ULSD and engine gaskets

[Bernie Dobrin]

Our Cummins ISL engine was one of the early ISLs, during the days of
Low Sulphur Diesel. When Ultra Low Sulphur Diesel came out a couple of
years later, that became an issue for older engines with the fear that
the ULSD would deteriorate the gaskets in the engines. Well sure enough,
just before my engine's 5th birthday (still in Cummins warranty) the
lift pump failed due to the gasket. Last winter, now with an 8 year old
engine, I suddenly started going thru engine oil like there was a hole
in it. Never saw any puddling or anything indicating a leak but I added
about 1 1/2 gallons of oil in a 2 month period. Took it into my local
Spartan chassis shop and they determined a leaking valve cover gasket.
Replaced that and haven't used a drop since. We did about 3,000 miles
this summer and didn't use a drop. I wonder if all the engine gaskets
are suspect.

Anyways, if you have an older Cummins engine, particularly one that has
had the lift pump replaced, watch your oil level carefully.

[Wally Clark]

What year is your engine?
 
> Date: Wed, 1 Sep 2010 13:25:43 -0700
> From: ber...@dobrin.com
> To: travelsupreme_...@googlegroups.com
> Subject: ULSD and engine gaskets

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[Bernie Dobrin]

On 9/1/2010 4:58 PM, Wally Clark wrote:
> What year is your engine?

Wally

Built in Dec., 2001 or Jan., 2002, +/-.

Bernie Dobrin/AZ
We Travel Supreme in our '02 TSDP, pulling an '06 Chevy HHR
If you tow, it must be PressurePro
When we're there, home is Goodyear, AZ

[Nomadac]

When Ultra Low Sulphur Diesel came out a couple of
years later, that became an issue for older engines with the fear
that
the ULSD would deteriorate the gaskets in the engines.

I'm not sure the diesel fuel would have any impact on gaskets leaking.

. Last winter, now with an 8 year old engine, I suddenly started
going thru engine oil like there was a hole in it. Never saw any
puddling or anything indicating a leak but I added about 1 1/2 gallons
of oil in a 2 month period.

Sounds like the oil was being burned internally, which was the opinion
of the Cummins Rep. I just talked while I was confirming the date of
mfg. of my engine.My ISC was built April 17, 2002 and has not had any
lift pump problems or oil consumption to date. He implied if gaskets
failing due to ULSD Cummins would evaluate having a recall to correct
this issue.

Spartan chassis shop and they determined a leaking valve cover
gasket.
Replaced that and haven't used a drop since. We did about 3,000 miles
this summer and didn't use a drop. I wonder if all the engine gaskets
are suspect.

I never saw a valve cover gasket that was leaking that did not show
lots of oil on the block and dripping. On most engines it would run
down onto the exhaust manifold and smoke.

Anyways, if you have an older Cummins engine, particularly one that
has
had the lift pump replaced, watch your oil level carefully.

Checking you oil level is always a good practice.