Lower Sulphur Diesel
[ Last Updated 26 October 2007 ]
Cleaner burning lower sulphur diesel is coming. It will be introduced progressively from September 2005 and from 1 January 2006 lower sulphur diesel will be the only diesel available. Less sulphur means fewer harmful exhaust emissions and improved air quality. Some older or poorly maintained diesel engines may be affected.
Why is Diesel Being Changed?
The change to lower sulphur diesel is a result of changes under the Petroleum Products Specifications Regulations 2002. Sulphur in diesel can increase the amount of very tiny particles (called particulates) that your vehicle emits. These particulates have been linked to health problems, especially respiratory conditions. Lowering the sulphur levels in diesel can directly reduce these emissions from diesel vehicles. Lower sulphur diesel will also make it easier to import the latest clean diesel vehicles. They will further reduce particulate emissions and other harmful emissions such as nitrogen oxides, hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide.
Will This Affect my Diesel Vehicle?
Well-maintained and newer diesel engines probably won't be affected by the new fuel. Older or poorly-maintained diesel engines may be affected. In some older diesel engines, the combination of injector pump seal shrinkage resulting from seal ageing and the potentially lower levels of compounds known as aromatics in the new lower sulphur diesel could result in leaks in one or more of the fuel injector pump seals. Pumps that could be affected are older VE rotary fuel injector pumps that haven't been maintained for six or more years but other pumps could also be affected. Generally these pumps can be found in pre-1995 Japanese light duty diesel vehicles.
What Should I Do?
Diesel engines should be regularly maintained. Air cleaners, injectors, fuel pumps and pump seals should be checked and repaired or replaced by your diesel mechanic. From September onwards, especially if you have an older diesel vehicle, you should regularly check for:
- any diesel pooling under your vehicle
- moisture or wetness at the bottom of the engine
- changes in engine exhaust (e.g. a smoky exhaust)
- any unusual smell of diesel when using your vehicle
- decreases in the fuel efficiency of your vehicle.
If any of these things happen, get your fuel injection pump checked and your engine serviced.
For More Information
Talk to your diesel mechanic or parts supplier, call the Ministry of Economic Development's [external website] freephone 0508 33 55 33, or visit their website and search for "lower sulphur diesel".
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