Further to my post I checked with our local marina and they confirmed that
the diesel they sell is ULSD.

The local Volvo Penta dealer tells me that the ULSD fuel causes increases
engine wear (cylinder walls and fuel injector tips) and they recommend
adding STANADYNE Performance Formula, which is formulated for ULSD fuel.

He also tells me that the ULSD makes the engine smoke more.... you figure
:-()


"claus" wrote in message
. ..
Based on the below info, only ULSD diesel fuel is available in the U.S.
since June this year. While it is not yet mandated for marine use - it is
evidently the only diesel fuel we can purchase in marinas.

Is this correct?

Following quoted from:
http://www.leetechnologies.com/news/...sub.aspx?id=69

"The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has finalized the Clean
Non-road Diesel Rule, mandating a reformulation of diesel fuel in order to
reduce the fuel's sulfur content from the unregulated level of 3000ppm to
a level of 15ppm. The reduction in sulfur content for land based engines
was accomplished in two steps. First, the sulfur content was capped at
500ppm starting June 2007. Second, the sulfur cap will be reduced to
15ppm by June 2010. Although the EPA ULSD requirements for off-road
engines do not go into effect until 2010, U.S. refineries have stopped
manufacturing non ULSD fuel as of June 1, 2007. "


" Reduced Lubricity and Increased Fuel Particulate
Sulfur content in diesel fuel contributes to the fuel's ability to
lubricate and protect various parts of the engine's fuel injection system
from wear. In addition, the refinement process that reduces sulfur content
also removes other naturally occurring lubricity agents. In order to
offset this loss of lubricity, refiners utilize fuel additives that were
previously not needed. Because of these additives lubricity is not a
problem for ULSD. However, the additives can become unstable in storage,
which can result in increased particulates in the fuel. These particulates
can contribute to clogged or fouled fuel filters and fuel injection
systems.

Fuel System Leaks
A side effect of the reduction in fuel aromatics is an increased incidence
of fuel system leaks. These leaks generally occur at system points where
O-rings are used to seal joints with most leaks occurring at the fuel
pumps and injectors. Long service/high temperature Nitrile Rubber (Buna N)
seals appear to be most prone to leaks.

Incompatibility with Lubricating Oil
Lubricating oil contains additive packages that neutralize combustion
products to prevent engine corrosion. With a reduced amount of sulfur
there is more un-reacted additive in the lube oil, which may result in
formation of deposits when some of the oil is burned. These deposits can
build up behind the piston rings and result in cylinder liner scuffing.

Additional Potential Problems and Considerations:
. Increased incidence of microbial growth due to increased concentration
of n-alkalines (linear molecules)
. Copper and zinc engine components are incompatible with ULSD because
they are oxidative catalysts that will accelerate the formation of
sediments, gels and soaps.
. Changes in tank and pump labeling requirements. Diesel fuel storage
tanks are required to be labeled with the type of fuel that they contain.
This may require a change for some facilities.
. The introduction of ULSD fuel to older systems may loosen deposits in
fuel tanks.
. Because ULSD has a lower conductivity than high sulfur diesel, this fuel
is more likely to accumulate an electrical charge. As a result, there is
an increased risk of a static discharge accident."