Diesel fuel. US, vs UK

[1040 WreckerMan]

If the UK has not already done so they will be switching to Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel in the near future as the next round of emission hikes goes into effect. The US has pushed back their roll out date to sometime around September of this year, although some places already are using ULSD such as the Seattle area.

I think using a good lube add is important as the ULSD is very poor in lubricity. Otherwise you shouldn't notice any major differences. I would bring a couple of spare fuel filters just in case you can’t find them easy and get a bad tank of fuel (wet or dirty).

What kind of registration hoops do you have jump through to get your US trucks legal in the UK? The only experience I’ve had in the UK was with equipment that was sold in the UK.

 

[Silverado3500]

The way that I understand it, it should be fairly staright forward. Should just be a matter of getting the trucks MOT'ed, and paying the road tax. The MOT is a basic inspection to make sure things like the lights, wipers, etc are in working order. They are a bit less strict when it is a relocation situation.

I have a few spare fuel filter cartridges as it is. I have racor 10 micron marine grade diesel fuel filters with the aquabloc feature on both trucks.

What kind of additive do you usually run. I have been adding conventional Dexron3 ATF from time to time to help keep things clean. (In all of my vehicles, gas included) Usually run 1 quart per 15 gallons of fuel. I'm wondering if ATF would provide sufficient lube for a full time additive.

 

[1040 WreckerMan]

I'm using the Stanadyne Lubricity Formula, or the Performance Formula. Mid-West Fuel injection has pretty good prices shipped. The reason I choose Stanadyne was reputation. Since they manufacture diesel fuel systems I figure they must have a decent additive. It is also almost universally recommended by OEMs (even with competing fuel systems!). I used RedLine 85+ for a while, but have switched completly to Stanadyne.

Although I don't get stuck on OEM specs, they are usually a good guide. I do have quite a bit of anecdotal evidence that the Stanadyne works well, in addition to some fuel samples that we have pulled. The price isn't bad especially when compared to replacing injectors or pumps early! Good luck with your move.

 

[tdi-rick]

Europe and the UK have been running ULSD for years. I believe that the Australian Standard is based on the EU Spec.

 

[k1xv]

I believe the diesel fuels sold in the UK and Europe have significantly higher cetane ratings than USA diesel.

 

[Silverado3500]

Hi Guys, Just have a quick question. Due to a change (for the better) in my life, I'm having to relocate from Georgia, to the United Kingdom. I was wondering if there are any significant differences in the specs between the US, and Europe. I'm going to be taking both of my trucks with me when I head over there, and am just wanting to see if an additive might be necessary.

I searched before posting, but didn't really find anything on the topic. If this is a double post, I apologise.

Thanks in advance!

 

[gusgeds]

Hi,uls diesel in the u.k. has a minimum cetane rateing of 51.

I have not heard of too many lubricity problems, but one of the most popular additives is Millers dieselclean plus which improves the combustion flame front,cuts down smoke emmisions and lubricates the fuel injection pump while keeping the system clean.
Best wishes gus.
P.S. no connection with Millers--just a happy consumer.

 

[k1xv]

In the USA, cetane can be as low as 40. The high 40s can be considered pretty good for the USA.

 

[oilman86]

I was just told by an oil company that they are adding Lubricity additives to S15 fuels at the rack and there should be no difference from the fuels you are using now....

 

[Silverado3500]

Thank you all for the information! I assume they are running the ULSD here in the UK now?

 

[gusgeds]

Hi Silverado,yes ulsd has been available in the U.K. for quite some time now,best wishes for your move,gus

 

[Silverado3500]

Thanks, Gus and everyone else, I greatly appreciate the information!

 

[racer12306]

if you want an additive, another option is marvel mystery oil.