Diesel fuel

Hi Alex,

Sorry mate but I gotta disagree with you here. Not only is low sulphur better for the enviroment, its better for your engine! Advantages of low sulphur diesel, apart from cleaner exhaust emissions, include reduced corrosion on pistons/rings/bore, reduced contamination of oil and improved storage life of diesel. Note that sulphur itself is NOT a lubricant.

The corrosion improvement occurs as previously the sulphur reacted with the water (combustion by-product) and produced sulphuric acid. This acid aggressively attacks metals as well as contaminating the oil.

The seal problem is supposedly related to "BUNA-N" and Nitrile seals and is potentially a problem for older rotary injection pumps. In-line injection pumps are not affected as they do not have these seals in contact with the fuel.

Apparently the sulphur in diesel causes the seals to swell and switching to low sulphur causes the seal to shrink, cracking it. BUNA-N seals that have always used low sulphur fuel apparently are not affected.

The lubrication issue is caused by the process to used remove the sulphur, as it removes other components that aid lubrication. But refiners are aware of this now and add a lubricant during processing.

Western Australia has had low sulphur diesel since 1/1/2000, when it dropped from 1300ppm to 500ppm. While its a significant (~60%) drop, sulphur is NOT totally removed from the fuel. As of 31/12/2002 it is ILLEGAL to sell diesel in Australia containing more than 500ppm sulphur. Some refiners (BP/Shell) offer ultra low sulphur fuel with only 50ppm, but lubricity is maintained with additives.

Many diesel engines used in Europe previously could not be used in Australia because of our "dirty" diesel. The new regs bring us into line worldwide and will enable more high performance diesels to be used in Australia.

The only "losers" with low sulphur diesel were the early users when the lubrication issues were not well known, along with older rotatry fuel pumps with the older type seals.

I hope this clears up a few misconceptions.

Cheers

Captain

Cheers Captain,
I was told to avoid low sulphur and informed it was nothing but detrimental by a local Diesel engineer, so I took his word as gospel.

I can see ya know what ya talking about though mate so..........I stand corrected.

Cheers

Alex.

Captain,

Mate,Just wanted to add, I'll think you'll find Sulphur is a very effective extreme pressure (E.P.) lubricant that has traditionally protected fuel pumps from wear.

I'm with Captain, low sulfar diesel in a new generation diesel is good/better. Less sulfer, less sulfuric acid, the Jap motors are designed to run on it as they have been using it for years!

Also, like Michelle/David said, fuel from Truck Stops is generally good as it's always fresh. What I find even better than that is a new servo or a servo that has got new tanks. Shell in wanneroo for example just had new fibre glass tanks dropped in, hence that's where I fill up. Diesel in Perth pretty much all comes from BP Kwinana refinery, then distributed to places like Terminals West (GULL) which then distribute it to people like Liberty etc.
Mobil also have their own tank farm, and so do BP and I think that's about it as far as the different suppliers in Perth.

Alex,
For what it's worth Captain WA is right, the motor manufacturers have been advised by the fuel companies about the materials to be used which are compatible with the low sulphur diesels, also applies to the companies that overhaul diesel components. Low sulphur diesel is better all round fuel, better burn, less pollution, less deposits, MORE power, what more could you ask for. A very high percentage of the fuel in WA comes from the Kwinana refinery, rest assured it's good stuff.
Worries about dirty fuel, you can fit an auxillary fuel filter, you can get a Lucas one from Coventry's for about $90, filters are around $6 each plus you get a water trap, well worth while. Most servo's in the metro area have a high turnover so dirty fuel you would like to think is an exception rather than the norm, it's only when you end up in Woop Woop decanting from 205 drums you are taking chances. My opinions as usual.

Captain is correct.
Low sulphur is better in every respect.
It's that simple.

G'day guys!

I'm not here arguing with Captain. I said I stand corrected. Mabey the post came a across as "Sarcastic". It wasn't meant to be.

See ya's!

Alex,
No problem I didn't see the "banter" as an argument I thought it was more supporting a fellow forumite, teamwork Alex teamwork. If you become a member, "Oh what a feeling". Lol

Hey Martyn,
No worries mate! I thought It was dead and I was still being draged through the hot coals ;-)

"Oh what a feeling" indeed! But you wouldn't get that felling in the pootrol now, would ya!
One of my new work utes is a Nissan. A DX Cab Chassis. It was delivered on monday! I'll be taking it into Night Cap N.P on the weekend to "Torture Test" it and see what all the fuss is about (if any). I'm just realy scared I'll like it. Lol

Hi,

So, is there a problem with using an additive like 'Flashlube'?

Tim

Yup, you got it Davoe, the black plastic Jerry's I find the best, they don't corrode and rust like the metal ones, they are tuff and seal good. Just make sure if you take a couple of jerrys with you and don't use them, use them when you get back, don't leave it sitting in there, get rid of it and make sure you don't have it festering away in there going off.

Even better if you are carrying jerries, is, use the fuel as soon as you can. You will know which stints you are likely to need the additional fuel, so as soon as you've used your 20l or so, at the next rest/stop empty the jerry into the tank, then the next and so on, saves carrying the heavy things full adn gets the fuel off the roof rack or out of the vehicle and into the tank ASAP.

joshinthecity sorry for the delay in answering been at the

Sarah Brightman concert, there is a couple around at the moment with

low kms one had only 13,000ks but was 2002 model but it was only a 4

speed auto from memory @ $62,000 4 grand cheaper than the one I

purchased which is 2004 model first purchased in Febuary.

Snatchem

Can't get a Safari Snorkel for a 3.0TD Surf either, nor can you get an airflow snorkel to fit the Terano II 2.7TD.... Oh ^%$# I've got one on mine, and a recent post says they have adapted one for the terrano.
The list of "you can't do that's" is long and myserious isn't it! LOL
Spose you get it with the Jack a bit too. Doesn't it give you the whoopsies!
You gotta wonder how much business these places miss out on by lazy staff turning people like us away...
A guy on the Yahoo Surf forum "couldn't put a 4 runner milford cargo barrier into his surf". It was all different apparantly. Tried 3 places got the same answer, went to the 4th one and they put it in while he waited with no problems, exactly the same as the 4 runner.

Hi Bilbo,

My understanding of sulphur in the context of diesel fuel lubricity is that the sulphur itself is not a lubricant, but the associated aromatics, unlike in say greases where a sulphur phosporus additive is used for E.P. (extreme pressure) requirements.

When sulphur is removed from diesel, the cheap way is to "hydro-treat", simply add hydrogen (not sure if this is the way all Australian refiners do it.). Unfortunately this also reduces the lubricating components, hence the need for lubricity additives. But will stand corrected if wrong.

Cheers

Captain

To be fair, I will say no more than you should ring SAFF (fuel distributors) and possibly the RAA technical department if you want to know more. It may be a hiccup and it might be sorted out, but there will be some baggage for the retailers I'd suggest.

thanks crowie I will install a water trap.
Snatchem