I have a 2006 Isuzu Fleetline 2,5-litre diesel with a low-pressure turbo.
When nearing the recommended service interval I experienced a flat spot when accelerating in any gear. After the vehicle was serviced by the agents the flat spot disappeared.
Up to that point the vehicle was driven on 500 ppm diesel. At 30 000 km I started using 50 ppm diesel which costs 20 cents more per litre and is only available at certain garages and now, with 40 000 km on the odo, there is no sign of a flat spot.
Please fill us in on the benefits of using 50 ppm diesel, because I think the majority of diesel vehicle drivers are unaware of what they are.
CHRIS LOUW – By e-mail
The major advantage of 50 ppm diesel is that there is less sulphur in the fuel. The presence of sulphur leads to corrosion and wear because it promotes the formation of acids that attack the materials.
In addition, the efficiency of some exhaust after-treatment systems is reduced, or rendered permanently ineffective.
Isuzu does not specify that you have to use only 50 ppm in your engine, but it’s obviously a good idea. If one is forced to use 500 ppm diesel because of unavailability, then it will help to change engine oil more frequently.
The flat spot cannot be due to the use of 500 ppm diesel.
