Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > 4 wheels > 4 wheel Overland Travel
4 wheel Overland Travel NON-technical 4 wheel forum, for subjects specific to TRAVEL with 4 (or more!) wheeled vehicles. e.g. Driving Techniques, Shipping etc.
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 16 Mar 2011
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Sydney
Posts: 23
Low Sulfur Diesel Fuel

I hope you’re enjoying your various trips, I’m certainly getting vicarious pleasure from reading all your blogs (and those of the bikers too).

I plan to do a RTW trip staring mid next year, driving a diesel-powered vehicle that requires Low Sulfur fuel (in accordance with the Euro4 Standard of <50 ppm particulate matter).

The manufacturer of the vehicle has advised that “…there is NO WAY to remove or adjust the system, the electronics will tell the engine to go straight into limp or shut off mode if there is any tampering OR use of non low diesel sulphur fuel.”

I’d be grateful to hear from anyone on the ground in South America, in Africa, and everywhere east of (and including) Turkey as to the availability of Low Sulfur diesel.

I found a couple of discussions in HUBB re the need to change filters etc more frequently than otherwise and that doesn’t trouble me – my concern is that Mitsubishi will have programmed the engine to shut down if LS fuel is not used.

Looking forward to encouraging replies,
Cheers,
DickyBeach, Sydney

Last edited by DickyBeach; 13 Jun 2011 at 03:52.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 17 Mar 2011
Chris Scott's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,911
I believe you have hit on a key problem of overlanding with modern low-emission diesel engines (some ULSDs need <15ppm), though I suspect Mitsubishi may be exaggerating a bit to to cover themselves. In the long term running HSD certainly won't do the filtration gear any good but the latest ULSD engines are said to be more responsive to varying sulphur levels.

As for availability, the maps here will show it's a pretty small world for overlanding at < 50ppm. In Ecuador it can be >5000ppm!

See also this 2009 report

It may be simpler to buy an old Troopie, or ironically petrol engines can now be a simpler choice with regards to fuel quality as UNL is now said to be fairly widespread RTW.

Ch
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 18 Mar 2011
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Sydney
Posts: 23
Thanks Chris,

Plan 'B' is to look for a suitable second-hand "campervan" that is not constrained to Low Sulfur fuel and Plan 'C' is to drive a petrol LandCruiser and tow an off-road caravan behind me - for obvious reasons I'd much prefer a single unit solution.

Bummer.
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Fuel bladder... to carry that essential extra fuel! maria41 Equipping the Bike - what's the best gear? 38 23 Jun 2009 04:28
Fuel injection, Dakars running on bad fuel? bikerfromsark BMW Tech 2 31 Oct 2006 02:41
Quick disconnect for fuel line on fuel injected bike? Ekke BMW Tech 3 9 Mar 2004 21:40
Who has fitted in-line fuel filters to a fuel-injected bike? nick_horley BMW Tech 1 20 Feb 2004 07:01
No Diesel?! Roy&Doede North Africa 2 3 Jun 2002 22:12

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-15
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 20:51.