It feels like forever ago, but it’s only been 13 years since the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency [EPA] mandated reduced sulfur content in diesel fuel in 2006. Boy, were people angry. They knew sulfur helped protect their fuel pump and injectors from failure. Change is scary, and the thought of replacing expensive components even more so.
Fast-forward to 2019, and I rarely hear anyone talking about this. But the problem is even more prevalent now than it was then. Modern diesels demand even more from the fuel pump and injectors than before, increasing the potential for failure. So, why aren’t people still up in arms? My hunch is they have accepted the new reality. Or, they just don’t know what they don’t know when they buy a new truck today.
Today’s ultra-low-sulfur diesel fuel [ULSD provides significantly reduced lubricity – a critical property in controlling fuel-pump and injector wear. While diesel fuel has traditionally had high lubrication properties, the desulfurization process used to strip the diesel fuel of the sulfur content to meet ULSD requirements also strips the fuel of some of its organic compounds responsible for lubrication. The ASTM D975 diesel-fuel standard mandates a minimum lubricity level. However, the Engine Manufacturers Association [EMA] wants the standard to provide for increased lubricity, but lost out on the control of the specification. While the EMA claims there’s a problem, it doesn’t carry enough clout to change the specification.
Since 2006, ULSD has accounted for nearly all diesel available in North America because the EPA mandated reduced sulfur to curb harmful emissions. ULSD now contains a maximum of just 15 ppm sulfur, compared to fuel that had up to 5,000 ppm sulfur prior to the EPA regulations.
Waxes in diesel fuel lubricate the fuel pump and injectors, helping fight wear. Without them, the highly engineered components in modern diesels, particularly high-pressure common-rail [HPCR] engines, can wear out and cost thousands in repairs. They also develop deposits that interfere with an optimum spray pattern, reducing power and fuel economy. The editors of Diesel Power Magazine covered the problem with ULSD in the April and May 2019 issues. As reported, the Bosch* CP4.2 fuel pump that comes stock on the 2011-2016 Duramax* engines has led to thousands of catastrophic failures. It’s culminated in class-action lawsuits in Texas and California against Bosch, GM* Ford* and other vehicle manufacturers on behalf of individual diesel owners whose vehicles use that pump. When the CP4.2 fuel pump fails, it instantly contaminates the entire fuel system with metal particulates, costing $8,000 to $12,000 in repairs. The magazine reiterates what AMSOIL has been saying for years: “The way to be proactive in protecting a CP4.2 equipped diesel from an early demise is being diligent about using fuel additives that add lubricity with every fill-up.”
The CP4.2 fuel pump is said to fail because of two reasons: 1] It’s designed with about 20 percent reduced flow volume than the previous generation pump, requiring it to work even harder. 2] ULSD isn’t providing enough lubricity.
Our [AMSOIL Inc] testing of base fuels across the U.S. confirms the second point. AST< D975 requires diesel fuel to limit the wear scar in lubricity testing to 520 microns. The EMA, meanwhile, sets its own, stricter requirements of 460 microns. As the chart shows, many of the fuels [blue bars] failed to limit wear to 520 microns. And none of them met the EMA’s 460-micron limit.
Fuel treated with AMSOIL Diesel All-In-One performed far better [red bars]. It not only met the ASTM D975 standard, it also met stricter EMA lubricity requirement.You can find the same technology in AMSOIL Diesel Injector Clean and Diesel Injector Clean + Cetane Boost.
AMSOIL diesel additives deliver a healthy boost in lubricity to help lubricate diesel fuel pumps and injectors. The extra lubrication helps prevent wear in fuel pumps and injectors. They’re also great for maximum winter performance, too [Cetane Boost and Cold Flow Improver].
I strongly recommend that all diesel owners use AMSOIL diesel fuel additives with every tank of fuel.
Product Code: ADF • Brand: AMSOIL
Product Reviewed: Diesel Injector Clean [ADF] Current Rating: 4.82 out of 5 stars Votes & Reviews: 125 vote[s] and 119 user reviews.
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Is Amsoil good for diesels?
AMSOIL Diesel All-In-One Fuel AdditiveProvides significant lubricity improvement in diesel fuels found across the U.S., delivering improved wear protection.
Is Amsoil diesel oil low ash?
AMSOIL Premium 5W-40 Synthetic Diesel Oil is a low-sulfated ash formulation that exceeds the requirements for low-emission quality diesel oil. It is compatible with all exhaust treatment devices and is designed to extend the service life of diesel particulate filters [DPF].
Does Amsoil injector cleaner work?
My injection system was clogged to where I was going to replace them. But I decided to try this product and after one bottle there is a complete difference in the car's performance. Amsoil cleaned the injectors and the car runs so much better. It really works.
How do you use Amsoil diesel cetane boost?
Add before filling tank. Excellent for use with AMSOIL Diesel Injector Clean and AMSOIL Diesel Cold Flow. AMSOIL products are backed by a Limited Liability Warranty.