogul Motorparts and Garage Gurus. With brands like Moog, Felpro, Wagner Brake, Champion, Sealed Power, FP Diesel and more, they’re the parts techs trust.  For serious technical training and support – online, onsite and on-demand – Garage Gurus is everything you need to know. Find out more at fmmotorparts.com  and fmgaragegurus.com