[rgevans871]

Does anyone have any information on how the introduction of S15 diesel fuel on 9/1/06 is likely to affect the availability of S500 diesel which is currently sold? The S15 is only going to be required for 2007 and later model vehicles according to Chevron's webstie, but I would think many stations, because of their storage tank situation would opt to carry only the S15 fuel. I would be concerned about using it in my truck, but I'm wondering how difficult it's going to be to find the S500 fuel.

This may have been discussed previously in this forum, but I was not able to come up with anything when I searched. I've never been able to successfully use the search tool at this site.

 

[AutoJim]

Your engine doesn't care if it's lower sulfur as long as the lubricity (for the pumps and injectors) is there. Since the de-sulfuring process also negatively impacts the lubricity of the fuel, the petroleum companies are then adding back some lubricity additives to get it back to what it's supposed to be. This according to some auto (not oil) industry folks I've talked to who are my go-to experts on things fuels and lubes.

In other words, I'm not planning on worrying about it too much with my '99.5.

 

[Rickie]

How difficult to get S500 fuel, also known as low sulfur fuel? After the initial phase-in, only in those areas serviced by refineries who will continue to make it for off-road and marine applications will have it available.

Starting tomorrow, or sometime in June '06, we should start to receive Ultra Low Sulfur Fuel mixed with left over Low Sulfur fuel. In a few months you will be hard pressed to find Low Sulfur fuel, except in off-road and marine applications. Off-road ULSD must be phased in by 2010 and marine ULSD by 2012.

At some point in the near future, the refineries will probably offer only one formulation for all applications before 2012. Pending legislature will require many areas to retrofit diesel emissions devices to existing engines. Diesel emissions devices require ULSD to provide operating life that meets CARB & EPA criteria. We may not like it but it is inevitable.