ULSD update...

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Warren Milberg

Most, or perhaps all, of us having diesel engines have been using one form or another of Ultra Low Sulphur Diesel (ULSD) fuel for some time now. In my case, I've been adding it in small doses to my fuel tank since mid-last year in the hope of making the transition easier on all parts, and persons, concerned. I started by adding 500 ppm ULSD in two gal increments, then 15 ppm ULSD as the higher sulhur ULSD fuel became less and less available. After having used one form or another of ULSD since last year, when I changed my two fuel filters in the spring I did not notice them being particularly gunky, cruddy, or even in dire need of changing. I had expected the ULSD fuel to dissolve a lot of old crud in my fuel system and it would show up in the filters. While I haven't changed my filters since the spring (as I may have only put 25 hrs on the engine since then), I can detect no noticeable difference in engine performance since I began using this fuel. I'd like to get a sense of how others have fared since the introduction of ULSD?
 
Jun 7, 2007
875
Pearson- 323- Mobile,Al
10 gallons

I used ten gallons of BP ULSD back in March there was about 5 gallons in the tank at the time and I have noticed no difference. The low sulfur might help prevent stuff from growing. Some bacteria metabolise sulfur chnaging it's oxidation state either towards hydrogen sulfide or sulfuric acid. Life needs phosphorus,nitrogen carbon and oxygen other minerals in lesser amounts. But when they remove the sulfur they probably remove a lot of the other stuff that life needs to proliferate. It may turn out to be a good thing for boaters. I did add some cetane booster lubricant just to be safe.
 
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gary

Please explain need for additive for lubrication

Could someone please explain the need and choices for fuel additives with the change in Diesel composition.
 
Jun 7, 2007
875
Pearson- 323- Mobile,Al
Supposed to be no Need

They remove the sulfur by washing the diesel with water. This also removes some of the lubricating compounds from the diesel. They are supposed to add back lubrication. I bought some lubricant /Cetane booster at Wal-mart and figure that it can't hurt. I also add some biocide just to be safe. But I admit that it isn't scientific reasoning it's more like throwing salt over my shoulder for good luck.
 
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