Like most modern Diesel engines, the Volvo Penta D4 and D6 engine platform run high pressure common rail (HPCR) fuel systems. HPCR systems were first commercialized in the mid 1990's and gained popularity in the early turn of the century. Despite success in the European markets, the early systems were plagued by pump failures here in the United States and the American market grew weary of the technology. In February of 2003 competitors Robert Bosch, Delphi Diesel Systems, Denso Corporation, Siemens Automotive AG, and Stanadyne Automotive Corporation came together to give a presentation in the United States about the importance of raising the lubricity standard of American Diesel to meet the European standard, to increase the longevity of the HPCR components.
The Lubricity of an oil is measured using the High Frequency Reciprocating Rig (HFRR) method where a sample of the oil (Diesel) is used as lubricant between two moving pieces of metal for a set amount of time under a set amount of pressure and the scar/damage left behind is measured. The higher the HFRR number, the worse the scratches, and thus the lower the lubricity of the oil.
The Volvo D4 and D6 pump and injectors are manufactured by Bosch and Denso. Both companies asked that the US adopt a lubricity standard of 460 micrometers, as this is the standard in Europe where the pumps and injectors were developed and tested. Unfortunately the United States adopted the lubricity standard of only 520 micrometers, falling short of the manufacturer's requests.
So what does that mean for your Volvo Penta D4/D6 Marine engine here in the United States??? It means the Diesel fuel your injection pump and injectors is lubricated by doesn't have the lubricity the manufacturer designed it for and will wear prematurely. So how do we resolve that? With a fuel additive.
Look for an additive that raises the lubricity of your fuel. My favorite is Diesel Kleen by Power Service Products. It is available at Walmart, Tractor Supply, and other commonly found retailers. I have been adding this product to every piece of Diesel equipment I've owned for 25 years and have never had an injector or pump failure (knock on wood). The cost is negligible in comparison to the cost of owning a diesel vessel or the cost of replacement of pumps and injectors on said vessel.
Using an additive that raises the lubricity will diminish the wear on moving parts in your fuel system, extend the life of your system components, reduce the fuel burn, and increase the performance of your Volvo Penta Diesel engine.
What about the nay-sayers? You are going to run into many folks who say this is a waste of money. Upon questioning you will find most of these folks aren't very educated on the topic of fuel lubricity, HFRR testing, or the difference between the American standards and the European standards.
To read the presentation referenced, visit Here.
