Low Sulfur Diesel, lubrication issues
- Thread starter patrick_g
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Foothill Rancher
Silver Member
- Joined
- Jul 19, 2008
- Messages
- 108
- Location
- Foothills of Sierra Nevada
- Tractor
- Kubota L4400 2 Ford 8n's
I have a brand new 08 Cummins, owner's manual says "commercially available fuel additives are not necessary for the proper operation of your Cummins Diesel equipped vehicle", that being said I'm still not sure if I might want to add one just to feel good, but it seems to me that Dodge could make a few extra bucks by saying to use one so I have to think that all will be fine without and the new motors were engineered for the ULSD.
I do use a additive in my 07 Kubota and if I had an older diesel I would be using in that one too.
I do use a additive in my 07 Kubota and if I had an older diesel I would be using in that one too.
gemini5362
Veteran Member
actually pat the problem goes back to 2006 models. My duramax is supposed to use low sulfur diesel. As strange as it might seem I did exacly what was suggested I went to my dealer and asked if I needed any other lubrication. They give me a GM memo on the subject which basically said no. The memo went on to say if you decided to do it they only recommended one type of additive. If I remember correctly they talked about the other additives using alcohol to dry out water and that was bad for your engine. I am not sure I am remembering correctly so anyone with other information that they are sure of just jump in with better info. I decided since I dont live in a cold climate and they told me not to use anything there was no need to spend my money. But they did give me that in writing from GM not just the dealers opinion.
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Yes, I followed that thread closely as it was unfolding. Very nicely done. It's also where I got my background information on 2 cycle and 2% bioD. There is also a study on that site on air filters. Funny, the GM filter element flows as well as the oil coated million mile one, but actually stops dirt (unlike the one from the 2 initial company).
When you get recommendations from the factory, remember that they don't want your truck (or whatever) to last forever. They actually, want you to eventually wear it out and need to replace it. Cynical? Maybe, but also maybe correct.... Talking to the repair places, like DieselPower suggested is a smart thing. They have been busier lately. The ULSD seems to be harder on rubber parts than LSD was. Almost like it is drying them out and letting them crack. Who knows for sure?
Patrick-g, Did you know the cloud point of normal #2 is about 45F? Bio clouds sooner and is harder to keep free. ULSD is also different in it's gelling characteristics than LSD was. It's why dern near every diesel was dead 2 winters ago. All the same week when the first cold snap blew thru. It's a PITA to change filters in the snow covered ditch in the dark when it's below 0 and blowing.
Edited, huh? I so wanted to inquire about the 1006 model Duramax... Dang!
Cummins' position (and by derivation, Dodge's) for the 1997 was just standard fuel, summer or winter blend, and anti-gel if needed. However, that was before ULSD so that was the reason for my interest. Did older engines need a lubricity additive was my interest. I'd be surprised to find Cummins or Ford or any major manufacturer warning you to use snake oil.
Pat
Egon
Epic Contributor
http://www.cppi.ca/pdf/ULSD_Q&A_e.pdf
A site on diesel fuel. About question 16 it's starts getting into what most of us ask.
A site on diesel fuel. About question 16 it's starts getting into what most of us ask.
http://www.cppi.ca/pdf/ULSD_Q&A_e.pdf
A site on diesel fuel. About question 16 it's starts getting into what most of us ask.
Thanks, Egon... Just what we need more science and engineering and less hearsay. Keep this up and folks will think you put away your Ouija board as a means of answering fuel and lubricants issues.
Pat
Egon
Epic Contributor
Pat, I just count on fingers for any problems!
Shimon
Platinum Member
First of all...they are talking about older mechanical injection pumps (plunger and barrel or delivery valves) which does not apply to any of the newer diesels (common rail injection). The newer engines that use common rail injection systems have a high pressure fuel gear pump which pressurizes the fuel rail to about 20,000 to 30,000 psi. The injectors are then actuated via electronic solenoids via the computer. No plungers or barrels in these engines.
And, these systems are designed to work on the new, low sulfur diesels so you would be wasting your money on additives on a common rail engine.
And to be honest, most inline mechanical injection pumps don't need these additives either because they are lubricated with engine oil via their own oil sumps or they share oil from the engine itself (although it doesn't hurt to add lubricity). The only injection pumps that need a lubricity additive are rotary injection pumps such as some of the older Stanadyne or CAV or Lucas pumps. Those rotary pumps use fuel for all their lubrication and the reduction in lubricity of fuel will reduce the longevity of these pumps. Stanadyne makes an excellent additive which improves the lubricity of fuel and I believe they are the only fuel injection component manufacturer to also make and sell an additive for their pumps.
Talk to a fuel injection shop to get the real skinny. I work closely with a shop which rebuilds all our pumps for us and they are a wealth of knowledge from the "front lines", so to speak.
