Is ULSD a magic pill or what? - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

#16 10-02-2006, 05:16 PM

I replaced my filters 4000 miles (one week) ago and now I'm getting more black in the pre-filter. I just picked up a bottle of biocide to try to kill off these little critters, time to order a few more filters.

DieselAddict · #17 10-02-2006, 06:07 PM

All these clogged filters are telling me that ULSD has a good cleaning ability. I've been using fuel additives for a long time to keep my fuel system clean so I should have no problem with filter clogging. ULSD is also supposed to have a higher cetane index than LSD so it should run quieter. Since I use a cetane booster (both with ULSD and the old LSD) the cetane index of the fuel in my tank was probably already as high as it could be, so I didn't notice any difference in sound when I tried ULSD.

About lubricity, there's an ASTM standard that requires a minimum level of lubricity, and this level is no lower than what it was with LSD. In fact it could even be higher now, but I'm not sure about that.

aklim, the main reason I occasionally sniff my exhaust is to evaluate the quality of combustion. The fact the ULSD smells less tells me that it burns cleaner, and it's probably better for the engine too. Plus it's nice not to have any smell in the garage when pulling in.

michakaveli · #18 10-02-2006, 06:13 PM

Someone else here once upon a time said this... "Diesel fumes in the morning smell like Victory!"

Old300D · #19 10-02-2006, 06:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by michakaveli

Someone else here once upon a time said this... "Diesel fumes in the morning smell like Victory!"

I prefer napalm.

Hatterasguy · #20 10-02-2006, 07:36 PM

How do you know if they switched to ULSD in your area? I have not noticed any change with my cars.

#21 10-02-2006, 07:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by michakaveli

Someone else here once upon a time said this... "Diesel fumes in the morning smell like Victory!"

May favorite: "Diesel smoke makes me horny!"

goat · #22 10-02-2006, 07:52 PM

Pump guy at local truckstop tells me they have switched over, but I haven't noticed much difference. Yeah, I think the smell is toned down a bit, but otherwise, I don't know. Hard to tell, because I just had a new (used) turbo put on, which had a big positive effect on power.

I've been adding a little Power Service since he told me that, just to put my mind at ease with regard to lubricity. I know it should be fine in theory, but I'll let others be the guinea pigs.

DieselAddict · #23 10-02-2006, 08:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hatterasguy

How do you know if they switched to ULSD in your area? I have not noticed any change with my cars.

In my state and I believe most states do this too, there are stickers on the pumps indicating ULSD. If there's no sticker, it's probably LSD (up to 500 ppm sulphur) unless you're in California that has nothing but ULSD and stickers are not required.

#24 10-02-2006, 08:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DieselAddict

In my state and I believe most states do this too, there are stickers on the pumps indicating ULSD. If there's no sticker, it's probably LSD (up to 500 ppm sulphur) unless you're in California that has nothing but ULSD and stickers are not required.

I assume it's national, I've seen identical stickers in about 10 different states recently. My recent cross-county trip indicates that about 50% of the pumps have ULSD stickers now, but I suspect most of the LSD is really ULSD by now anyway.

pleiades · #25 10-02-2006, 08:54 PM

I belive October 1 was the switchover date, (except for CA which has already switched over) so all pumps shoud be pumping ULSD irregardless of sticker.

#26 10-02-2006, 09:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pleiades

I belive October 1 was the switchover date, (except for CA which has already switched over) so all pumps shoud be pumping ULSD irregardless of sticker.

I thought it was October 15, but I'm not certain.

300SD81 · #27 10-02-2006, 09:48 PM

I'll be filling my first tank of ULSD tomorrow morning. Report back on the results later. I kinda like the smell, and will probably miss it, even more when I get biodiesel production going.

greasybenz · #28 10-02-2006, 10:47 PM

You guys dont get a smell with ULSD???!!!

I still get that raw stench of diesel, and california is now set with all ULSD pumps wether the pumps have stickers or not its ULSD your pumping by law.

#29 10-02-2006, 10:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by greasybenz

You guys dont get a smell with ULSD???!!!

I still get that raw stench of diesel, and california is now set with all ULSD pumps wether the pumps have stickers or not its ULSD your pumping by law.

Do you remember what old diesel smelled like (the stuff you could still smell on your hands 2 days later)? ULSD has practically no smell compared to the old stuff.

Boardmonger · #30 10-02-2006, 10:52 PM

Same deal here in the south bay. Diesel still smells like diesel, same smoke too when on dino. I think I have run 1 or 2 tanks and haven't noticed much of a difference. Maybe california has a different blend as always.