Diesel Fuel Ecomony Drop

Thats because your 3.0lt is like my TD5 it's designed to run on low sulfur diesel (ie) it's a modern common rail Turbo diesel.

Not an old clunker like the 4.2lt

Hi there Norm, I have noticed a small increase in fuel usage probably around 50/70 klms on a full tank, when you refer to leaking seals are you meaning external on the pump or internal there for burning more fuel unoticeable, doesn't seem to be blowing any more black smoke or any leaks visible around the outside of the pump ?? Regards Steve M

I don't know the answer to that Steve. I read about the problem in the current RACQ magazine (Road Ahead). It is a story about why diesel is so expensive at the pump, despite being cheaper to produce. The following is an edited extract from the article:

' The material used in fuel pump seals of many diesel cars, trucks and tractors built before 1994 remains prone to leaking, due to age and differences in make up of low sulphur diesel batches.
According to RACQ, ULSD (ultra low sulphur diesel) minimal aromatic levels will continue to cause problems in old seals until they are replaced with more resilient new seals.
Removing sulphur from fuel has a couple of side effects. It reduces the fuels lubricating properties, although this has been resolved in Australia by the use of a additive to increase lubricity.
The second effect is the reduction in aromatic content. Aromatics add to exhaust emissions so it is desirable to keep levels to a minimum. Aromatics have a swelling effect on older seal materials in fuel pumps, which in effect keeps them from leaking. But when aromatic content is reduced, the seals shrink and depending on their condition, may leak.'

I reckon there has gotta be some problem with the new diesel... I have just changed a few seals/orings on my pump, next was my brother, and now a friend of mine.

Ulises

Norm C,

A coupla litres of new supermarket vege oil in each tankful will add heaps to the lubricosity of diesel, with no detrimental affect or mods needed to any diesel engine - inc common rail.

Tim

In most capital cities (not all) the diesel is imported by one of the big three and sold on to the others. In Perth, Shell is the importer/distributor.

Maybe less sulfur = less stink

Cheers DesC, what do you use then?

Ben.

Last little while been using caltex and mobil when i can. Used mobil for years and had no problem until they closed down. Had terrible runs with shell, engine temp high when towing and all sorts of things. Could be just related to some of the servo's that i use as there are probably only a few major suppliers of fuel in the north.

I think it might just be a service station thing... The 2 times I've used Mobil I got a bonus with some water in my diesel. Cost me injectors and a new fuel pump, so I'm still a little hesitant to use Mobil.