Diesel Fuel Question
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Diesel Fuel Question
In Georgia, I've noticed all the fuel stations are now posting labels on diesel fuel pumps that state not to use this blend of diesel fuel in year model 2007 or later diesel engines. Can any one explain as to what a person with a 2007 model can do and how will the change in blends down the road affect my 2002 F250 Powerstroke? Thanks, Ronny
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Joined: Jun 2004
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From: Parker, CO
Current fuel at the pump is labeled as highway Low Sulfur Diesel (LSD). It has been around for several years, and the sulfur content is rated at a max of 500 ppm (parts per million)
The new fuel that will be mandated all over the country by mid month is highway Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD). This will have a sulfur content rated at 15 ppm or less. ULSD will be a cleaner burning diesel with less particle emissions.
The mandate for 2007 is that all diesel cars and trucks sold must be equipped with a particulate filter. This filter scrubs any remaining particulates out of the exhaust, so what comes out of your tailpipe is as clear as what comes out of a gas engine tailpipe. No more clouds of black smoke.
The problem with the particulate filter is if you use a fuel with a higher sulfur content (LSD), the particulate filter will be come clogged and can damage the exhaust system or possibly even the engine. That's why there are warning lables posted on fuel pumps.
Current diesels like your '02 will not be affected in any noticable way by switching to ULSD. Projections are that mileage might suffer by a percentage point or two, but you'll get more variance in mileage between fillups than what you'll notice by switching fuels.
If you want more info on how particulate filters work, just do a Google search and read up on some of the info. It's kinda interesting.
The new fuel that will be mandated all over the country by mid month is highway Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD). This will have a sulfur content rated at 15 ppm or less. ULSD will be a cleaner burning diesel with less particle emissions.
The mandate for 2007 is that all diesel cars and trucks sold must be equipped with a particulate filter. This filter scrubs any remaining particulates out of the exhaust, so what comes out of your tailpipe is as clear as what comes out of a gas engine tailpipe. No more clouds of black smoke.
The problem with the particulate filter is if you use a fuel with a higher sulfur content (LSD), the particulate filter will be come clogged and can damage the exhaust system or possibly even the engine. That's why there are warning lables posted on fuel pumps.
Current diesels like your '02 will not be affected in any noticable way by switching to ULSD. Projections are that mileage might suffer by a percentage point or two, but you'll get more variance in mileage between fillups than what you'll notice by switching fuels.
If you want more info on how particulate filters work, just do a Google search and read up on some of the info. It's kinda interesting.
