If you are not already using a fuel additive regularly, it is time to seriously think about it. Diesel fuel has gone through new formulations with the implementation of ultra-low-sulfur diesel (ULSD). With all the new technologies being applied to new diesels, be it with the new emissions restrictions or just the evolution of the diesel engine, every engine can respond to ULSD differently.
Diesel engines have changed from the old, loud, smoky pigs to quiet, efficient, and extremely powerful motors. Manufacturers are experimenting with new injection systems trying to quiet these beasts, gain efficiency, increase horsepower, and do it all with a smaller carbon footprint. With all the changes in this new “green” world, be it in the fuel we use or the motors we run, the need for extra protection is more and more important.
Remember when lead was removed from gasoline? No-lead fuel caused valve issues requiring new valve seats and/or the use of a lead additive. For the diesel owner, sulfur is our new lead.
| protect Your Fuel Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel required And Recommended Usage
Gelling and Algae
Each refinery may use a different process to manufacture ULSD, so depending on where you buy your fuel, it could be a completely different formula compared to the fuel bought from the station across the street. This can cause some engines to respond differently to one station’s fuel versus another’s. ULSD has been proven to be less stable, gels easier in cold climates and can grow algae sooner than past formulations. If you live in an area that experiences temperatures near or below freezing, an anti-gel additive is very important. Diesel will begin to cloud at about 32 degrees Fahrenheit. At 15 degrees F, most diesel formulas will begin to gel. All these issues will lead to clogged fuel filters, low fuel pressure or worse, no fuel pressure at all.
| Diesel will begin to cloud at about 32 degrees Fahrenheit. At 15 degrees F, most diesel formulas will begin to gel. These issues will lead to clogged fuel filters, low fuel pressure or worse, no fuel pressure at all.
Lubrication Loss
The removal of sulfur lessened the lubricity of diesel fuel. If you’ve ever had to mix up a batch of gas for a two-stroke engine you should know that the oil added is to lubricate the top end. Without this oil, that two-stroke will seize up. Not too different in a four-stroke, diesel or gasser. Without lube in the fuel the engine wears at a rate that can drastically reduce the power plant’s lifespan. In a gasser, the problems have been mostly fixed over time as the EPA began reducing the use of lead in gasoline in the mid 1970s, completely banning it in 1996. Diesels are just recently going through this change. For the diesel owner, the problem comes mostly in the form of injector wear. Injectors aren’t cheap. For example, we just did a set for the nauseous price of $4,800 installed on our 7.3L Powerstroke. Needless to say it’s not an experience anyone should look forward to (unless it’s for some bigger, racier injectors!).
| Most fuel additives only require an ounce or two per tank (depending on your tank size) to work properly.
So, we plan to use a quality additive every time we fill the tank. That will help replace the lubricity lost and will minimize the risk of cold climate gelling. There are tons of products on the market today. Amsoil’s and Justice Brothers’ are two additives we’ve tried and they have worked well for us. At about 20 bucks for enough stuff to treat 500 gallons, it’s a cheap investment into the life of your diesel.
