Regan Brown
Diesel fuel supplements are fuel additives that aim to improve the performance of diesel engines. They are marketed as beneficial enhancements to diesel fuel, with some products claiming to improve cold weather performance, reduce emissions, and increase fuel economy. While diesel fuel supplements are not necessary for all diesel engines, they are often considered for regions with cold climates to prevent fuel gelling. In addition, some diesel engines are compatible with biodiesel, which is considered a more environmentally friendly alternative to standard diesel. However, the use of biodiesel blends above B20 may require modifications to the fuel system, and it is important to refer to the vehicle manufacturer's recommendations and warranties when considering the use of biodiesel or diesel fuel supplements.
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What You'll Learn
- Biodiesel is better for the environment, your engine, and may be cheaper
- Daimler Vans USA discourages biodiesel use, only encouraging B5 biodiesel in NAFTA Sprinter vans
- Pre-2007 diesels don't have a post-combustion squirt, so there's less engine oil contamination
- B20 blends are generally not approved by Mercedes Benz and should only be used occasionally
- Diesel HPR meets the ASTM D975 diesel fuel specification (ULSD) for use in all diesel engines
Biodiesel is better for the environment, your engine, and may be cheaper
Biodiesel is a renewable, biodegradable alternative fuel made from a mix of modified vegetable oils and diesel fuel. It is a great alternative for diesel users as it is sustainable, environmentally-friendly, and cleaner-burning. Biodiesel can be used in diesel engines without modification, and its use decreases greenhouse gas emissions by up to 86%. It also reduces tailpipe emissions, including soot and air toxics released into the atmosphere.
In addition to being better for the environment, biodiesel may also be better for your engine. It is non-toxic and has a high lubricity, which helps prevent premature fuel system wear and tear. Biodiesel is also blended with diesel, which helps to address concerns about its quality and long-term effects on diesel engines. National standards for pure biodiesel and blends have been created, and fleet and commercial vehicles commonly use blends such as B20 (a mix of 20% biodiesel and 80% petroleum).
The cost of producing biodiesel is approximately the same as that of producing petroleum, and federal policies and low-sulfur diesel fuel standards have helped to keep market prices competitive. In fact, you may already be using biodiesel in your diesel vehicle without realizing it, as it is commonly blended at a rate of 5% or less into diesel fuel sold in the United States.
Overall, biodiesel offers a more environmentally-friendly, engine-friendly, and potentially cost-effective alternative to traditional diesel fuel.
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Daimler Vans USA discourages biodiesel use, only encouraging B5 biodiesel in NAFTA Sprinter vans
Biodiesel blends are becoming more common in the United States. B20, a blend of 6-20% biodiesel with the remaining percentage petroleum diesel, is the most common biodiesel blend. However, Daimler Vans USA discourages the use of biodiesel in its vehicles, except for B5 biodiesel in NAFTA Sprinter vans. Daimler Vans USA is a retailer of automobile vehicles, offering new and used cars, vans, trucks, sport utility vehicles, parts, and accessories, as well as financing, maintenance, and repair services.
Biodiesel is known to improve the lubricity of fuel, even at levels as low as 1%. This is beneficial for diesel engines as it prevents moving parts from wearing out prematurely. Biodiesel also raises the cetane number of the fuel, making the engine easier to start and reducing ignition delay. Despite these advantages, Daimler Vans USA does not encourage the use of biodiesel in its vehicles, except for the B5 biodiesel in NAFTA Sprinter vans.
One reason for Daimler's discouragement of biodiesel use could be related to engine warranty coverage. Engine damage caused by using a higher biodiesel blend than B5 is not covered by the Mercedes warranty. This may be a significant factor in Daimler's decision to discourage biodiesel use, as it could potentially void the warranty on their vehicles.
Additionally, biodiesel Sprinters are not yet common in North American fleets. This could be another factor in Daimler's decision to discourage biodiesel use, as the availability and infrastructure for biodiesel vehicles may still be limited in the region. However, some companies, such as Guayaki Yerba Mate and EcoShuttle, are running their NCV3 Sprinters on B100 biodiesel blends.
In conclusion, while biodiesel offers several advantages and is becoming more prevalent in the United States, Daimler Vans USA discourages its use in their vehicles, except for the B5 biodiesel blend in NAFTA Sprinter vans. This decision may be influenced by warranty coverage, the rarity of biodiesel Sprinters in North American fleets, and the availability and infrastructure for biodiesel fuel.
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Pre-2007 diesels don't have a post-combustion squirt, so there's less engine oil contamination
When considering fuel supplements for a Sprinter vehicle, it is important to understand the specific requirements of your diesel engine. Pre-2007 diesels have distinct differences in how they manage combustion byproducts, which results in less engine oil contamination.
Firstly, pre-2007 diesel engines lack a post-combustion squirt feature, which is found in newer diesel engines. This feature is designed to manage the byproducts of diesel combustion and reduce emissions. In more modern diesel engines, built in or after 2007, the post-combustion squirt pushes byproducts into the exhaust stream. All post-2007 trucks are equipped with a diesel particulate filter (DPF) to collect and separate partially burned byproducts of diesel fuel. When the filter begins to restrict airflow, the engine reacts by dumping fuel into the exhaust stream, increasing the exhaust gas temperature, and facilitating the burning of soot byproducts. This process is not present in pre-2007 diesel engines, resulting in less interference with the engine oil.
Additionally, pre-2007 diesels may have higher tolerance for certain contaminants. For example, soot is a normal byproduct of combustion in any diesel engine, but newer engines with lower emission designs are more sensitive to abrasive wear caused by soot. This increased sensitivity can lead to issues like rocker arm seizure. Pre-2007 diesels, with their higher emission standards, may experience less abrasive wear from soot, resulting in lower engine oil contamination.
Furthermore, fuel dilution, a common issue in diesel engines, can cause a decrease in motor oil viscosity, leading to premature combustion zone wear and crankcase bearing wear. While fuel dilution can occur in any diesel engine, pre-2007 diesels may have fewer issues with fuel injector problems, as modern engines with higher injection pressures are more susceptible to impaired combustion efficiency due to fuel dilution. This means that pre-2007 diesels might experience less engine oil contamination from fuel dilution issues.
It's important to note that while pre-2007 diesels may have fewer concerns with specific contaminants, they are still susceptible to engine oil contamination from other sources. For example, glycol, fuel, soot, and water in the engine oil can lead to premature engine failure in any diesel engine. Additionally, issues like worn parts and leakages can cause fuel and engine oil to mix, resulting in combustion chamber flooding and high oil consumption. Therefore, while pre-2007 diesels may have advantages in terms of specific contamination sources, regular maintenance and monitoring of engine oil condition are still crucial.
In conclusion, when considering fuel supplements for a Sprinter, understanding the specific characteristics of your diesel engine is essential. Pre-2007 diesels, lacking the post-combustion squirt feature and having higher emission standards, experience less interference from combustion byproducts and may have higher tolerance for certain contaminants. However, regular maintenance and monitoring for other sources of engine oil contamination are still necessary to ensure the optimal performance and longevity of your Sprinter vehicle's diesel engine.
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B20 blends are generally not approved by Mercedes Benz and should only be used occasionally
Mercedes Benz has not approved B20 for the 6-cylinder engine as of 2024. For engines manufactured before 2023, Mercedes Benz advises against using B20 regularly but does not prohibit its use or state that it will void the warranty. The company's exact language is as follows: "B20 blends are generally not approved and should be only used on a very limited basis and only if unavoidable."
This means that if you have no other option but to use B20, Mercedes Benz cannot deny a warranty claim unless they can prove that the fuel caused engine or emissions system failure. It is worth noting that B5 biodiesel is acceptable for regular use in any MB diesel motor and is the standard for much diesel fuel in the US.
While B20 blends may not be ideal for Mercedes Benz engines, some people have successfully used them in their Sprinters. Those who use commercial biodiesel that meets ASTM D7651 standards typically run their Sprinters on B20 or B100 biodiesel without issues. However, it is important to note that engine damage caused by biodiesel blends higher than B5 is not covered by the Mercedes warranty.
If you plan to use B20 blends or higher in your Sprinter, it is recommended to switch to fuel lines with a fluoroelastomer lining, such as the Viton hose from GreaseWorks. This is necessary due to the solvent properties of blends above B20. Additionally, you may need to change your fuel filters a few times after switching to biodiesel to clear out any diesel sludge from the tanks and lines.
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Diesel HPR meets the ASTM D975 diesel fuel specification (ULSD) for use in all diesel engines
Diesel engines were invented by Rudolf Diesel in 1893. They were designed to be powered by a fuel that was previously considered an unwanted byproduct of crude oil refining. Diesel engines burn fuel at a lower rate and are safer than gasoline engines because their vapors do not ignite as easily. Over the years, standard diesel fuel has been adapted to address environmental and public health concerns. One notable change is the limitation of sulfur content in diesel fuels.
The ASTM D975 standard specification for diesel fuel establishes various grades of diesel fuel oils, including seven grades suitable for different types of diesel engines. Diesel #2, or Grade No. 2-D, is a general-purpose fuel that can sustain heavy loads and provide better fuel economy. It is the most common type of diesel fuel and is typically used for normal driving conditions. Diesel #2 is also available in a winter blend, known as Diesel #2 ULSD, which is designed to prevent gelling in cold weather.
Grade No. 1-D is a special-purpose, light middle distillate fuel with higher volatility than Grade No. 2-D. It is typically used in cold conditions and can contain up to 5% biodiesel. Grade No. 4-D is a heavy distillate fuel or a blend of distillate and residual oil used in low- and medium-speed diesel engines with constant speed and load applications.
Propel Diesel HPR is a type of diesel fuel that meets the ASTM D975 diesel fuel specification (ULSD) for use in all diesel engines. It is not biodiesel and offers a significant reduction in CO2, NOx, and particulate emissions compared to regular diesel. Diesel HPR has a higher cetane rating than regular diesel, resulting in smoother combustion and an improved driving experience.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, a diesel fuel supplement is recommended for cold weather use. Diesel #1 is the standard winter diesel, but you can also use a diesel fuel supplement like Power Service Diesel Fuel Supplement to prevent gelling.
Diesel fuel supplements are not as necessary in warmer weather. However, you may still benefit from using a diesel fuel additive to improve engine performance and fuel economy.
Your Sprinter likely needs ultra-low-sulfur diesel (ULSD), which comes in two types: #1 and #2. #2 is the most common and can be used year-round, while #1 is for cold weather. Biodiesel blends like B5, B10, or B20 are also options but may require modifications for higher blends.
Finding diesel fuel for your Sprinter can be challenging in some states, such as California and Oregon, where specific blends are mandated. Look for pumps with #2 or ULSD labels, and refer to online forums and brochures for tips on finding the right diesel fuel in your area.
