Conoco/Phillips has been producing ULSD in limited quantities since 01 for a few fleet operators. Apparently there's been no problems, otherwise we'd have heard truckers bitchin' about it. http://www.conocophillips.com/produc...lfur/index.htm
www.epa.gov/dieselretrofit.fuelsmap.htm

 

I've known about that for years as far as the b2 - gotta love jesse ventura - he did one thing right Glad it's finally materializing. I'm also glad ULSD is coming because my E300 has EGR and I'll be happy to no longer have clogging intake problems. I know the VW TDI guys are counting the days.

FWIW Several Arco stations on the west coast (mainly california) have been selling BP ECD which is a ULSD fuel, for 2-3 years. I know several people with TDI's that have run it exclusively with no issues whatsoever. Then again BP ensures proper lubricity with their ULSD. I guess the same unfortunately can't be said for KOCH.

As I had mentioned earlier, it's likely that lubricity standards will be imposed at some point in the future - hopefully soon. The test that's used to measure lubricity is referred to in the below excerpt about BP ECD. Another good thing about ULSD is that it should allow people to lenthen their oil drain intervals, particularly people that have to change early due to high soot with current fuels, or those who leave their vehicle for extended time periods and have acidity issues.

Here's the BP info:

ECDŽ reduces exhaust emissions without sacrificing engine performance or storage stability, it also has a number of other benefits including;

Ultra Low sulfur content of ECDŽ enables the use of a catalyst, together they help to reduce several vehicle emissions by 90%. The low sulfur content also prevents the corrosion of engine parts, helping to reduce wear and tear on the engine and operational costs.

Controlled Lubricity ensuring it does not drop lower than 3100 grams, on the SLBOCLE (Scuffing Load Ball on Cylinder Lubricity Evaluator) test, which is the level required by engine manufacturers in their engine warranties. As sulfur is a natural lubricant its removal can have adverse effects on engine performance. BP uses a specially formulated lubricity additive to ensure the lubricity level remains higher than 3100 grams.

ECDŽ is safe to handle as standard diesel. As a non-corrosive, stable product it is suitable for long-term storage, and will not cause storage equipment corrosion.
Controlled volatility for improved performance. Strict control of ECDŽ's distillation range maintains product volatility providing performance benefits in the areas of noise, smoke, exhaust odors, cold starting and warm-up time.

 

We are using the ULSD at work now have been since Sept 04. The newer fleet of vehiles we have I have seen no problems yet. but the older one's early 2000 and later 90's models are developing fuel leaks and our shop has replaced several lift pumps on these. No injector pumps replaced so far.

My motorgrader I use is a 2001 year model with 8.3 cummins engine in it, no fuel related problems thus far. One of our mechanics told me a few days ago that they are going to start putting added additive to our storage tanks. Also told me that fuel supplier told them that leaks may occur on our older equipment and older fleet of pickups. Majority of our fleet of pickups are 3/4 or 1 ton Fords.

I have a 04 1 ton Ford flatbed I got new in July 04 so I been running the ULSD in it since middle of Sept 04 with no problems. This ULSD is clear, looks just like water.

Tony

 

ULSD is supposed to be compatable with the rubber on all vehicles made since 1993.

 

Then why did fuel supplier tell our shop leaks may occur on the older fleet diesel trucks. Just reporting what the mechanics told me, they of course are saying our new fuel (ULSD) was causing the rash of leaks, and lift pump replacements.

As far as performance I can tell no difference myself from the LSD (500ppm). I have not been able to check mileage on the truck assigned to me, because there is as many as four different drivers at any given time driving, and the other three are gasser people and don't take anything diesel related seriously.


Tony