New low sulfur fuels

[Strongman]

I was talking with a semi-truck driver and how others are now putting additives in with their fuel (some putting in transmission fluid) for engines made prior to 2006 since the new low sulfur diesel fuel doesn't have the same lubrication quality as the high sulfur fuel and are wearing out rings and gaskets. Has anyone heard of this issue? I'm a little concerned about my 2004 Branson 3820. Obviously the number of hours on my Branson is a fraction of a semi, but I would still like to get Branson's opinion on this. Thanks!

 

[thatguy]

we visited a 'major' terminal in the Richmond VA area for work and they had a 'lubricity additive' they were adding to the ultra low sulphur diesel.. Im sure that all terminals are doing the same before it leaves for the retail stations.. So there is a problem with lubricity, but it is being addressed.

I always add power service and will continue to do so, and we dont have ULSD in our area yet..

 

[texasjohn]

Web sites that discuss this:

EPA

DIESEL FORUM

Biodiesel Wikipedia

Kubota has approved B5 for some models... I'm trying to find out which models of their tractors.

 

[jbrumberg]

Strongman:

There have been quite a few posts in the Oil, Fuel, and Lubricants Forum this year. I have been adding a "double shot" of Power Service (White Bottle) to help with gelling challenges this Winter and will keep adding Power Service to my ULSD fuel for lubricity during the warmer months if they ever come. I suggest you follow the threads by DieselPower. He is quite informative. Jay

 

[DieselPower]

The new ULSD does have higher sulvent effect than the LSD and even more that HSD. When the LSD came out there were some pump o-ring and hose problems and since the new ULSD came out there have been even more. In older engines it deteriorates the natural rubber compounds used in older o-rings and hoses. Newer engines and replacement hoses and o-rings are made of newer rubber compounds that are resistant to this deterioration.

Adding ATF to the fuel, not in one of my engines. It "may" help with lubricity but it will also be more prone to causing deposit problems with injectors and combustion cylinders. The new ULSD fuel does have a lower lubricity level than LSD did. The process that removes sulfur from the fuel also removes other properties that add to the lubricity. Bulk fuel suppliers are adding lubricity additives at the distribution points to help offset this lower level of lubricity. I myself use a fuel additive year round that adds to the lubricity level just for some extra insurance.

 

[Jimbrown]

I tried not to do this but the devil and the klingons made me. It's 1965 and the sky is falling all of our engines are going to go belly up because the government is making us buy unleaded gas. I actually think my ford F250 runs better with the new ultra low diesel.

 

[DieselPower]

Your F250 may run better on the new ULSD, I don't doubt it. The problem isn't it's performance characteristics, it's effect on long term wear characteristics on injectors and injection pumps is the concern.

 

[texasjohn]

Two specific questions:

1) Which specific Kubota models does Kubota say are OK for the B5 fuel?

2) Does anybody see anything wrong with using B5 in a Kubota 5030 HSTC for its additional lubricity characteristics above that of ULSD?

Thanks.

 

[SkyPup]

I've been waiting for all our Kubota's to croak on ULSD since last October when they began feeding on a constant diet of it, so far no problems after a couple of hundred hours of hardcore useage......

How long do we have to wait for the sky to fall?

 

[TrippleT]

I talked to my supplier and he said that the manufacturer puts the lubrication into the diesel fuel so that you will have the needed lubricity. The foreman at my dealer told me to put a little motor oil into the fuel, if I was concerned about it. So far I have used Power Service and that is all. I would suggest talking to one's dealer about fuels, oil etc.
I use the red offroad diesel in my NH tractor.