Diesel Fuel For 2007
Q: I recently began to notice stickers on the diesel fuel pumps warning that 2007 and later models cannot use the fuel without damaging their engines. So what do you do if you have a 2007 diesel? Do you have to get special fuel at special pumps? If all the pumps are changed to new fuel, will it work in older models? (Sounds like the old leaded-unleaded conversion.)
Roy C. Eberle, F336920
Libertytown, MD
A: Here’s a simplified answer to a complex issue. Diesel engines designed to meet the 2007 clean air standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will have added equipment such as exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), particulate traps, and catalytic exhaust treatment. These engines will require the use of ultra-low-sulfur diesel fuel (ULSD) to meet EPA sulfur particulate standards and to prevent damage to the added engine emission systems. The EPA required that ultra-low-sulfur fuel be made available for these new engines beginning June 1, 2006.
Older diesel engines can run on the ULSD fuel with no adverse consequences. However, the new 2007 engines cannot run on the higher-sulfur fuel without incurring damage to the engine equipment and non-compliance to the 2007 standards. It will be the operators’ responsibility to use the ULSD fuel in 2007 diesel engines to prevent damage to the emission control equipment.
Although testing is ongoing, don’t let the above information frighten you away from a 2007 diesel-engine coach. In an emergency “” such as no available ULSD “” one or two tankloads will not permanently damage the emissions equipment. I’m told that you should be able to clean the particulate traps and perhaps may be forced to replace the catalytic exhaust components earlier (less mileage) than you would by using only ULSD.
Traveling to Canada should not present any problems, since it is following the EPA’s requirement for ULSD. You may run into problems in Mexico, though, since it has not finalized its fuel requirements at this time.
Rubber Rotation
Q: I have seen many articles about maintaining the proper tire pressure. However, I have never seen anything about rotation of motorhome tires. Because of the difference between the front wheel hubs and the two different dual hubs, the tires cannot be easily rotated. To rotate the tire in the same pattern as recommended for cars would require dismounting and remounting and rebalancing each tire. This is a large expense if done as often as recommended for car tires. The other option is to rotate straight across (right to left, left to right) to same position (inside to inside, outside to outside). The problem with this is that now the tire will be running in the opposite direction. I have been told that once these big tires get broken in running in one direction, they should always run in the same direction. What is your recommendation for tire rotation? Some tire dealers have told me not to rotate the tires, just replace the ones that wear out first.
Chuck and Cecile Chartrey, F353994
Hillsboro, Oregon
A: Start by checking your motorhome owners manual for the manufacturer’s recommendations regarding tire rotation. Check with the tire manufacturer as well. Each of the tire manufacturers has slightly different recommendations when it comes to rotation.
Usually rotations are prompted by irregular wear patterns on the steering tires. A representative from Toyo commented that if you don’t see irregular wear, then there is no reason to pay for the dismounts and remounts involved in rotation. Michelin literature also indicates that maintaining correct air pressure and proper alignment may eliminate the need for tire rotation. And, as Goodyear literature recommends, if uneven wear is detected, the best course of action is to have the coach checked for misalignment, imbalance, or other mechanical problems before the rotation.
The Toyo representative I spoke with noted that for a coach with dual rear wheels, generally speaking, the best thing to do is to rotate two tires off of the same rear wheel position to the front. They should have the same diameter and tread depth. If you rotate the spare into the mix, you then have tires with different tread depths and diameters on the same axle, so this is not recommended. Tire care information on the Michelin Web site (www.michelinrvtires.com) does not specify any particular rotation pattern, but Michelin does recommend including the spare in the rotation process.
It is important to note that as the tires are being rotated, they should be inspected for any signs of fatigue, cracking, etc. It is especially important not to put marginal tires on a steering axle. Also, be sure the correct lug nut tightening sequence is followed and the proper lug nut torque is applied on each wheel.
NADA Guides
Q: I just read an article in which the author suggested www.nadaguides.com as a place where one could research the value of a motorhome. I tried but was unsuccessful in finding information for RVs at that Web site. Can you help or refer me to someone who can?
Richard G. Holmes, F247402
Santa Maria, California
A: I just accessed www.nadaguides.com, clicked on “Recreation Vehicles,” and was asked for a zip code. I entered my zip code and what looked like hundreds of listings popped up! You might want to try again; perhaps there was a glitch in your server when you tried earlier.