This was sent to me by Daimler Chrysler Canada
ATTENTION:
DEALER PRINCIPAL
SERVICE MANAGER
PARTS MANAGER
SUBJECT:
TECH-TIPS # 02– ULTRA LOW SULPHUR DIESEL (ULSD) FUEL AND MAINTENANCE INFORMATION
Several new diesel engine equipped vehicles released this year as well as future products will require the
use of Ultra Low Sulphur Diesel fuel (ULSD). Currently there seems to be some confusion or lack of
knowledge in the marketplace regarding the availability and use of ULSD. With that in mind, please
review the following information as it will assist you in answering your customers’ questions regarding this
new fuel and its use in our products.
What is ULSD?
ULSD is a diesel fuel that contains a maximum sulphur content of 15 ppm (parts per million). In
comparison, diesel fuel available before recent regulation changes took affect may have had sulphur
content as high as 500 ppm for on-road fuel (referred to as low sulphur diesel or LSD) or as high as 5000
ppm for off-road fuel.
Why is ULSD required?
ULSD is required in order to enable the operation of the advanced emission control systems used on
most 2007 vehicles and prevent damage to these systems. These advanced systems, such as diesel
particulate filters (DPF), are necessary in order to meet the new diesel engine emission standards
implemented for 2007.
ULSD availability/timing:
Refiners were required to begin producing ULSD as of June 1, 2006. All on-road fuel sold at retail
outlets was required to be ULSD as of Oct 15, 2006. Off-road (road tax exempt or dyed) diesel fuel
sulphur reduction will be phased in over the next 5 years eventually matching the on-road requirements.
Canada / U.S. requirements:
In Canada 100% of the on-road fuel sold will have to meet the ULSD requirement vs. initially only 80%
in the U.S. Retail fuel pumps in the U.S. must be clearly labelled to indicate which type of fuel is being
dispensed (ULSD or LSD) where as pumps for on-road fuels in Canada do not require labelling since they
will 100% ULSD. If a retailer in the U.S. is selling both types of fuel they must ensure the 2 products are
completely segregated to avoid cross contamination. By 2010 all U.S. retail outlets for on-road diesel fuel
must be 100% ULSD.
ULSD use in older vehicles:
Engine and vehicle manufacturers expect ULSD to be fully compatible with the existing fleet and do
not anticipate owners will have to make changes to their current vehicles in order to use the new fuel.
ULSD will also provide emission reduction benefits when used in older vehicles. The transition to ULSD
may dislodge deposits accumulated in vehicle fuel tanks which may require replacing fuel filters ahead of
their regularly scheduled maintenance and this would also apply to filters on storage tanks and
dispensing pumps.
NOTE: The Canadian Petroleum Products Institute web site (
http://www.cppi.ca/ULSD_Q_A_s.html )
contains the information listed above as well as additional important information pertaining to ULSD.