After buying my new 2008 Diesel that says everywhere "Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel", I'm noticing that I'm having a hard time finding ULSD sold anywhere. I see that California Mandates it right now, but the rest of the country (including here in Virginia) don't and they have until Dec. 1st, 2010.

So right now on my 2nd fillup, I put in BioDiesel (B5) from nearby station that I found. But most likely a time will come when I need fuel and the only thing that is nearby is regular Low Sulfur Diesel. So I'm wondering, if I pump LSD into my new 2008 that says ULSD Only, what bad things will start happening?

 

We were in Virginia last week, Called Ford and found out BP and Amaco stations carry ulta low. When I asked some fellow campers the Citco 1/2 mile from the campground in VA Beach had it too. Also on mapquest they will give you all the local diesel stations, Made a call to one in Port Jeris NY on the way back, it was 2.69 also at a Sunoco.

 

yes and no. the sulfur is the black smoke you see. so it can cause issues but what can you do. as long as your staying under warranty and stock, let whatever happens happen.

 

Does running LSD void your warranty when everything on the truck says to use ULSD?

I think I'll have to hunt down some BPs in the area..

 

You can go online to the BP websight and they will show you all the stations in the area that you put in. In Va beach there were about 4 or 5. Their web sight is a little tough to navigate, if you give me your zip code or town I'll help look some up for you.

 

You better make sure the B5 you are getting is ULSD B5. Low sulfur B5 will still clog up your DPF.

Are there any Flying J's near you? They usually carry both "flavors" except here in California.

 

Black smoke is NOT sulfur, it is carbon, aka unburned fuel. You need ULSD with a DPF because sulfur fouls the DPF and catalyst.

 

yes the black smoke is unburned fuel. let me say this. soot is a by product of sulfur. sulfur does not foul the dpf, it stops it up. the dpf is a chamber full of ceramic walls that the exhaust has to pass through. high sulfur causes high amounts of soot.

 

From Wikipedia:

Soot, also called lampblack or carbon black, is a dark powdery deposit of unburned fuel residues, usually composed mainly of amorphous carbon. It is a major component of smoke from the combustion of carbon-rich organic fuels in the lack of sufficient oxygen. Soot is generally "sticky", and accumulates in chimneys, automobile mufflers insides of smoke saunas and other surfaces exposed to smoke.

 

Mattebury is mostly correct, but BowTieHatr is also. High sulfur, or LSD fuel, will "poison" or foul the catalyst which is necessary for active regeneration. The catalyst is composed of precious metals that, in the presence of hydrocarbons (raw fuel), causes an exothermic reaction (heat) that oxidizes the soot trapped in the particulate filter. Sulfur from raw fuel that is injected during an active regen cycle will coat the surface of the catalyst and will eventually prevent this exothermic reaction. The good thing is, the catalyst can heal itself from exposure to small amounts of LSD, provided ULSD is used afterwards. In other words, if ULSD isn't available, LSD can be substituted provided ULSD is used soon after. I'd suggest not filling the tank with LSD, but with only enough to get you to a station that has ULSD. If you do fill your tank completely with LSD, be sure to add ULSD as soon as practical to dilute the LSD in the tank.

Yes, the filter is a ceramic substrate with many tiny passages to trap soot. The higher sulfur content wouldn't necessarily plug the filter, but would load it with soot sooner, thus requiring more frequent active regens. Passive regeneration would/should take care of the additional soot loading since it uses the natural heat from the engine.

 

So what is the deal with it being hard to find stations with ULSD? Why are folks still selling LSD? It kind of sucks to own a new vehicle that requires ULSD and nobody seems to carry it.

Although its good to know BP appears to be the only company with ULSD. Although I've not confirmed that yet.

 

"After buying my new 2008 Diesel that says everywhere "Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel", I'm noticing that I'm having a hard time finding ULSD sold anywhere. I see that California Mandates it right now, but the rest of the country (including here in Virginia) don't and they have until Dec. 1st, 2010."

AFAIK the 2010 deadline applies to when the when the refiners basically have to cease producing fuel that is not ULSD, until then they can only have 20% of their output as non ULSD. Think about it, if 80% of refined diesel is ULSD, the odds of actually getting LSD, regardless of what the pump says is fairly slim.

 

So you are saying that Diesel pumps which say (Low Sulfur Diesel) are really Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel and nobody has updated the stickers and such on the pumps? That seems wrong.

 

I was told you techniclly "could" use low sulfur, but only if you had to. And if you did, to change your oil sooner, and only do it if you have no other choice. Supposedly the ULSD is supposed to be available by now, but doesnt seem to be. Im fixing to drive to wisconsin, and looks like I will be installing a 72 gallon L shaped tank in my bed. The LSD is not good for your emissions, thats for sure. Hopefully I can find it.

 

Where are you getting that 72/gal tank? I want one.