So what does everyone think about this article in the Anchorage Daily News???
Wednesday, Jan. 9, 2008
ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- Mechanics are reporting a major influx of diesel engine-related issues due to changes in the fuel's sulfur content.
The issues can amount to thousands of dollars in damage to a vehicle's engine.
Ryan Redington is accustomed to challenges. He's an Iditarod dog musher with more than three dozen dogs to take care of throughout the day.
"It's a lot of work but it's the thing I know of and I love it," he said.
Redington runs dogs in the most challenging circumstances. But his latest challenge is dealing with running his truck, a 2000 GMC model diesel truck.
Redeington says diesel is the fuel of choice by mushers because of its efficiency and cost. The fuel's fumes are also safer for their dogs.
But he says he still has his share of problems.
"Last time the fuel injector pump went out it was $3,300," Redington said. "Five months before that the fuel injector pump went out and it would have cost us $4,200 but there was a warrantee on the pump."
Russ Daly, who owns The Diesel Doctor in Wasilla, says business has increased about 50 percent recently. It's been good for him but, he says, it's not so good for the consumers.
"Altogether there are 11 vehicles waiting to get in to the shop," Daly said. "Almost all of them are with fuel injection problems."
Car and truck dealers and automotive repair shops like The Diesel Doctor want consumers to know the culprit behind the diesel fuel problems is new emissions regulations.
"Because of the new emissions regulations they've taken the sulfur out," A5 Star Automotive owner Cara Cobb said. "It's damaging components in the diesel engine because of lack of lubrication."
These shops say consumers with older-model trucks are not being informed of the issues.
They advise diesel owners to put additives in their fuel next time they fill up to keep engines lubricated. The diesel gas needs a dose with each fill up.
"When this doesn't get lubricated this injection pump itself, which injects the fuel to the injectors of your engine, this pump in here fails," Daly said.
Replacing the pump to meet new emissions standards is expensive but so is repairing it. The pump itself costs anywhere from $2,500 up to $3,500.
It's a simple case of supply and demand.
Symptoms include hard starts and hesitation. However, at times there is no warning when the fuel pump goes out.
Repair shops warn consumers to check with a diesel specialist or their own mechanic to determine what type of additive they should use in their vehicle.
Using the wrong additive could also cause damage.
Contact Maria Downey at
mdowney@ktuu.com
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