Based on a check with Cummins, my ISL 400 was one of the last built before the 2007 models that require Ultra Low Sulfer Diesel (ULSD) fuel. Interesting enough it was built late enough to have the fuel line support bracket installed but before the 2007 fuel requirements. So, it appears I have a choice as to which fuel to use.

Any advice on what fuel to use would be appreciated. My understanding is that LSD has a little bit more "energy" per gallon based on various waxes, etc. that are not present in ULSD. I understand that most places will be pumping only ULSD soon but LSD is still available some places.

Thoughts on what to use please. I currently am using only ULSD. Thanks.

Lew

If your engine requires ULSD, the fuel gauge and the fuel filler door will be marked ULSD.

From what I've read on the various forums, if your engine doesn't require ULSD, it doesn't matter which fuel you use as far as MPG or performance goes.

Any differences are too small to be accurately measured.

Soon ULSD will be the only fuel available, and this will be moot point.

Thanks Route 66 - no caution marking on fuel door or fuel gauge. Understand the direction the country is going on ULSD based on new laws but in the meantime I have a bit of flexibility if I can't find ULSD. Interestingly enough we have a new Pilot travel center just opened near us and out of 7 fuel lanes only two pump ULSD - go figure.

Thanks again.

Lew

If you can use both then use the cheapest while it lasts

LewF,
I have the same engine setup as you do when it comes to what fuels to use. You will actually find that there is alot more places pumping LSD than ULSD. The big change doesn't take place til 2010. Some folks have told me they are getting better mileage with the LSD.

quote:

Originally posted by Raca-roni:
LewF,
I have the same engine setup as you do when it comes to what fuels to use. You will actually find that there is alot more places pumping LSD than ULSD. The big change doesn't take place til 2010. Some folks have told me they are getting better mileage with the LSD.

Raco-roni, what part of the country are you finding this? I haven't found anything but ULSD here on the west coast. Once the refineries gear up to produce USDL, they won't change back to produce LSD. They can only produce one or the other, and for the future the "other" is ULSD. There was a good article in the Wall Street Journal abut this a couple of months back. According to the article, refineries are no longer producing LSD and once the refinery and supplier stocks of LSD are gone the won't be replaced. So if your finding LSD, it won't be for long.

Since I can only run ULSD on my current coach, I'll be one of the few who will be happy to see only one type of fuel at the pumps. For now though I guess I'll do okay as long as I stay within my normal routes.

I can't honestly write any of this as "fact", as I'm only repeating what the article covered. There sure does seem to be a lot of cofusion about the change.

Here on the East coast, it seems that ULSD is a bit harder to find, and the Flying J's I've been to have large banners over 2 pumps with ULSD.

All the other pumps are LSD.

quote:

Originally posted by LewF:
Based on a check with Cummins, my ISL 400 was one of the last built before the 2007 models that require Ultra Low Sulfer Diesel (ULSD) fuel. Interesting enough it was built late enough to have the fuel line support bracket installed but before the 2007 fuel requirements. So, it appears I have a choice as to which fuel to use.

Any advice on what fuel to use would be appreciated. My understanding is that LSD has a little bit more "energy" per gallon based on various waxes, etc. that are not present in ULSD. I understand that most places will be pumping only ULSD soon but LSD is still available some places.

Thoughts on what to use please. I currently am using only ULSD. Thanks.

Lew

------------------------------------------------

The removal of sulfur gives the opportunity for the critical engine components like bearings to be free of sulfuric acid contact and thus Cummins forecasts they will have a longer life.

The schedule is as follows

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Ecker,

Wow, when I saw the thread title, my first thought was an new variation of a hallucinogenic. Then I read.............whoops!

Ecker,

Thanks for the table on phase-in of ULSD. My engine was built on 13 December 2006 so it was at the tail end of those not required to use ULSD. I have been using it and will continue to do so unless I am somewhere where I can't find it. Thanks again.

Lew

If you have been reading some of the other posts on this forum, you probably have seen some on the leaking caused by the switch to ULSD from LSD. It seems that the aeromatics switch between the two have been the cause of the problems. The gaskets in fuel pumps, etc. get used to a particular blend and then when it is switched, it causes a problem. I would go with the ULSD fuel as that is what will only be available some day. Will cause less stress on the swellable gasket materials. Just MHO.

David K

Thanks for the feedback - this is one more reason to stick with ULSD. I have spent most of my life fixing or managing the fixing of mechanical things - mostly nuclear submarines - and know only too well the problems associated with various system gaskets, seals, etc. beginning to leak after a change like this. I do not want to have that problem so I appreciate you letting me know that that can happen when switching fuels. It may be just your HO but it is a good opinion and advice.

quote:

Originally posted by LewF:
David K

Thanks for the feedback - this is one more reason to stick with ULSD. I have spent most of my life fixing or managing the fixing of mechanical things - mostly nuclear submarines - and know only too well the problems associated with various system gaskets, seals, etc. beginning to leak after a change like this. I do not want to have that problem so I appreciate you letting me know that that can happen when switching fuels. It may be just your HO but it is a good opinion and advice.

-------------------------------------------------
The problem was limited to older engines and even then it turned out to be much less an issue then forecast. So, it should not be a major concern for owners but it wouldn't hurt to use ULSD since it has added benefits.

If you read the articles put out by Chevron, it addresses the problems with the seals. It uses an example of the problems in the 90s which occured when the switch from diesel to LSD was made and then again when the switch is being made to the ULSD. The problem is not the lubrication problem that everyone is talking about but, it is with any seal that contains nitrile rubber (Buna N) that have seen long service at a high temperature. Any change in the aromatics content or type in the fuel can cause the seals to shrink. Aged seals do not have the elasticity to adapt to this change in aromatics; hence the failure. Fuel additives will not help with this problem as they do not change the amount or type of aromatics contained in the fuel. You can do a search on Chevron, aromatics, and ULSD and the articles will come up for your reading.

One of the problems with ULSD is lubricity. The various additives amount to snake oil in my opinion. After some research I found that fuel with 2% biodiesel added is the best. A local diesel supplier does just that, but you may have trouble locating something like this on the road. I did find an additive manufacturer that has done some work on this - Amalgamated. Check this link and judge for yourself.

Amalgamated fuel additives

Just my 2/100 of a dollar.