clear answer on ULSD for tractors?

[IH3444]

Soundguy, that about my take on the subject. Bit concerned about the older rotary pump in my International, but it's been fine on the current 500p/b fuel. I add PowerService to my tanks for added protection.

 

[MadReferee]

So as a recap then.. just to make sure we are all ont he same page. If a diesel is running 'ok' on the current stuff.. thent he newer ulsd shouldn't 'kill' it.

And any lubricity lost in the sulfur removal 'is' being replaced thru one method or another.. at the refiner.. etc??

It will not "kill" it but there is a small chance you may see some leaks. It all depends on the condition of your equipment. Quoting from Chevron again:

Chevron is not sure whether the transition to S15 (ULSD) in 2006 will affect fuel system elastomers (e.g., O-rings). Any change will depend on the elastomer material and age, as well as the change in seal swell characteristics of the particular fuel being used, relative to the fuel the vehicle has been using. Experience in transitioning to S500 (500 ppm) in 1993 suggests end-users should be proactive. Specifically, maintenance records should be reviewed to ensure that fuel system elastomer seals have been changed out at recommended intervals with recommended materials.

As for lubricity, All diesel fuel, including ULSD, meets a minimum standard that has been in effect since Jan 1, 2005. Quoting from one of the Chevron FAQ's:

The processing required to reduce sulfur to 15 ppm also removes naturally-occurring lubricity agents in diesel fuel. To manage this change the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) adopted the lubricity specification defined in ASTM D975 for all diesel fuels and this standard went into effect January 1, 2005.
The D975 specification is based on the High Frequency Reciprocating Rig (HFRR) test (D 6079) and requires a wear scar no larger than 520 microns.

I doubt that any refiners are adding anything to ULSD since it already meets the existing standard. I would suggest if you are concerned about lubricity, that you use an appropriate aftermarket fuel additive.

 

[Iowachild]

My employer does add a lubricity additive and the amount of that additive increased when we went from LSD to ULSD.

 

[MadReferee]

So, the refinery that you work at adds a lubricity additive so that the ULSD meets the standard or so that it exceeds the standard by some amount?

 

[Iowachild]

So, the refinery that you work at adds a lubricity additive so that the ULSD meets the standard or so that it exceeds the standard by some amount?

Well Mad, I'll have to ask around to get the answer to that. Just don't expect the answer real soon because as of today, I'm on 2 weeks vacation!

 

[Soundguy]

Hmm.. I think I'll stick to adding PS to my tank.. just in case...

Soundguy

 

[coffeeman]

Anybody got a clear answer for the new ULSD fuel for our tractors.

Please leave out any techno garbage giberish.. no tbn tds FBI kgb cia nafta or anything else.. just a simple yes or no from an individual quallified to answer will suffice.

Soundguy

Soundguy

Ain't this something? No techno giberish.... What is ULSD? I guess it means low sulpher and it is new style fuel. (just kidding a little)

This thread brings to mind my old Farmall C I have had for 30 years. It is amazing to me how it needs no special oil, no special gas and actually needs no special treatment. I just painted it up last year and and started it after setting for 10 years without running. A little oil in cylinders and some gasoline and it fired right up. I had to take carburetor apart. Greased up the sickle bar and replaced a couple blades. Replaced a wooden piece that runs the sickle bar.(I can't remember what they call that wooden piece) It works like a charm. Wouldn't it be nice if todays equipment was such fixer up friendly. The new stuff is nice. It's a shame new has to be treated with kid gloves; at least everyone seems to treat them that way. New is tough....but maybe not that tough.

Cheers....Coffeeman

 

[cp1969]

Soundguy

...(I can't remember what they call that wooden piece)

It's called a Pitman arm.

Wouldn't it be nice if todays equipment was such fixer up friendly. The new stuff is nice. It's a shame new has to be treated with kid gloves; at least everyone seems to treat them that way.

I don't know that today's stuff has to be treated with kid gloves. A lot of people are just **** about their stuff.

I am not worried about the switch to ULSD in the least. No additives, no nothing. Put in in the tank and run.

 

[SkyPup]

Anybody got a clear answer for the new ULSD fuel for our tractors.

YES

Please leave out any techno garbage giberish.. no tbn tds FBI kgb cia nafta or anything else.. just a simple yes or no from an individual quallified to answer will suffice.

YES

Due to difficulty of purchasing small amounts ( les than 250g ) of off road diesel at a time.. I have just been getting road diesel.

Issues to look out for?

NONE

Soundguy

How's that Sound?

 

[SkyPup]

The main ULSD issue to look out for now is you will not have to change the oil as frequently as you used to.