Re: catalina27-talk: Ultra low sulfur diesel fuel (ULSD)

[Chris Maddox]

John, You are not likely to have any problems.  The energy content of ULSD is only about 1% less than the old standard for diesel.  Sulphur is not an additive - it is naturally occuring and doesn't have to be replaced by the consumer when it is removed during the refining process. It does reduce the lubricity (lubricating ability) of the fuel, but not substantially, and other additives are used by the refiners to make up for this.   There are also problems reported in older seals in fuel systems but usually those operated at high temperatures.   If you are concerned, you could ask Universal (now Westerbeke) if there is any issues using ASTM D975 specification fuels (the current spec for ULSD). By December 1, 2010 all highway diesel in the US will be ULSD (15 PPM), and marine diesel will follow in 2012.  Marine diesel is already reduced to 500 PPM max.  Older fuels had up to 5,000 PPM.  So in the long run, you aren't going to have much of a choice. Chris -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Jun 30, 2008 10:08 AM To: catalina27-talk@memberclicks.com Subject: Re: catalina27-talk: Ultra low sulfur diesel fuel (ULSD) List   Are there any precautions that I should take when burning ultra low sulfur diesel fuel in my OLD Universal 5411?  Should I add a commercial product to the fuel to compensate for the decrease in sulfur content?  If not what should I experience with burning ULSD with no additives ?   Decrease in performance?  Remember I only have 11 hp and would like to maintain that amount of kick.   John Jennings      Gas prices getting you down? Search AOL Autos for fuel-efficient used cars.