Probably not a question that you guys can answer but here goes. The diesel fuel in New Zealand is about to be changed to a low suphur content. Recent newspaper reports are of the opinion that the new fuel will have detrimental effect to the seals on the diesel pump and some other parts of the fuel system resulting in an expensive rebuild to these parts. This, according to the newspaper is in diesel vehicles prior to 1995 when apparently a different type of seal material was used. Is this scaremongering or is there some truth to the story. I appreciate your views.
- (#12139) Dick Bolton, 16 Jul 04 05:00
Hi Dick,
in the UK we use diesel fuel additives that replace the lubricants lost by the sulphur reduction process. It not only replaces the lubricants, but it improves the burn and reduces the smoke. just pour a cap full or two into the fuel tank every time you fill up.
Is there a chance that Biodiesel is available in NZ? if so use that
- (#12139) dave Bright (Bournemouth), 16 Jul 04 05:24
Dick
Bear in mind that Dave is a bit of a purist. I'm much lazier than that and have been running on ULS diesel with my Townie for nearly 5 years now. Only additive is the occassional squirt of injector cleaner. Despite my lack of caring, I've not yet had any problems with the pump or any other part of the fuel system (now I'm tempting fate!). So from my own experience I would have to say it sounds like scare-mongering to me.
However, I have heard other horror stories (not from Townace owners) about ULS but not about it rotting seals.
- (#12139) Ian Dunse (Derbs), 16 Jul 04 05:46
I have been running on Shell low sulphur diesel for the past year with no problems and my mpg has improved. I am no speed merchant I reckon to average 50mph on motorway driving and am getting 26mpg + (9-9.5 kpl)
From a rather wet UK Best Wishes Dick
- (#12139) Dick, 16 Jul 04 15:30
thanks guys that is most encouraging. I also use injector cleaner in every other fill. Havent heard of any product specifically for diesel fuel but there is one for older cars which normally would run on leaded petrol and have to use unleaded stuff. Petrol stations no longer supply leaded fuel here. Would this additive bee the same stuff.
Bio-fuel is not available yet but there is some talk of it. There are a few people experimenting with vegi-oil but as the diesel is so cheap here it is not a priority. At present diesel price is about 25 p per litre NZ (71 cents) but we do pay an additional road user charge of around $110 per 5000 klms or 35 pounds your money. Apparently because most of the diesel useage is off-road. ie. Forestry and agriculture.
Also from a wet North Island of New Zealand I thank you for you feedback. But after all it is our winter.
As an ex pat Pom I well remember the English summers.
- (#12139) Dick Bolton, 17 Jul 04 01:24
The ULS Diesel will affect the pumps on vehicles such as the Townace far less than the more modern high pressure diesel units. The pump in the Townace does need the lubrcant for sure, but additives should be sufficient to ensure that premature pump failure does not occur.
However we are seeing a huge problem in these new high pressure systems, some of these pumps have to produce 2400 BAR (Note BAR not PSI, that works out to be nearly 35,000 PSI), this pressure & lack of lubriaction from ULSD is causing these pumps to fall apart after as little as 50,000 miles. Pretty poor when you think that the old mechanical systems used to run for many hundreds of thousands of miles without pump failure.
Regards Rob.
- (#12139) Rob Drinkwater, 18 Jul 04 16:33