When it comes to maintaining the health and efficiency of your diesel engine’s aftertreatment system, having a reliable NOx sensor is essential. Dinex, a trusted name in the industry, offers a range of NOx sensors designed to keep your engine running smoothly and within emission standards. Whether you’re working with Cummins, Detroit Diesel, Freightliner, International/Navistar, Kenworth, Paccar, Peterbilt, or Volvo engines, Dinex has you covered with their second-generation NOx sensors.
Continue reading Dinex NOx Sensors: Smarter, Faster, Stronger!!Category: Blog – All HHP Blog Articles
Meet the Experts at HHP: Hunter Brooks
At Highway and Heavy Parts, experience doesn’t just come from titles – it comes from doing the work.
That’s exactly what makes Hunter’s story different.
She didn’t step into leadership from the outside. She built it from the ground up – starting in fulfillment and working her way to General Manager.
Starting Where the Work Happens
Hunter joined Highway and Heavy Parts in 2020 in an entry-level fulfillment role.
That means she wasn’t just around the process – she was part of it.
She learned:
- How parts move through the warehouse
- What accuracy looks like when orders go out
- How delays, mistakes, and backorders impact real customers
That foundation matters. Because when you’ve been in the position where every detail counts, you understand how important it is to get it right the first time.
Building Experience Across the Business
As Hunter grew within HHP, she didn’t just move up – she expanded her understanding of the entire operation.
She gained hands-on experience in:
- Order Fulfillment And Logistics
- Team Leadership And Development
- Customer-Focused Problem Solving
- Operational Efficiency And Process Improvement
That kind of experience creates leaders who don’t just manage – they understand how every piece of the business connects.
A Leadership Style Built on Helping Others Succeed
One thing that stands out about Hunter is how she leads.
It’s not about titles or authority – it’s about making sure the people around her are set up to succeed.
That shows up in how she:
- Supports Team Members In Their Roles
- Encourages Growth Through Real Experience
- Builds Strong Communication Across Departments
- Focuses On Solutions, Not Just Problems
Because when the team is strong, the customer experience is better. And in this industry, that matters.
Why This Matters to Our Customers
You might not see Hunter directly on every call – but her impact is behind everything we do.
From how orders are processed to how teams communicate, her leadership helps ensure:
- Parts Are Verified Before Shipping
- Customers Get The Right Information The First Time
- Problems Are Solved – Not Passed Around
- The Team Works Together To Support Every Order
That’s what separates a company that sells parts from one that actually supports your repair.
Growth at HHP Isn’t Given – It’s Built
Hunter’s journey is a reflection of how growth works at Highway and Heavy Parts.
It comes from:
- Learning The Process From The Ground Up
- Gaining Real-World Experience
- Building Strong Relationships Across The Team
- Taking Ownership Of The Outcome
That’s the same mindset we bring to helping customers – understand the problem, do the work, and get it done right.
More Than a Team – A Group That Knows Diesel
At the end of the day, the people behind the company matter just as much as the parts.
Hunter’s story is just one example of how our team is built – with experience, accountability, and a focus on doing the job right.
Call 844-304-7688 to speak with a diesel parts specialist
or visit highwayandheavyparts.com to find the right rebuild kit for your engine.
From diagnosis through delivery, we’re Highway and Heavy Parts.
About The Caterpillar 3406E
In 1993, Caterpillar began production on the 3406E, the last model engine in the 3406 series. While its predecessors –the A, B, and C– were fully or partially mechanical, the Caterpillar 3406E was the first successful fully electronic motor. The 3406E is usually found in Peterbilt and Freightliner vehicles.
Continue reading About The Caterpillar 3406EAbout the Caterpillar C15 Engine
Steam tractors became the go-to tool for agricultural development in the late 1800s/early 1900s. Although their use was widespread, this machinery wasn’t perfect; they didn’t work everywhere. In California, these immensely heavy tractors kept sinking into the soft earth.
Continue reading About the Caterpillar C15 EngineDinex Emission: The Solution to Diesel Pollution
Dinex Emission is a company that has been dedicated to helping diesel operators meet the high standards of the EPA for a very long time. Though the EPA’s goal is to reduce the emissions of dangerous gasses into the air, their restrictions can often make transporting goods, completing construction projects, and harvesting large crops more difficult. As an expert in the field of diesel emissions control, Dinex has long been the solution to this obstacle.
Continue reading Dinex Emission: The Solution to Diesel PollutionCummins ISX Inframe Rebuild Kit: Liner Protrusion, Ring Seal Dynamics, and Failure Analysis
Cummins ISX engines don’t fail randomly – they fail predictably based on wear patterns, thermal load, and sealing breakdown.
An inframe rebuild restores the combustion system – but only if mechanical geometry, surface finish, and sealing dynamics are correct.
This guide breaks down the engineering-level details behind a successful Cummins ISX rebuild.
Continue reading Cummins ISX Inframe Rebuild Kit: Liner Protrusion, Ring Seal Dynamics, and Failure AnalysisDetroit Diesel Series 60 Dropped Valve Seat: The Cylinder Head Failure That Destroys Engines
Most catastrophic Detroit Diesel Series 60 failures don’t start with a bang – they start with something small.
A slight misfire. A little loss of power. Maybe some unusual noise. Then suddenly… the engine is done.
One of the most common causes?
A dropped valve seat inside the cylinder head.
If you’re running a Series 60, this is one failure you need to understand – because once it happens, you’re no longer talking about a simple repair.
What Is a Dropped Valve Seat?
Inside your cylinder head, valve seats are precision-machined inserts that allow the intake and exhaust valves to seal properly against the head.
Over time, due to:
- Extreme Heat Cycles
- Material Fatigue
- Improper Cooling
- High Exhaust Temperatures
…the press fit between the seat and the head weakens.
Eventually, the seat can loosen and fall out of position – this is what’s known as a dropped valve seat.
Why This Failure Is So Destructive
When a valve seat drops, it doesn’t just sit there.
It gets caught between the valve and piston. That leads to:
- Bent Or Broken Valves
- Severe Piston Damage
- Cylinder Wall Scoring
- Potential Turbocharger Damage From Debris
In many cases, a dropped valve seat turns a top-end repair into a full engine rebuild.
Early Warning Signs Most People Miss
The problem with this failure is that it often gives subtle warnings before becoming catastrophic.
Watch For These Symptoms:
- Light Ticking Or Tapping From The Valve Train
- Intermittent Misfire Under Load
- Loss Of Compression In A Single Cylinder
- Unexplained Power Loss
- Increased Exhaust Temperature On One Cylinder
By the time the noise becomes loud or constant, damage is usually already happening.
Why Series 60 Engines Are Prone to This Issue
Detroit Diesel Series 60 engines are especially vulnerable to this type of failure when overheating occurs.
When cylinder head temperatures get too high, the powdered metal intake valve seats can lose their press fit and fall out of place. Once that happens, the damage escalates quickly.
In most cases, this doesn’t just stop at the cylinder head. When a valve seat drops:
- It gets forced into the combustion chamber
- The piston makes contact with the loose seat
- Internal damage spreads across the cylinder
That’s why overheating-related valve seat failure often leads to more than just a head repair – it typically requires piston replacement and a deeper inspection of the rotating assembly.
Why Replacing Individual Components Isn’t Enough
Once a valve seat has moved or failed, the integrity of the entire cylinder head is compromised.
Even if you:
- Replace the valve
- Reinstall or machine the seat
- Clean up the area
…you’re still dealing with a head that has already experienced material distortion and stress. That’s why these repairs often fail again.
Why a Reman Cylinder Head Is the Safer Solution
A properly remanufactured Series 60 cylinder head addresses the root of the problem—not just the symptom.
Key Benefits:
- New Or Reconditioned Valve Seats Installed To Proper Specifications
- Pressure Tested To Eliminate Cracks
- Machined Surfaces For Proper Sealing
- Restored Valve Train Geometry
- Built To Handle Thermal And Mechanical Stress
Instead of patching a failure, you’re restoring the entire top end of the engine.
Don’t Wait Until It Drops
If you’re seeing early signs of valve train issues or unexplained performance loss, this is not something to ignore.
Unfortunately, a dropped valve seat doesn’t give you a second chance.
It goes from minor symptoms to major engine damage fast.
Get the Right Series 60 Cylinder Head
If you’re dealing with valve seat concerns or planning a repair, make sure you’re installing a cylinder head you can trust.
👉 Detroit Diesel Series 60 11.1L Cylinder Heads & Components
👉 Detroit Diesel Series 60 12.7L Cylinder Heads & Components
👉 Detroit Diesel Series 60 14L Cylinder Heads & Components
Call 844-304-7688 to speak with a diesel parts specialist
or visit highwayandheavyparts.com to find the right rebuild kit for your engine.
From diagnosis through delivery, we’re Highway and Heavy Parts.
Jrone Turbochargers: What They Are, How They’re Built, and Where They Fit in Diesel Applications
Turbochargers are one of the most critical components in a diesel engine.
But not all turbochargers are built – or supported – the same.
Jrone has become a recognized name in the global turbocharger market, supplying components, assemblies, and repair solutions for both automotive and heavy-duty diesel applications.
Understanding where Jrone fits – and how their turbochargers are built – can help you make a better decision when it comes to replacement or repair.
Continue reading Jrone Turbochargers: What They Are, How They’re Built, and Where They Fit in Diesel ApplicationsRevving Up Performance: A Look at Garrett Diesel Turbochargers
Garrett, a name synonymous with turbocharging technology, has long been a leader in the diesel performance world. Their turbochargers are renowned for reliability, innovative design, and ability to elevate engine performance.
Continue reading Revving Up Performance: A Look at Garrett Diesel TurbochargersCommon Diesel Engine Problems and Solutions
Diesel engines are workhorses, powering everything from trucks to heavy machinery. However, like any complex machinery, they can encounter problems. Let’s explore some of the most common issues and their solutions:
Continue reading Common Diesel Engine Problems and SolutionsDiesel Fuel Additives: What They Do, When They’re Used, and What to Consider
Diesel fuel additives are commonly used in both light-duty and heavy-duty applications.
They are not a single product type. Instead, they are formulated blends designed to address specific fuel system conditions or operating environments.
Depending on formulation, diesel fuel additives may be used to:
- Clean fuel system components
- Improve combustion characteristics
- Support cold-weather operation
- Protect fuel system parts from wear
👉 The effectiveness of an additive depends on fuel quality, engine condition, and application.
Continue reading Diesel Fuel Additives: What They Do, When They’re Used, and What to ConsiderWhat Can Cause Diesel Fuel Pump Failure?
Contaminated fuel can cause big problems for diesel engines. This is especially true for engines that have a high-pressure common rail system. Diesel fuel pump failure usually can be prevented with proper maintenance.
Continue reading What Can Cause Diesel Fuel Pump Failure?
