ISSUE DATE: 07/22/09 

PROGRAM INFORMATION BULLETIN NO. P09-18 

FROM: LINDA F. ZEILER

 Acting Director of Technical Support 

SUBJECT: Re-Issue of P02-06 - Retrofit Program for Isuzu C240MA Diesel Engines 

Who needs this information?

Underground coal mine operators using Isuzu C240MA diesel engines under Approval 

Number 7E-B038-0 and Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) inspection 

personnel should have this information. 

Why is MSHA issuing this bulletin?

This Program Information Bulletin (PIB) is to inform mine operators of an Isuzu retrofit 

program and of the importance of maintaining diesel engines in approved condition. 

Why do Isuzu C240MA engines require retrofit?

Fuel rate settings are critical to efficiency of diesel engines. MSHA specifies a fuel 

setting and a fuel de-ration curve for each engine during the approval process. The fuel 

de-ration curve ensures the fuel rate should not exceed the maximum allowable at any 

altitude. 

MSHA has found that some Isuzu C240MA engines were not properly de-rated and as a 

result are over-fueled when operated at altitudes above 1,000 feet. Over-fueling will not 

significantly increase the power output of the engine since engines can only utilize fuel 

in relation to the air available. Excess fuel is not efficiently burned in the combustion 

chambers of the engine creating an excessive amount of Diesel Particulate Matter 

(DPM), and Carbon Monoxide (CO). In addition, operation of engines at excessive fuelto-air ratios causes engines to operate at higher temperatures, shortening their useful 

lives. Proper engine fuel settings convert fuel to power more efficiently resulting in less 

fuel usage for about the same amount of power. Most important, proper fuel settings 

result in cleaner exhaust emissions. 
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How can Isuzu C240MA engines be properly adjusted?

Mine operators should be aware of an on-going retrofit program for the Isuzu C240MA 

engine. Isuzu has committed to adjust engines as needed for high altitude operation. 

Isuzu has trained technicians at each of their distributors in performing the required 

adjustment. You should contact your servicing Isuzu representative or the Isuzu 

Corporate office at: 

 American Isuzu Motors, Inc. (AIMI) 

 Power Train Division 

 41280 Bridge Street 

 Novi, Michigan 48375-1301 

The fuel pump used on Isuzu C240MA engines is typically adjusted in a pump shop on 

a flow bench. This requires the pump to be removed from the engine and shipped to 

the pump shop. Isuzu has developed a procedure to adjust the fuel pump on the 

engine. This procedure requires specially trained technicians. The on-engine

adjustment procedure can only be used on engines that can be verified as adjusted per 

factory specifications. If the factory pump seal is broken or damaged, the pump must 

be sent to a pump shop for adjustment.

Which engines require retrofit?

All Isuzu C240MA engines labeled with MSHA Approval Number 7E-B038-0 must be 

retrofitted. Each engine must be re-tagged with MSHA Approval Number 7E-B085-0. 

This marking will indicate that the maximum altitude before de-ration is 1,000 feet or 

the maximum altitude for which that particular engine is adjusted. 

Isuzu C240MA engines operated at altitudes above 1,000 feet will require fuel

adjustment before being labeled with MSHA Approval 7E-B085-0.

You may contact MSHA’s Approval and Certification Center with questions on which 

engines require fuel adjustment. Please contact Jeffrey Moninger (304) 547-2324, or via 

e-mail at moninger.jeffrey@dol.gov for assistance. 

What happens to engines that are not retrofitted? 

The MSHA Approval Number of 7E-B038-0 will be revoked at the conclusion of the 

retrofit program. The Isuzu C240MA engine has been issued a new MSHA Approval 

Number 7E-B085-0. An engine cannot be labeled with 7E-B085 until the required fuel 

setting adjustment is made. Any engine with Approval Number 7E-B038-0 needs to be 

taken out of service. 

What is the background for this PIB?

MSHA received complaints from mine operators using the Isuzu C240MA engines at 

high altitudes. Complaints included hard starting, poor performance, and smoky 
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exhaust. Investigation revealed that the fuel de-ration specifications applied to the 

Isuzu C240MA engines were not acceptable. Revising the fuel adjustment of the 

engines will improve the emissions of the engines operated at high altitudes and bring 

the engines into compliance with the requirements of their approval. 

What is MSHA’s authority for this PIB?

The Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977; 30 CFR Part 75.1909(1), 30 CFR Part 7. 

Internet Availability

This information bulletin may be viewed on the Internet by accessing MSHA’s home 

page at http://www.msha.gov and then choosing Statutory and Regulatory 

Information, Compliance Assistance Information, and Program Information Bulletins. 

Who are the MSHA contact persons for this PIB?

Coal Mine Safety and Health, Safety Division 

John Arrington, (202) 693-9549 

E-mail: arrington.john@dol.gov

Technical Support, Approval and Certification Center 

Jeff Moninger, (304) 547-2324 

E-mail: moninger.jeffrey@dol.gov

Who will receive this PIB?

MSHA Program Policy Manual Holders 

Miners’ Representatives 

Underground Mine Operators 

Manufacturers of Mine Equipment and Mining Products 

Owners of Isuzu Diesel Engines 

Special Interest Groups