Mercedes Mullins
Ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD) fuel, which has 15 ppm sulfur, is now the standard type of diesel fuel available at gas stations. Compared to the previous standard, low sulfur diesel (LSD), which had 500 ppm sulfur, ULSD has better lubricity due to additives that compensate for the reduction in sulfur content. However, some people have reported problems with ULSD in older diesel engines, including reduced power output and issues with injection pumps. Additionally, biodiesel blends, such as B20, which contains up to 20% biological fluids, may not be suitable for older diesel engines as they can cause sputtering and reduced power output. To use ULSD in pre-2007 engines, it is recommended to add a lubricity additive such as Howes. Overall, while ULSD may not be ideal for older diesel tractors, it is unlikely to cause significant harm and can be used with the addition of lubricity additives and fuel filters to manage any issues with sludge or wax deposits.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ultra-low sulfur diesel | Can kill old tractor injector pumps |
| Biodiesel | Acts as a detergent, dissolving wax deposits in the lines, tank, injectors, and pumps; may require multiple filter changes when switching to biodiesel |
| Lubricity | Ultra-low sulfur diesel lacks lubrication; fuel additives can be used to make up for the lubricity lost due to reduced sulfur content |
| Kerosene | Should not be added to diesel fuel according to Kubota; can be used as an alternative to ultra-low sulfur fuel in cold weather |
| Fuel storage | Biodiesel will oxidize and is not suitable for long-term storage; straight diesel or kerosene should be used instead |
| Fuel filters | Low sulfur diesel should be supplemented by a lubricant in older equipment |
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What You'll Learn
Ultra-low sulfur diesel may cause external leaks on injector pumps
Ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD) has been found to cause issues in older diesel engines, including tractors. In some cases, ULSD has been observed to cause external leaks in injector pumps, which can lead to fuel escaping into the intake manifold. This can result in fuel injector leaks, which are a fire hazard and can cause severe and costly engine damage.
The cause of these leaks may be attributed to the absence of natural lubricity in ULSD, which was previously provided by the sulfur content in diesel fuel. Sulfur was traditionally used to seal gaskets and injectors, and its removal has left fuel pumps, injectors, and other fuel system parts without adequate lubrication. As a result, some tractor owners have experienced issues with their injector pumps, with reports of pumps leaking or even failing completely.
To mitigate these issues, some people have suggested adding fuel additives to ULSD when used in older diesel engines. These additives are intended to replace the lubricity lost due to the reduction in sulfur content. Common additives mentioned include Stanadyne Performance Formula, Power Service, Z-Max, and automatic transmission fluid (ATF). However, it is important to note that vehicle manufacturers generally do not recommend the use of additives in modern fuel systems.
In addition to additives, another potential solution to injection pump leaks caused by ULSD is to add a small amount of ethanol gasoline to the diesel fuel. This method has been reported to stop leaks by swelling the rubber seals and O-rings back to their original shape. However, it is recommended to exercise caution when making any fueling changes, as this can also result in big leaks.
While ULSD may pose challenges for older diesel tractors, it is important to refer to the tractor's manual for specific fuel recommendations. Some newer tractor models, such as the Kubota B3200, specifically advise the use of ULSD and only recommend using low sulfur diesel (LSD) if ULSD is unavailable. Therefore, it is essential to consult the manufacturer's guidelines and seek advice from tractor experts when considering the use of ULSD in older tractors.
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Bacterial growth in diesel fuel can cause issues
Bacterial growth in diesel fuel can cause significant issues for engines, especially older ones. This contamination is known as "diesel bug" and includes bacteria, filamentous moulds, and yeasts. The microbes feed on the hydrocarbons in the fuel and create biomass, biofilms, and damaging by-products.
Diesel bug can lead to operational issues and serious corrosion, resulting in costly repairs. The microbes produce acidic by-products that increase corrosion and deposits that can cause wear and tear on engine components. Additionally, the growth of these microorganisms can clog filters and fuel injectors, leading to frequent replacements.
The presence of water in diesel fuel encourages microbial growth, as water can enter the fuel through condensation, rainwater penetration, or absorption from the air. Modern biodiesel is especially hygroscopic, meaning it attracts and holds water, making it more prone to condensation issues and subsequent microbial growth.
To prevent and manage diesel bug, it is crucial to control water buildup in fuel tanks and practice good fuel housekeeping. Fuel additives can also be used to prevent corrosion and lubricate older engines.
Overall, bacterial growth in diesel fuel can cause serious issues, including corrosion, increased maintenance, and operational problems, especially in older diesel engines.
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Biodiesel can dissolve wax deposits left by regular diesel
Biodiesel can be used to dissolve wax deposits left by regular diesel. Wax deposition is a challenging issue in oil production processes, and biodiesel can effectively dissolve these wax deposits.
Biodiesel acts as a detergent, breaking up old tars and sediments in fuel storage tanks. It is one of the slickest substances that can be put in a fuel tank and can dissolve sludge left by regular diesel. This can lead to the need for new fuel filters until the biodiesel has been running for a while.
In the winter, fuel companies add additives to diesel to help it flow better and prevent gelling. However, biodiesel is more prone to gelling and waxing due to the addition of animal fats or tallow, which increase the saturated level above that of vegetable oils. This can cause issues with fuel injectors, especially in older diesel engines, as the biodiesel may gel or wax and block fuel filters.
To remove wax deposits, chemical solvents such as gasoline, kerosene, or benzol can be used. Kerosene, in particular, can help reduce the overall level of gel and wax build-up in fuel. However, it is generally not recommended due to the high tolerance of common rail injection systems.
Overall, while biodiesel can dissolve wax deposits left by regular diesel, it is important to be aware of the potential issues it can cause, especially in older diesel engines.
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Ultra-low sulfur diesel may cause lubrication issues
Ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD) is a type of diesel fuel that has undergone a process called hydrodesulfurization (HDS) to remove sulfur. This process also removes some of the fuel's lubricity, which is essential to reducing friction and preventing excessive wear in fuel pumps and injectors.
The loss of lubricity in ULSD is due to the removal of sulfur, nitrogen, and oxygen-based compounds during the HDS process. This can cause issues in diesel engines, especially older ones, as the moving parts inside the fuel system suffer from increased wear and tear, eventually leading to failure.
To address the lubrication issues caused by ULSD, some people add a lubricity additive to the fuel. These additives are designed to restore the lubricity of the fuel and protect fuel pumps and injectors. Examples of such additives include LX4 Lubricity Extreme and Power Service.
In addition to lubricity additives, some people have suggested using biodiesel blends with ULSD. Biodiesel acts as a detergent, breaking down old tars and sediments in fuel storage tanks, and can also provide better lubricity when blended with diesel fuel. However, biodiesel may not be suitable for long-term storage as it can oxidize and degrade over time.
It is important to note that while ULSD may cause lubrication issues in older diesel engines, modern engines are designed to use ULSD without requiring additional additives.
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Algae growth in diesel tanks can cause problems
While ultra-low sulphur diesel fuel does not seem to be directly related to algae growth in diesel tanks, the growth of microbes, often referred to as "diesel algae", can cause significant problems for diesel engines.
The transition to ultra-low sulphur diesel fuel has resulted in a notable increase in incidents of fuel storage tanks being contaminated with microbes, commonly referred to as "diesel algae". This contamination is caused by microbes such as bacteria, mould, and fungi, which thrive in the presence of air, water, and temperature, and can lead to serious issues for diesel engines.
One of the primary issues associated with diesel algae is the rapid clogging of filters. The microbial bodies, along with the black, slimy biomass they produce, can become trapped in the filters, causing them to plug prematurely. This can lead to increased maintenance costs and decreased engine performance.
Additionally, the microbes feed on the hydrocarbons in the diesel fuel, resulting in the production of waste products that can contribute to corrosion and engine fouling. This can lead to costly repairs and even engine failure if left unchecked.
To prevent and address diesel algae growth, several measures can be taken:
- Use fuel additives that remove water from the fuel, and regularly drain water from the water separator.
- Opt for high-quality diesel fuel that is less likely to contain contaminants and impurities.
- Maintain the fuel tank and fuel lines by regularly cleaning them to prevent the buildup of debris and sediment.
- Use a fuel stabilizer, especially if the engine will be inactive for extended periods, to prevent microbial growth and contamination.
- Store fuel in tightly sealed metal containers and use preservatives to inhibit algae growth during long-term storage.
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Frequently asked questions
Ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel is safe for old tractors, but it may cause external leaks on injector pumps. It is recommended to use an additive to compensate for the loss of lubricity due to reduced sulfur content.
Recommended additives for ultra-low sulfur diesel include Stanadyne, Z-Max, Powerservice, Howes, and Lucas Fuel Stabilizer.
Ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel may cause external leaks on injector pumps. Additionally, the lack of sulfur may promote the growth of algae in the fuel, which can cause operational issues.
Yes, biodiesel is an alternative fuel option for old tractors. However, when switching to biodiesel, be prepared to use multiple fuel filters as it dissolves wax deposits left by regular diesel. Additionally, biodiesel may result in a lower power output and unusual smells.
