Low or No Sulfur Fuel

[ACerf]

I had someone tell me that they blown two fuel pumps on there 98' diesel Ram. He was told that it was due to "No Sulfur" in the fuel! Does this make any sense? Can no sulfur cause problems with the engine, and should I be putting in some sort of additive to the fuel? I was told not to use Texaco or Shell for this reason.

 

[THanley]

I believe that on-highway fuel (green color) is currently low-sulfur, which is no higher than 15 ppm (parts per million). Off-highway fuel (pink color, which is not taxed and is used in ag and construction machinery) in not currently regulated, but can contain anywhere from 500 to 5000 ppm of sulfur.



Sulfur adds lubricity to the fuel which lubricates items in the fuel system. Most rotary injection pumps use fuel for lubrication and can't be used with low-sulfur fuel without the use of lubricity additives. Fleetguard makes a fuel filter that contains a time-release lubricity additive for just this reason. The Bosch VP44 has hardened parts to deal with low-lubricity 15 ppm fuel.



In-line fuel pumps use engine oil for lubrication, so they are not hurt by low lubricity fuel.



In 2007, on-highway fuel is mandated to be ultra-low sulfur which means less than 5 ppm.



Low and ultra low sulfur fuel is needed to allow exhaust gas recirculation to work without without introducing large doses of sulfuric acid into the engine. It also reduces emissions in the form of SOx (oxides of sulfur).

 

[Ram4Sam]

Sulfur levels..

The sulfur levels (or lack thereof) are rules set by the feds so all brands should be the same.



Sam

 

[KCJackson]

Originally posted by THanley

I believe that on-highway fuel (green color) is currently low-sulfur, which is no higher than 15 ppm (parts per million). Off-highway fuel (pink color, which is not taxed and is used in ag and construction machinery) in not currently regulated, but can contain anywhere from 500 to 5000 ppm of sulfur.



Sulfur adds lubricity to the fuel which lubricates items in the fuel system. Most rotary injection pumps use fuel for lubrication and can't be used with low-sulfur fuel without the use of lubricity additives. Fleetguard makes a fuel filter that contains a time-release lubricity additive for just this reason. The Bosch VP44 has hardened parts to deal with low-lubricity 15 ppm fuel.

Two corrections:



1. On-highway diesel is yellow, not green



2. Sulfur does not add lubricity. The refining process that lowers sulfur content removes the lubricity ingredients in the fuel. Those ingredients have to be added back in at the refinery or at the tank with aftermarket additives.

 

[ACerf]

There seems to be a little differnce of opinion on this subject. But I guess one thing that would help would be adding an additive. I know that the fuel pump on my 03 is different than the past generation models. So is the newer pumps effected by this low or Ultra Low sulfur? Is the 3rd Gen Engine effected by this change?

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

1. Inline pumps lower end is engine lubricated, the TOP end (pistons, bores) is still vulnerable to fuel lubricity issues.



Read THIS for info direct from BOSCH:



http://www.arb.ca.gov/fuels/gasoline/meeting/2003/022003bosch.pdf



ALL pump types are covered in the above - good reading...

 

[rbattelle]

I was under the impression that current diesel has 500 ppm sulphur and ULSD will have <15 in 2007. That's what this implies.



And this.

 

[ACerf]

Sulfur

I visited the California website for CARB. The Reg. #2281 Sulfur Contant of Diesel Fuel. In a nut shell. After Oct. 1, 1993 companies could not sell Diesel with sulfur contant above 500 ppm. 15 ppm starts June 2006. It looks like the Federal Reg. starts in 2007, but you know how California is, always trying to beat the feds. I guess by than we will need to be using additives for sure!

 

[RedDieselDawg]

If the higher "off-road" Ag fuel, the red stuff has more sulfer and therefor has more sulfer bi-products that end up in my oil, is it more corrosive to my engine? I may have gotten into some a couple times, but thought it was basically the same, but with a bit more sulfer and some red dye. Is it harmful to our motors???

 

[rbattelle]

Originally posted by RedDieselDawg

If the higher "off-road" Ag fuel, the red stuff has more sulfer and therefor has more sulfer bi-products that end up in my oil, is it more corrosive to my engine? I may have gotten into some a couple times, but thought it was basically the same, but with a bit more sulfer and some red dye. Is it harmful to our motors???

Nah. I wouldn't have any hesitation about using the off-road stuff, if it were legal.

 

[badams1]

Cummins sells a fuel additive so whats the problem. DC can't hit you for using this stuff that is a Cummins product. Fleet-tech, treats 250 gallons for about $8. a Qt. Part # CC2597. I bought a case. Its a Fleetguard product.

 

[DragRacer]

Ultra low sulphur fuel will cause issues with seals and gaskets on the VP44 (gen 2) fuel pumps if you switch to ULSF after running regular (<500ppm) on-road diesel. I have seen that first hand. I don't know of any fleets that are running the common rail fuel system that have switched to <15ppm fuel.



Running "off road" diesel will cause increased soot accumulation in your oil. If you push service intervals and tow heavy quite a bit that may be a concern. With the oils today though I doubt it.

 

[NC_Mog]

The answer to the lubrication issue is easy... run at least 2% biodiesel and your problems are solved. Plus it has the added benefit of being naturally sulfur free.

 

[rbattelle]

Originally posted by NC_Mog

The answer to the lubrication issue is easy... run at least 2% biodiesel and your problems are solved. Plus it has the added benefit of being naturally sulfur free.

I like that idea.

 

[Pugster]

From what I read over the winter in a petroleum trade magazine, todays engines will run OK on the ultra low sulfer fuel when it comes out. But; if you put the tiniest amount of todays low sulfer fuel in the engines mandated by the EPA to require ultra low sulfer fuel they will be ruined beyond repair.

 

[DocDetonancour]

All the farm boys in Idaho are running the red. I know of several with lots of miles towing and abusing and no pump problems.

 

[MMeier]

Ditto what DeTon said!