Morris Lubricants has a comprehensive range of oils, lubricants and greases for the commercial vehicle market that covers a wide-range of makes and models. In the life of truck racer, HGV workshop owner and Morris Lubricants Racing Ambassador Dave Jenkins, he trusts both the commercial vehicle and racing products in both his professional and racing life respectively, as both have very specific requirements where the lubricants play a vital role in the performance of the vehicle.
The second Dave Jenkins pulls into the paddock his race team assembles. Each mechanic, engineer and technician is assigned their own task – from checking and topping up fluid levels, to inspecting for damage and downloading performance data – but their combined mission is to carry out a trackside service of Number 69, Dave’s bespoke-built MAN, in less than sixty minutes. Take much longer, and they risk missing out on the next round of racing.
Securing two spectacular wins and a strong P3 position, the opening skirmishes of this year’s British Truck Racing Championship have been fiercely competitive, and resulted in a little more twisted metal and furrowing of brows than usual, but a typical health check (which is performed following each session on track during a competition weekend) involves replacing the front brakes, refuelling, and replenishing the power steering fluid with Multitrans ACV to enhance performance of the high pressure power steering system. “This is one of the most stressed components in the truck, so changing and topping up the power steering fluid is critical,” explains Dave, whose competitive instincts on the circuit at Pembrey in May were thwarted by circumstances beyond his control. “The truck looked like it had done ten rounds with Mike Tyson, but we’ve straightened it up and it’s looking better than ever before. We're ready to maintain the winning streak that's spanned my 25-year career in motorsport.”
Displaying the true colours of a dedicated and motivated race team, Dave and his crew have drawn upon “all of our engineering ability” to implement the most significant development within 'MANinBLACK's' suspension system that they’ve made for five years. “We’ve regrouped and we’re going to come back harder and faster, but it’s good to know I’ve got a world-class company like Morris Lubricants behind me, they’ve had my back and supported me through the good times and the bad.”
With a new setup to work with, the Jenkins Motorsport team need to ensure a slick operation is maintained, and consider the thread grease, Workshop PRO Anti-Seize Compound, is their go-to product for making the disassembly and reassembly of ‘MANinBLACK’ as rapid and easy as possible. Workshop PRO Anti-Seize Compound is designed to prevent the seizure and galling of components; it’s ideal for application in an environment where split-seconds can make all the difference.
Containers of K383 Copper Anti-Seize Grease (which can be used on the threads of pipes that carry very hot and corrosive liquids or gases) and canisters of Workshop Pro Solvent Cleaner (a degreasing aerosol that evaporates quickly leaving components free from residue) are also “always on hand and used regularly during each race weekend service” imparts Dave.
Before returning to the asphalt, Dave will review the operating performance data that was retrieved at the beginning of MAN’s service. Abnormalities in component temperature or pressure levels could indicate lubricant malfunction, but using fit for purpose products from Morris Lubricants means this is a tribulation he’s never had to deal with: “I depend on the quality of the products Morris Lubricants formulates.”
Dave continues: “The engine oil Multivis MLR 10W-60 is so great it makes sure that the truck runs all year round without an issue. If part of the system fails, such as the fuel injector, which results in diesel getting inside the engine where it shouldn’t be, the oil is so good that it will protect the engine.”
The application of a poor-quality oil could accelerate mechanical failures, says Dave, particularly in areas such as the transmission system, “but specialist oils from Morris Lubricants, such as Lodexol FS 75W-90 gearbox and differential oil, can cope with the stresses of a competitive setting, which can include extreme temperatures and loads, because they’re made for it.”
Away from the g-force rigours of life in the fast lane, Dave prepares lorries for the long-haul at his commercial vehicle workshop in Stone, Staffordshire. The checks and procedures carried out during the annual (or sometimes bi-annual) service of a HGV are the same as those required to keep ‘MANinBLACK’ in peak condition, but with a different role to fulfill, the nature of the lubrication technology they require is tailored to fuel efficiency and extended service.
“The correct specification of engine oil is critical to the longevity of a truck’s engine and emissions control components,” explains Dave, who uses the heavy-duty engine oils Versimax HD9 10W-40. From the Morris Lubricants’ Versimax range for commercial vehicles, they have been manufactured specifically for previous and current generation diesel engines, including those that utilise after treatment devices.
“If you put the wrong engine oil in the wrong lorry, the cost of repair can run to tens of thousands of pounds. I maintain great relationships with fleet managers who understand the importance of using a premium product that is fit for purpose and I’m proud to say that my business is putting Morris Lubricants into vehicles that are being used in businesses at a national level.” You can see the full range of Morris Lubricants commercial vehicle lubricants, here. https://www.morrislubricants.co.uk/products/cv.html
Constantly seeking to make the most of his knowledge and talent, Morris Lubricants ambassador Dave recently took to the track alongside Paddy McGuinness, Andrew Flintoff, and Chris Harris in a Top Gear trucking special. Filmed on a “wet, slippy, horrible day”, our man was told “to do your thing”, and battled his way from the back of the pack (starting grid positions were randomly selected) to triumph. “It was looking like Harris was going to steal the race, so I set off after him, caught up with him, passed him, and won. We turned up and we did the job to the best of our ability, because that’s what we do.” You can watch the episode of Top Gear here: BBC iPlayer - Top Gear - Series 32: Episode 3