Author Topic: Results of Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (Read 9237 times)

dlorimer · « **on:** July 16, 2007, 10:43:17 pm »

Ok, the time has come for a thread detailing the results and fixes regarding Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD).

The law changed here in January of 2007. I have been running it since then without additives (my stupidity). I have recently discovered a major leak at the top of my water separator, a leak on my fuel filter, and a leak on my Injector Pump. Also, I have detected a leak in the cylinder o-rings. Besides leaks, my mpg is about 3 mpg lower than before.

Anyone else with similar experiences? Also, what additives are best for ULSD. I am definitely needing to start using them before this stuff completely destroys my car!

hillfolk'r · « **Reply #1 on:** July 16, 2007, 11:16:47 pm »

i was talkin with the place where i used to work in ohio,and they said they are gettin power stroke injector issues+some increase on pump problems
this new ulsd sounds like shades of the early 90's all over again with pump /injector issues :evil: (thumbdown)
ive heard all kinds of stuff so far
"add 2 stroke oil"
"add fuel additive,just make it 2x the recommended dose",,etc etc..

gldgti · « **Reply #2 on:** July 17, 2007, 08:39:37 am »

ULSD has been out in australia for a couple of years now.

vw make a point here of saying to use it in the new tdi's, but i found that my old 1.5n/a got lower milage, more smokey using it.

i think for the older idi's there are a couple of things you could do. low lubricity is a problem, so adding a small amount of canola would help, say 2-5%, or if you can get it,i use biodiesel, which also improves lubricity.

clbanman · « **Reply #3 on:** July 17, 2007, 09:22:49 am »

According to a service bulletin we sent out to our customers, ULSD is not only changed by the reduction of sulfur content, but by "eliminating fractions in the oil having a heavy molecular structure". This results in a "lower specific energy content than standard diesel fuel, in some cases by as much as 15%". That would explain the mileage drop.

myke_w · « **Reply #4 on:** July 17, 2007, 11:03:34 am »

I sell a lot of this additive to my diesel customers..

http://www.blauparts.com/proddetail.asp?prod=LM+2002

Claims to have additive that add increase lubricity etc. I can't really see any other good solution other than using biodiesel to offset lubricity and raise cetane rating

myke_w · « **Reply #5 on:** July 17, 2007, 11:06:21 am »

Quote

I have recently discovered a major leak at the top of my water separator

Eliminate it, it would have leaked eventually anyway. VW did away with it later in the idi series anyway.

Quote

I have detected a leak in the cylinder o-rings.

Cylinder O-Rings?

GTD. · « **Reply #6 on:** July 18, 2007, 04:07:15 am »

Piston Rings?

dlorimer · « **Reply #7 on:** July 18, 2007, 04:31:42 pm »

Probably - I don't know what they're called. The seal on the piston that keeps the exhaust from going into the oil pan.

punkvideo81 · « **Reply #8 on:** July 18, 2007, 11:55:26 pm »

I just swapped from a 1.6 n/a to a 1.6 td and it developed a leak on the injection pump almost immediately (at the accelerator spring seal) . Could have been for many reasons, but one person I spoke to said the new ULSD was causing IP leaks in older pumps...hmm

It doesn't matter, though, because I decided to go buy a Giles pump, so things should be rip-roaring again soon.

jtanguay · « **Reply #9 on:** July 19, 2007, 02:26:05 am »

well this has been covered many times over before, so let me explain why the pumps develop the leaks.

older diesel has aromatics in it that help 'swell' up the seals in the pump. the way the ULSD is refined, removes these aromatics, thus the seals shrink once exposed to enough of the refined diesel. and there you have it... that is why your pumps leak.

so just get your pump re-sealed, and be happy.

subsonic · « **Reply #10 on:** July 19, 2007, 10:44:18 am »

Does anyone know if the ULSD is being used in No.2 "red" diesel?

dlorimer · « **Reply #11 on:** July 19, 2007, 05:03:13 pm »

are there any additives that restore the aromatics neccesary for seal swelling?

burn_your_money · « **Reply #12 on:** July 19, 2007, 05:22:40 pm »

I think I was running ATF and it fixed my leak, or I was using it while the leak fixed itself. I can't remeber though, I've run so many additives. I usually run 1/6 quart/liter per tank when I was using it

Infinitrium · « **Reply #13 on:** July 19, 2007, 07:45:47 pm »

Quote from: "dlorimer"

are there any additives that restore the aromatics neccesary for seal swelling?

Redline diesel fuel catalyst claims to help restore shrunken seals.

knowtwodrugs · « **Reply #14 on:** July 19, 2007, 08:57:48 pm »

Quote from: "subsonic"

Does anyone know if the ULSD is being used in No.2 "red" diesel?

From what I understand, the road fuel and the heating oil are exactly the same except for the dye that makes it red. At least my bunny don't know the difference. wink wink