Ultra low sulphur diesel and the older marine diesel

[Valiente]

The advent of ULSD fuel is upon us, it seems, and while I applaud it in principle, I have some questions regarding how these fuels will affect older diesels and specifically their injectors.

I have a Westerbeke W52 from the late '80s with fairly low hours on it and intend to circumnavigate in '09 for five years. I will likely have a top rebuild done before I leave "just because", (due more to lack of use/intermittant use rather than ever getting to 5,000 engine hours...) and will carry spares galore, but I am wondering if these new fuels will change my maintenance or engine performance in any meaningful way.

[resdog]

I haven't heard of any problems yet in marine engines. There are several TSB's - technical service bulletins - for the older Ford PowerStroke diesels. It seems that the new fuel is shrinking o-rings in the fuel system resulting in fuel leaks when the temp is under 40 degrees farenheit.

[Valiente]

Interesting. My Westerbeke is an '80s design (it looks like a Perkins with extra geegaws), so that might not be an issue.

But it is good to know. Thanks.