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OEMs pan US diesel lubricity

21K views 88 replies 20 participants last post by  CsTDI  
#1 ·
http://www.bosch-kraftfahrzeugtechn...eugtechnik.de/media/pdf/themenimfokus_1/FIEM_Common_Position_Statement_2009.pdf

This is not giving me a warm and fuzzy about ULSD in the US. The following paragraph is the one getting TDI Club members' panties in a bunch.

Lubricity: It is essential that the lubricity of the fuel as measured by the HFRR test specified in ISO
12156-1 meets the requirement of a wear scar diameter not greater than 460 microns. In addition, it is recommended by the Diesel FIE manufacturers, that “first fill” of the fuel tank should be with fuel with good lubricity characteristics (HFRR < 400 μm) in order to guarantee good “run-in” of the injection system components. The US diesel specification (ASTM D 975-09) includes a lubricity value of 520 μm maximum (according to ASTM D 6079). It is expected that the useful operating lifetime of any mechanical component will be adversely affected by fuel with a lubricity exceeding 460 microns.

Basically, it looks like the OEMs are saying all bets are off with ULSD here. (Thankful I've been adding 2 quarts of B100 per fill since tank 1.)
 
#2 ·
AH, so I have yet another reason to try and run our B20, huh? :p

That is a little scary though I am not sure I understand it all.
 
#3 ·
I'd run B2 or mix my own if I could, BIO is not available in Calgary :( So I resort to mixing a half quart per tank of Walmart TCW3 - Low Ash 2 Stroke (It's the cheapest oil, though, still meets TCW3 specifications... Aparrantly, it's a Shell Product). $3.99/QT. To me, it is cheap insurance. Plus, 2 Stroke oil is meant to be burned anyways, and it lubricates the upper cylinder areas.

What are other people doing for lubricity?
 
#13 ·
#7 ·
I use a product called "Total Diecyl". Has worked well for me in all my diesels..
 
#9 ·
if you are a BD user, and if there were a discomfort in continuing to use it because of out-of-spec concerns as cited by the Bosch document or if it wasn't available to you (I am not in that boat currently) it would seem to me that if you subscribe to BD use, you could safely feel that a proper TCW3 oil could be a good alternative to BD use for lubricity?
 
#10 ·
Personally speaking, I don't notice any real diffrence in fuel economy while using TCW3 2 Stroke (Walmart's Supertech) @ 1/2qt / fill up... Vs Just Shell Pump Diesel.

I do however, notice a few more extra KM's when I use Howes Diesel Treat... Perhaps upto 20-40KM's more to the half-tank mark... However, Howes Advertises that it increases lubricity, but when you read their msds information on their website, all it is is just thinners to help prevent gelling, as well as cleaning additives. I doubt it really adds any lubricity, as the fluid in the bottle is water-thin, and not oily. I do use Howes once every 3-4 tanks w/ out 2 Stroke Oil to clean out the engine/injectors. I believe it does add more fuel economy, because it thins the diesel out a bit more, as well as possibly increase the cetane numbers a bit, as it is a 'winter' additive to aid in smooth operation. However, I just don't trust that it increases lubricity.
 
#14 ·
Personally speaking, I don't notice any real diffrence in fuel economy while using TCW3 2 Stroke (Walmart's Supertech) @ 1/2qt / fill up... Vs Just Shell Pump Diesel.

I do however, notice a few more extra KM's when I use Howes Diesel Treat... Perhaps upto 20-40KM's more to the half-tank mark... However, Howes Advertises that it increases lubricity, but when you read their msds information on their website, all it is is just thinners to help prevent gelling, as well as cleaning additives. I doubt it really adds any lubricity, as the fluid in the bottle is water-thin, and not oily. I do use Howes once every 3-4 tanks w/ out 2 Stroke Oil to clean out the engine/injectors. I believe it does add more fuel economy, because it thins the diesel out a bit more, as well as possibly increase the cetane numbers a bit, as it is a 'winter' additive to aid in smooth operation. However, I just don't trust that it increases lubricity.
I've read something similar about using low percentages of BD. Supposedly there's a 'sweet spot' associated with optimal performance/mileage. I recall it being in the B2-5 range (due to the lubricity boost?). Beyond that, the reduced BTUs of BD would decrease these parameters. However, I think you'd have to run B20+ before any drop-off would be noticeable.
 
#11 ·
I forgot to add:

If anyone wants to try/use 2 Stroke, they should only use TCW3 2 Stroke, as it is Low Ash certified... I've read 100's of pages on www.cumminsforum.com, and decided for myself that TCW3 2 Stroke is the most economical additive to feed my V10. However, users on that forum are still recommending against using 2 stroke in DPF filtered Diesels, though, some have used, and continue to use it anyway, with no reported problems / accelerated regenerations of the filter.
 
#16 ·
In the process of decreasing sulphur from diesel, the levels of natural lubricants are also reduced. So fuel suppliers are supposed to compensate for this by the addition of a lubricity additive.

Reduced sulfer fuel in the EU, CA, and Oz has a lubricity standard in line with recommendations from the major fuel injector equipment (FIE) manufacturers. But here in the US it's allowed to be about 15% outside this standard.

With the high pressures and close tolerances of late-model fuel pump and injection systems, there's a concern that adverse wear and shortened service life will result. The linked document from the FIE manufacturers identifies this as a continued concern.

None of the diesel automakers appear to want to admit there's a problem and potentially scare away US sales. The FIE manufacturers seem to be concerned with liability, hence their statements that this is an end-user responsibility. While everyone takes a 'wait and see' approach, some of us are using additives to boost lubricity as insurance.

Hope this helps--Chris
 
#19 ·
I'm wondering this too...Any particular fuel vendor that sells diesel with better lubricity (Shell, Chevron, Phillips, etc.)?

Sounds like we have 2 choices - 2 stroke low ash, or biodiesel. Which is cheaper and where can we buy them?
 
#18 ·
#20 ·
Shell Canada Advertises that their 'Premium' Version of their Diesel, labled as Shell V Power Diesel claims to have double the cleaning additives, and higher Cetane numbers, as well as more lubricity... However, It's not available here in Calgary that I've seen. Same with BD.

The cheapest TCW3 2 Stroke is at Walmart, $3.99/QT CAD. All other brands tend to be in the $6.xx mark, and stay away from the synthetics and fancy 2 Stroke oils... It's best to just keep it simple, and as plain as possible.
 
#23 ·
Shell Canada Advertises that their 'Premium' Version of their Diesel, labled as Shell V Power Diesel claims to have double the cleaning additives, and higher Cetane numbers, as well as more lubricity... However, It's not available here in Calgary that I've seen. Same with BD.

The cheapest TCW3 2 Stroke is at Walmart, $3.99/QT CAD. All other brands tend to be in the $6.xx mark, and stay away from the synthetics and fancy 2 Stroke oils... It's best to just keep it simple, and as plain as possible.
Great. And, you are adding one quart per tank of fuel? Thanks for the info! :D
 
#22 ·
Great Topic.......but......

Chris what do you use for additive and how often? Thanks for yesterday by the way!

Thanks

Joe
 
#29 ·
Chris what do you use for additive and how often? Thanks for yesterday by the way!

Thanks

Joe
Joe (& mscot)--I filled a 5-gal jug with B100 back around Halloween just after picking up my new Treg. Like a lot of you, I don't have any local pumps offering B2 or B5. So it was a bit of a trip--about 75 miles one-way--to the nearest B100 retailer. Below are some links that might help you find ones in your area. Don't hesitate to also call around. The online lists change all the time.

Biodiesel Stations | OVER 1500 BIODIESEL LOCATIONS IN THE US
Biodiesel Stations & Biodiesel Prices around the world - Where to Buy Biodiesel Fuel - FindBiodiesel.org
Biodiesel Fuel Stations Locations - Locate Biodiesel Fuel Stations Near You with Mapmuse's Biodiesel Fuel Stations Locator
Alternative Fuel Fill Stations and Prices

I add 2 quarts of this each time I refill, which usually is just after the reserve light comes on. So that gives me a ratio of about 50:1 or B2.

But if you go this route there are a few other considerations. Pure bioD is supposed to have a shelf life of about 6 months. So don't go out and buy a buttload that takes you this long (or longer) to use.

Also, make sure you store it indoors during winter. Otherwise, it turns into a block of lard. The stuff I buy is virtually odorless (smells kinda like canola oil). So I just move my jug into the basement when the nights dip below about 40F. Good luck--Chris
 
#35 ·
All this BD Talk... I'm just about out of 2stroke oil (I buy 6-10qt's) at a time... I think I'll focus on getting a few gallons of BD somewhere... Nothing is available in Calgary to my knowledge.
I spent an hour yesterday trying to find a BD retailer near by; it was like asking for the White House launch codes:p. Don't need the frustration, so I ordered 12 bottles of Total Diecyl Plus on line. Enough to last me for the next 10,000 miles at normal combined mileage, and portable, so I don't have to plan ahead on trips. One bottle treats 60 gallons, ~$7.50 a bottle delivered; worth the convenience.
 
#38 ·
#39 ·
Now how did I forget to post that one on my (p. 3) list? I've actually submitted a location to this site. :confused2:
 
#40 ·
Actually, I missed your P3 post, Schubie. Sorry. I was just responding to a couple posts above saying they couldn't find bio-d. Now, granted, they might not be down on the local corner quik trip but since you only need to fill up every 500-600 miles, if you want bio-d bad enough, there's one out there you can plan to hit within a short drive of about everywhere.
 
#44 ·
I am using PS and BD. I think the consenous is that BD is the best lubrication enhancer although not the only one. If a BD retailer isn't close by to supplement your D2 and you want to use BD, bring a couple of jugs to get a month's worth and you need to make the trip that less often
 
#53 ·
I decided I don't really like my original answer. Pumpe-duse actually has more to do with the unit injectors in VW diesels, and I don't want to goof up searches with references to common rail systems, which are not exactly the same. Either way, at least we're on the same page as to what we're talking about here. Sorry...

Cheers, John
 
#55 ·
up here I just found out that as of Feb.1, Chevron is going to be pumping B5 as its diesel. That is good news, as I was having to drive a ways to get it. The Chevron is 3 blocks from where I live. I guess if I was on one of my road trips down I5, I'd get a list of the bio stations first. I would also imagine that the U.S. wouldn't be far behind this trend. Then we can stop worrying about lubricity. After about 3 months of B5 use, I'm happy to report that my v10 remains happy. ( and lubricated ) Cheers!