Outer Limits 4x4 Board

During a recent discussion with a friend I was warned that the new low sulphur diesel will shorten the life of my Rocky's fuel pump. My response was that as it is almost 20 years old and has worked for 500,000 kms I was not overly worried if I needed to rebuild it, however does anyome have any information on this?

Have a read of this:

http://www.outerlimits4x4.com/PHP_Modul ... php?t=4091

Had a look at that link David. - Daihatsu deisel mors are made by the Dauhatsu Engine company which is not the same as Daihatsu/Toyota which build the cars and trucks. Belongs to a different Zaibatsu (Japanese business group) thays why the latest Daihatsu vehicles come with Toyota diesel motors.

Stil does not fully answer the question. Only time will tell hust how much a problem it is.

The impression I get from people up here in QLD where we have low sulphur diesel it that it can affect the seals on some early model engines.

It's not really as big a problem as it's made out to be.

When I took the pump in to get repaired the serviceman said Toyota and Daihatsu pumps are just badged by the car manufacturer and are usually made by another company. From memory I think they are made by "Delphi".

He had all the replacement parts sitting on the shelf, and heaps were replaced, so it must be a common unit. I was expecting the worse - you know - don't see many of them mate, will have to get them sent over from Japan - should only take about 8 weeks.
I could have even got a changeover unit straight off the shelf if I had wanted.

He hadn't seen any from Daihatsu's that had been affected by the new diesel, and he is one of the bigger places in Brisbane.

Most units being repaired were just leaking from age or poor fuel and people saw an opportunity to get them repaired for free. When he pulls them down they are full of rust like mine caused by water in the fuel. I got the bag of rusty bits to prove it.

Just for your interest my pump is off a 1992 model and on the side of the unit is a plate that has "Daihatsu L7" in big letters. You'll need a mirror to see the plate fully. So if yours is the same model you shouldn't have any problems with low sulphur diesel.

I reckon mine was caused by the previous owner because I have always changed the fuel filter on time, and never had to drain out water from the filter. At least with the CAV glass bowl type filter I installed I can see the colour and quality of my fuel. Gives me peace of mind being able to actually see the fuel - now if I could work out a way of tasting it as well that would be real good.

Stu

The change to low sulphur diesel a couple of years ago saw two methods of lowering sulphur levels. The two major suppliers in Qld (Bp and Caltex) used different methods. I believe BP used an additive that was harmful to fuel pump seals, ect, while Caltex didnt use this additive. BP paid for many fuel pumps to be overhauled in the period after its introduction. Be aware, BP also supplies to all Shell service stations. I only ever used Caltex/Ampol and never had any fuel pump leakage problems. I believe BP has now changed their method of lowering sulphur levels, hence no more problems, and no more of them paying for rebuilt pumps.