Omnitek Engineering has received approval from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for diesel-to-natural gas engine conversions of Detroit Diesel Series 60 engine families for model years 1988 to 2009.

The decision allows engine conversions to proceed in 49 States and covers the 11.1 liter, 12.7 liter and 14 liter models.

"There is significant pent up demand for converted Detroit Diesel Series 60 natural gas engines and we expect strong sales momentum in the quarters ahead as fleet customers take advantage of the favorable economics of natural gas and our 'drop-in' engine program,” said Werner Funk, president and chief executive officer of Omnitek Engineering. “The Series 60 remains an extremely popular engine in Class 8 truck applications. With more than 1,000,000 engines produced, we are excited to add this engine to our product portfolio.”

Funk said he anticipates conversions of drayage trucks will comprise a large portion of the Series 60 business. Omnitek previously announced its diesel-to-natural gas engine conversion technology was selected under a competitive grant process by the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency for a pilot project and believes the project should attract additional interest from other ports across the country as it evolves.

He noted the company is working to finalize the development of the Caterpillar C15 and Cummins ISX engine conversion kits.