13.3 How to Select Diesel Fuel
Detroit Diesel engines in 2007 are designed to operate ONLY on Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) fuel,
see Figure ""
.
13.3.1 Quality
Fuel quality is an important factor in obtaining satisfactory engine performance, long engine life, and acceptable exhaust emission levels.
In general, fuels meeting the properties of ASTM designation D 975 (grades 1-D and 2-D) have provided satisfactory performance.
The fuels used must be clean, completely distilled, stable, and non-corrosive. For more information regarding the significance of these properties and selection of the proper fuel, refer to publication, Engine Requirements – Lubricating Oil, Fuel and Filters (7SE270), available from authorized Detroit Diesel distributors.
NOTICE
13.3.2 Fuel Contamination
Generally, fuel contamination occurs as the result of improper fuel handling. The most common types of contamination are water, dirt, and microbial growth (“black slime”). The formation of varnishes and gums resulting from poor stability or extended storage (“stale fuel”) also affects fuel quality. The best treatment for contamination is prevention by maintaining a clean storage system and choosing a reputable fuel supplier.
Supplemental additives are not recommended due to potential injector system or engine damage. Our experience has been that such additives increase operating costs without providing benefit.
The use of supplemental fuel additives does not necessarily void the engine warranty. However, repair expenses which result from fuel system or engine component malfunctions or damage attributed to their use will not be covered.
These products should be accompanied by performance data supporting their merit. It is not the policy of Detroit Diesel Corporation to test, evaluate, approve or endorse such products.
13.3.2.1 Biodiesel
Biodiesel fuels meeting ASTM D 6751 specification, prior to blending can be mixed up to 5% maximum by volume in petroleum diesel fuel. Detroit Diesel highly recommends biodiesel fuels made from soybean or rapeseed oil through the proper transesterification reaction process. Other feedstock source of biodiesel fuels such as animal fat and used cooking oils are not recommended by Detroit Diesel. The resulting mixture must meet ASTM D 975 specification. More information is available in the Detroit Diesel publication Lubricating Oil, Fuel, and Filters (7SE270).
Failures attributed to the use of biodiesel fuel will not be covered by Detroit Diesel product warranty. Also, any engine performance problem related to the use of biodiesel fuel would not be recognized nor considered Detroit Diesel's responsibility.
13.3.3 Prohibited Additives
The following fuel additives are not allowed and MUST NOT be mixed with diesel fuel:
13.3.3.1 Used Lubricating Oil
Do not use fuel blended with used lubricating oil. Detroit Diesel specifically prohibits the use of used lubricating oil in diesel fuel.
NOTICE
Used lubricating oil contains combustion acids and particulate materials which can severely erode fuel injector components, resulting in loss of power and increased exhaust emissions. In addition, the use of drained lubricating oil will increase maintenance requirements due to filter plugging and combustion deposits.
13.3.3.2 Fuel Additives with Sulfur or Sulfated Ash
Do not use non-approved fuel additives containing sulfur or sulfated ash.
13.3.3.3 Gasoline
The addition of gasoline to diesel fuel will create a serious fire hazard. The presence of gasoline in diesel fuel will reduce fuel cetane number and increase combustion temperatures.
WARNING
FIRE
Tanks which contain a mixture of gasoline and diesel fuel should be drained and cleaned as soon as possible.
Detroit Diesel Corporation will not be responsible for any detrimental effects it determines resulted from adding drained lubricating oil or gasoline to the diesel fuel.