ULSD and Power Service - question

[HGM]

Not only has the sulfur concentration gone from 500ppm way way down to 15ppm with ULSD, but the important aromatic hydrocarbon fraction has also gone way down from >30% content to <5% for the first time in the history of North American diesel refining (previously diesel fuel production was primarly just a waste product of gasoline production as very few petroleum companies in the USA even made straight-run diesel besides BP-ARCO), however now we've finally switched over to producing real diesel fuel), increasing the important paraffinic content and resulting in higher natural cetane rating, which also allows the 2-EthylHexylNitrate additive in Power Service to actually have even more effect on raising the cetane level a good 4-5 points (previous high aromatic content 500ppm LSD did not respond to the additve effects of 2-EHN because all the aromatics have such super low cetane ratings and thereby resulted in incomplete combustion and excessive soot formation.....).

That's what's so awesome about ULSD -> super low sulfur, low aromatics, higher cetane, more alkanes and alkenes, and some really first class diesel engines coming to market in the USA as a result of these wonderful changes.

ULSD is even way better than what many of the previous disgruntled posters even thought possible and it is going to stay that way for a long time to come in spite of all the crying over the missing sulfur!

Wait till they figure out that the maintenance intervals and wear on the engine will increase(longer intervals) due to this "new" fuel... Seriously, its going to be a great thing guys... I was not aware of the aeromatics effecting cetane, so it could be even better to add the additives like Pup said.. I know I'll be running it in my diesel..

 

[Dusty]

............... increasing the important paraffinic content and resulting in higher natural cetane rating.......

Will this increase in paraffin cause gelling problems in the extremely cold New England temperatures this winter? thanks

 

[SkyPup]

It sure will result in more wax and gel formation at temps lower than 20*F, especially since I don't know how Diesel #1 will be available since there is NO Ultra Low Sulfur Kerosene being produced anywhere in North American (Canada, USA, Mexico).

However, the new formulations of cold point depressant additives are just as effective as the old kerosene dilution method for cold weather operation.

 

[Dargo]

Well, I'm no "king" or "expert" or even someone who has anything more than passive knowledge on diesel fuel. I just put it in my equipment and burn it. Only in the last month or two have I used any ULSD. Here are my admittedly short term observations: I seem to have less black smoke in the exhaust of my bombed '96 12 valve Cummins. That's it. I've not noticed anything else at all. No better fuel economy or no worse fuel economy, and my truck runs just the same as it did before. So, based on all these observations , I like ULSD so far.

On Power Service; I used to use it on a very regular basis. I've gotten lazy and cheap and haven't used it much in the last year or so. Here are my observations on not using Power Service in a while: uh,...no difference. So, based on my very scientific observations so far, I'm not real sure that it's all that important to use PS in every tank. My injectors are not stock, my pump is not stock and my exhaust system is not stock. So, since they are relatively new I can't tell you for sure if using PS in the past has kept them clean or if they are getting dirty now. I just dunno so far. PS never caused any problem when I used it, but I've not had problems without using it. So, how's that for some definite hard core info?

 

[SkyPup]

Dargo, I think you just made the rank of "KING" or at least "Prince" or maybe "Duke" or possibly "Earl"!!!

One thing most can agree on, SULFUR STINKS and of course, less choking foul black smoke has it's major PR benefits for diesels too.

At least now the city buses are not leaving a choking stinking black cloud fouling everyone's lungs inducing acute astama attacks, the emergency room physicans and the pediatiric pulmonary intensive care docs are all grateful for ULSD too!

 

[Doc_Bob]

On Power Service; I used to use it on a very regular basis. I've gotten lazy and cheap and haven't used it much in the last year or so.

I am knew to PS, so I just use it now for winter use for anti-gel issues. I do not use it during the summer.
Bob

 

[rback33]

Dargo, I think you just made the rank of "KING" or at least "Prince" or maybe "Duke" or possibly "Earl"!!!

One thing most can agree on, SULFUR STINKS and of course, less choking foul black smoke has it's major PR benefits for diesels too.

At least now the city buses are not leaving a choking stinking black cloud fouling everyone's lungs inducing acute astama attacks, the emergency room physicans and the pediatiric pulmonary intensive care docs are all grateful for ULSD too!

Call me sick and anti-environment, but I have ALWAYS loved the sight and smell of a diesel pouring black smoke.. so long as it's not oil burning off with the fuel...

I too have used PS or Lucas over the years, but have never noticed a major difference. My preference is the Lucas for reasons I am not sure of, but it is harder to find unless you go specifically to an auto parts store or truck stop. About any C-Store selling Diesel has PS on the shelf though. One reason I think I like the Lucas stuff better is the bottles are more pour friendly. What to do? I don't know. I admit to likeing the idea of added cetane if nothing else. That Chevron article did tend to make me lean towards the negative on additives.


Oh and I almost forgot... only alkenes and alkanes? No alkynes? Sorry, had to throw SOMETHING out there about the Organic Chem... which was NOT my best chem class... My suggestion is added if it makes you feel better. That's what I do so it must be right. *RME*

 

[Rusty]

My experience with Power Service prior to ULSD: 434 hours without PS used 251 gallons for 0.58 gallons per hour consumed. 150 hours with 3 fluid ounces PS per 5 gallons of diesel, used 75 gallons for 0.50 gallons per hour consumed. 0.08 gallons per hour x 150 hours = 12 gallons less diesel consumed in the 150 hours. Data from Kubota B7500-HSD running at PTO speed 85% of time.

 

[SteveInMD]

All we have to do to get a 14% boost in fuel economy is add PS? Boy, talk about a way to reduce our dependency on foreign oil! I'd say those number are just a little too good to be believable.

 

[UncleBuck01]

Well, I'm no "king"

Spoken like a true commoner, but be careful, the king might knight you.
I think your straight language gave it away

So after all the talk and all the theories and all the chemistry lessons, it boils down to personal preferences. The EXTRA processing has lowered the lubricity of ULSD, In order for ULSD diesel to meet today’s standards for lubricity, the oil companies must and do put additives before retail. Barring any mistakes or human errors with these additives, your vehicle will run fine without Power Service, and will RUN just as good and maybe better WITH Power Service.
Penokee
So back to your original Question, for your own (this will upset some -- TOUGH ) PEACE OF MIND use Power Service, I do and have had no problems
for many years

Buck
P.S. Over the weekend I saw the WIZARD OF OZ, so if people get upset with "King" (Elvis forgive me), perhaps we can use "WIZARD" ?