Possible Effects of Low Sulfur Diesel Fuel in Locomotives Available to Purchase

Diesel fuel with a maximum of 500 parts per million sulfur became mandatory for United States railroads in June 2007, with another reduction to 15 parts per million expected by 2012. These levels are significantly lower than the pre-2007 level of 5000 parts per million maximum. The use of these fuels will have several effects on locomotive engine operation, some good, some bad, and some merely different. This paper examines the possible effects of lower sulfur diesel fuel on locomotive engine operation, shares experiences from other parts of the world when lower sulfur fuel was introduced, and speculates on possible subsequent changes, including lubricant composition and the use of fuel-borne additives.