Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel - Regs & Discussion

[More Power]

The new 2007 diesel engines, with the new oxidation catalyst and DPF (Diesel Particulate Filters), must use the newly formulated "Low Ash" motor oil. Shell offers the new API spec CJ-4 rated motor for the new diesel engines that meets the low ash requirements. Ash deposits from earlier oils could plug the catalyst and DPF. Shell (and I suspect other traditional diesel rated motor oil manufacturers) will have the shelves stocked around the country with the new CJ-4 motor oil by October 15th.

Any fuel treatment used in the 2007 vehicles must also meet the low ash requirements, which rules out using motor oils, ATF or 2-cycle oils as a fuel treatment in the 2007 diesels. This wouldn't apply to 2006 or earlier model year vehicles, though motor oil and ATF are dismissed as beneficial fuel treatments by the fuel injection system industry.

The fuel treatment brands Stanadyne and Power Service meet the requirements for the 2007 emissions systems. Other brands may also, but I haven't heard from them yet. If you buy a 2007 model year diesel and want to use a fuel treatment not mentioned here, find out whether it meets the new EPA & emissions system specs before using it.

Jim