Diesel Fuel- Quality And Function - Volvo FM Handbook

Ensure the area around the filler opening and the filler
cap is clean when refueling. Take care to filter fuel
being taken from your own tank or drum and make
sure all receptacles are clean.
Diesel fuel— quality and function
General quality requirements
The composition of fuel plays a vital role in the
function, service life and emission spectrum of an
engine. In order to achieve specified levels of
performance with regard to power and fuel economy
and to fulfil emission requirement legislation, only
fuel fulfilling legal requirements and national and
international standards may be used. These standards
are the minimum requirements for commercial fuel
and are frequently prepared in consultation with the oil
companies and the automotive industry. Examples are:
• EN590 (with nationally adapted cold requirements)
• ASTM D 975 No 1–D and 2–D
• JIS KK 2204
Some countries have more stringent demands for
environmental reasons than is required by the basic
standards, such as in the following countries:
• Sweden – Environmental class 1 and 2
• Finland – So called City-diesel
• Denmark – Special qualities for buses and
distribution vehicles
• California – CARB specification
These fuels exhibit better exhaust emissions than
standard fuels and can therefore be recommended.
They may give slightly lower engine power and a
slight increase in fuel consumption.
Sulphur content
The sulphur content of diesel fuels should be as low as
possible. Sulphur is converted to sulphur dioxide in
the engine and is then converted to sulphuric acid in
Maintenance 531
Note!
The injection equipment must not
be adjusted to compensate for any
loss of power.