Association of Diesel Specialists

Worldwide Recognition
The Association of Diesel Specialists is an international organization with members in the U.S., Canada, Mexico and many other countries. To our members, ADS means worldwide recognition by diesel owners and operators. To our members’ customers, the Association signifies a network of professionals dedicated to the achievement of high-caliber service on diesel fuel injection, governor and turbocharger systems.

Members include service shops, manufacturers and distributors who work together and share their expertise in order to provide diesel users with the best possible service, equipment and parts.

Founded in 1956, the association is governed by a board of directors consisting of a president, vice president, secretary, treasurer and 15 individuals representing various segments of ADS membership.

Technical Standards
ADS members are known throughout the industry for the high technical standards they maintain. Uniform repair standards, the Nationwide Warranty program, and the ADS Master Pump Kit represent a commitment to reliable, high-quality service.

Repair Standards
A uniform description of repair categories established by ADS clarifies a customer’s needs and expectations

Nationwide Warranty
The ADS Nationwide Warranty assures mobile equipment operators that repairs needed under warranty from an ADS shop will be honored at participating member shops anywhere in the U.S., Canada or Mexico. Customers can call to find the location and phone number of the nearest shop participating in the Nationwide Warranty.

Identification Code
A special ADS identification code, assigned to member shops and placed on the fuel injection, governor or turbocharger units, provides easy verification of warranty status.

Master Pump Kit
The ADS Master Pump Kit checks the accuracy of diesel fuel injection calibration equipment. The Master Pump Kit lets shop owners keep expensive calibration machines and their related accessories within tolerance.

ADS Tools Program
ADS offers for sale to members as well as non-members the tools needed to work on the injectors used on the Ford PowerStroke Diesel Engine. Members receive considerable discounts when ordering the tool kit.

Electronic Warranty
In cooperation with our OE manufacturer members, ADS has introduced a web based electronic warranty program, which will allow authorized dealers to submit claims electronically. This is the first of a series of planned services for ADS members to take the best advantage of e-mail and Internet technologies

Education
Educational programs designed to enhance technical expertise are available to members of the Association of Diesel Specialists. Check the ADS Web site for specific information.

International Convention
Held each summer, the ADS International Convention & Tradeshow attracts delegates from around the world. The program includes: industry leaders and analysts addressing current trends and technology; an exhibit hall featuring state-of-the-art products and service aids in the industry; and special seminars put on by manufacturer members.

TechEvents/Regional Meetings
ADS conducts “TechEvents” and regional meetings each year in the U.S., Canada and Latin America. These “closer-to-home” meetings are designed to keep member shops up-to-date on the latest technical developments and procedures.

On-Engine Training Seminars
Seminars are offered to ADS Members in the summer, and hosted by TechSmart Program schools. These seminars give the current technicians the opportunity to work with popular applications in fuel injection pump, injector, and turbocharger removal, reinstallation and timing. Troubleshooting basics are also covered.

TechSmart Program
The ADS TechSmart was developed to provide a better skilled entry-level technician while also addressing continuing education needs of the current labor force within the Diesel Industry. Students can apply for scholarships through the ADS/Ortner Foundation.

ADS/Ortner Foundation
The Association of Diesel Specialists / Henry and Esther Ortner Educational Foundation was established in 1994 following receipt of a gift from the estate of the late Mrs. Esther Ortner. Mrs. Ortner was the widow of Henry Ortner Jr., the first ADS Technical Director. The Foundation’s purpose is to benefit educational programs for the Association of Diesel Specialists, and for the diesel fuel injection and diesel industries. Expenditures by the ADS/Ortner Foundation are made exclusively from investment income. As mandated in its bylaws, neither the Foundation’s governing board of Trustees nor any officer has authority to expend its principal in whole or in part. Click here to visit the Ortner Foundation Web page.

Business Management
ADS recognizes that, in addition to technical expertise, good management skills are necessary to run an efficient, profitable business. The association provides programs and services designed to help members manage successful business operations.

Seminars
Seminars on business and marketing management topics are featured at the International Convention & Exhibit, as well as during regional meetings

Surveys
ADS conducts studies to advise members on industry trends. Surveys on such topics as a shop’s “cost of doing business” and computer usage give participants valuable information for comparison in operating their businesses.

Financial Analysis
Offered to ADS members annually, this confidential survey is designed to help Service Members analyze their financial performance. Results of this survey are only shared with those who participate in the survey.

Long-Distance Discounts
ADS members in the U.S. are eligible for discount calling programs through Broadwing Communications. Participating members are entitled to volume discounts on their long-distance calling through major carriers.

Parts Finder
The ADS Parts Finder provides a listing of obsolescent or surplus parts for sale by participating Service Members. The listing is a source for difficult-to-find parts, as well as an outlet to improve inventory turn. In January 2000, the Parts Finder service was incorporated into the Association’s Web site, making it even easier for potential buyers to access the parts list.

Forerunners
For younger executives of ADS member companies, Forerunners offers an opportunity to develop peer group relationships within the industry, build business and leadership skills, and learn more about the industry.

Communications
The association provides channels of communication for members through its newsletter, technical bulletins, annual directory and the associations website. Additionally, ADS has cooperative relationships with related organizations such as the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) to keep members apprised of current standardization developments.

Identification
The ADS logo, signifying superior quality service, is respected throughout the industry.

Newsletter
Nozzle Chatter, the ADS member publication together with a weekly e-mail, serve as a source for details on association programs and services, as well as for useful information on current technology and helpful management practices.

Directory
The annual ADS Directory is read by more than 120,000 diesel customers around the world. The ADS Directory is mailed to all ADS members each year and is also available on the ADS Web site.

Technical Information
The ADS Executive Director provides technical information through regular articles in the Association newsletter, technical bulletins, one-on-one consultation and routine correspondence.

Manufacturer Liaison
ADS serves as a forum for the exchange of ideas between the service industry and the manufacturer. Participation in association activities, such as the International Convention and regional meetings, gives manufacturers the opportunity to receive direct feedback on product performance and other subjects of mutual interest.

Manufacturer Liaison
Manufacturers can depend on ADS Service Members to offer specialized service to dealers and users, resulting in greater acceptance of the manufacturers’ products. The ADS Executive Director also provides information and staff support to the manufacturing segment of the industry.

Car Rental Discounts
ADS is contracted with Avis and Hertz to give members discounts on car rentals.

Membership
ADS membership is open to individuals, firms or corporations that sell, service, distribute or manufacture OEM fuel injection equipment, governors, superchargers, turbochargers, replacement parts, diesel engines and vehicles, or allied equipment.