Lubricity Protection - Life Extension for Diesel Engines
Engines are among the most valuable components of any vehicle or machinery. Protecting them from excessive wear is essential to avoid costly repairs and maintain performance. One of the key factors in engine protection is ensuring a strong lubricity package in the fuel system. This is especially important when using ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD), which can increase wear on fuel system components. Understanding why a strong lubricity package matters can help you extend the life of your engine and reduce maintenance costs.
Why ULSD Increases Engine Wear
Ultra-low sulfur diesel was introduced to reduce harmful emissions and improve air quality. While it achieves these goals, ULSD has a lower natural lubricity compared to traditional diesel fuels. Lubricity refers to the fuel’s ability to reduce friction between moving parts. Without sufficient lubricity, critical engine components such as fuel pumps and injectors experience increased wear.
This wear can lead to:
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Premature failure of piston rings, piston cylinders fuel pumps and injectors
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Reduced fuel efficiency
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Loss of engine power
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Increased maintenance and replacement costs
Engines rely on tight cylinder compression for optimal performance. Excessive wear caused by poor lubricity can compromise this compression, leading to reduced engine life, performance and higher operating costs.
How Clean Fire's Strong Lubricity Package Protects Your Engine
Clean Fire's lubricity package includes additives that restore or enhance the lubricating properties of ULSD. These additives form a protective film on metal surfaces within the fuel system, reducing friction and wear. This protection is crucial for maintaining the integrity of fuel pumps and injectors.
Key benefits of Clean Fire's lubricity package include:
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Extended component life: Fuel pumps and injectors last longer, reducing the frequency of replacements.
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Maintained engine performance: Tight cylinder compression is preserved, ensuring efficient combustion and power output.
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Lower maintenance costs: Fewer repairs and replacements mean less downtime and expense.
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Improved fuel efficiency: Reduced friction helps the engine run smoothly, saving fuel over time.
For example, fleets that use diesel fuel with enhanced lubricity additives report fewer injector failures and longer intervals between maintenance. This translates to significant savings and less disruption to operations.
The Cost of Neglecting Lubricity
Ignoring the importance of lubricity can lead to costly consequences. Fuel pumps and injectors are precision parts that can cost thousands of dollars to replace. Frequent replacements not only increase expenses but also cause downtime that affects productivity.
In addition, poor lubricity can cause uneven wear that reduces cylinder compression. This leads to lower engine power and higher fuel consumption, further increasing operating costs. Over time, the cumulative effect of poor lubricity can shorten the overall lifespan of your engine.
