Like anything new, the next generation of fuels comes complete with question marks. Farmers love ethanol. But it can cause problems for some of the older equipment in the shed.
Ultra low sulfur diesel, or ULSD, is supposed to clear the air. But it also might damage older engines. We asked Bill Siuru, a Ph.D. mechanical engineer and automotive journalist, to answer some questions about new fuels and old engines.
Will ethanol-based fuels like E10 cause problems for older engines?
Vehicles and equipment less than 10 to 15 years old probably will not have a problem. Engines built before the mid-1980s are more likely to experience trouble.
Alcohol can cause numerous problems, including deterioration, swelling and hardening of rubber components like fuel hoses, carburetor seals and gaskets, and fuel pump seals. This may lead to fuel leaks.
Also, ethanol absorbs water more readily. This can be a problem for equipment that sits idle for extended periods of time.
Ethanol also can dissolve the lining of fiberglass fuel tanks. The resulting dark sludge can cause engine damage, and the tanks can leak fuel.
What can I do?
Use your nose and eyes to detect fuel leaks. Run tanks dry before storing for extended periods. If you experience a fuel system problem, replace possibly affected components with ethanol-compatible parts.
Can I use E85 in older vehicles and equipment?
No. E85 should never be put in anything other than flexible-fuel vehicles designed to use it. As previously discussed, the high concentration of ethyl alcohol will destroy old rubber seals and hoses.
Also the fuel-management system (and carburetor on older equipment) probably will have problems handling the higher alcohol content and will run poorly. If you accidentally fuel a non-flexible-fuel vehicle with E85 once, it is likely no damage will result. The "Check engine" light might come on, though, due to the higher oxygen content detected.
ULSD diesel fuels are taking more and more market share, especially at on-road pumps. What are the potential problems?
Older engines may experience leaks in some flexible seals. Also, because ULSD contains much less sulfur, lubricity is reduced, meaning greater fuel injector and fuel pump wear.
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What can I do about it?
Inspect hoses, etc., for softness, and periodically look for signs of fuel leaks. If you do experience performance problems, suspect ULSD-related problems.
When you make fuel system repairs, use ULSD-compatible parts. For additives to handle the lubricity problems, go to a truck stop. Their customers are clamoring for them. You also can ask your tractor dealer.
What are the new API CJ-4 engine oils?
API CJ-4 oils provide improved wear protection, high temperature-oxidation control and soot handling. That is important because the emission control devices in new 2007-compliant diesel engines put greater demands on oils.
Can API CJ-4 oils be used in older diesel engines?
Sure. Though a bit more expensive, API CJ-4 oils are fine for pre-2007 engines. They can be mixed with older oils, and it is not necessary to flush an engine when switching.
Where can I get more information about using ethanol-based fuels in older engines?
Due to potential problems with ethanol, vintage vehicle insurer Hagerty now has a web site (www.hagerty.com/ethanol) to address ethanol-based fuels and suggest possible solutions.