Truck and engine OEMs are warning fleets and truckers to adhere to engine fuel specifications following a temporary Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) emergency waiver in Texas, cautioning that using incorrect fuel will void engine warranties and likely cause damage.
The EPA issued the temporary fuel waiver Oct. 5 in response to a request from Texas Governor Greg Abbott. The federal action lifts State Implementation Plan TX-Low Emissions Diesel (TXLED) standards and ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD) requirements for 20 days, allowing the production and sale of higher sulfur diesel (up to 500 ppm) to mitigate supply shortages.
"Cummins is aware of the temporary EPA waiver and continues to recommend that customers follow the fuel specifications outlined for their engines and equipment," the company said in a statement to CCJ. "Failure to use the approved fuel (maximum 15ppm sulfur diesel fuel for Tier 4 and 2007 and newer engines) can damage the engine and aftertreatment system."
The waiver is strictly limited to older, pre-emissions trucks built prior to the 2007 model year, and off-road Tier 1, Tier 2, or Tier 3 engines.
Modern engines equipped with diesel particulate filters or catalytic emission control systems must continue utilizing standard 15 ppm ULSD to prevent serious damage.
High-sulfur diesel fuel ruins modern emissions aftertreatment systems through catalyst poisoning, chemical fouling, sulfuric acid corrosion, and thermal degradation.
Failures attributable to the use of incorrect fuels, Cummins told CCJ, will be denied warranty coverage. "We will continue to provide guidance to customers as appropriate," Cummins said.
Similarly, in a statement to CCJ, International Motors noted that it only approves the use of fuels that meet applicable EPA fuel requirements and ASTM D975 specifications for ULSD (15 ppm sulfur maximum), and any applicable fuel specifications in the S13 Operation and Maintenance Manual.
"Damage resulting from the use of fuels that do not meet applicable EPA fuel requirements and ASTM D975 specifications, including damage to emissions-control components, may affect warranty coverage," the company said. "All warranty determinations will be made under the applicable warranty terms and conditions."
Engine fuel must meet the requirements outlined in our fluids and fuel guidelines, including ASTM D975 specifications, echoed Daimler Truck North America.
Mack, Volvo and Paccar did not respond before publication.
Texas is also among the states that have approved dyed diesel for use in on-highway vehicles. There are no warranty or maintenance concerns with red diesel, as it is chemically identical to clear ULSD and meets ASTM D975 specifications.
The EPA waiver for Texas is effective through Oct. 24, though federal officials indicated they stand ready to extend the measure if market conditions require.
