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         STRBE-VF                                                   14 September 1990


         SU3JECT:  Fuel Advisory `(~essage Regarding Use of "DF-4/4-D" Diesel Fuel


         1.  Reference 2 September 1990 report on a Patriot 150 KW Generator failure
         occurring in Saudi Arabia.

         2.  Reference 1 reported that DF-4 diesel fuel was used in Patriot system
         generators causing a failure of a 150 KW turbine engine in one instance and
         clogged. nozzles, increased engine maintenance in other cases.

         3,  The purpose of this message is to provide guidance as to proper fuels
         which should be used for Operation Desert Shield.

         4.  Army procedures regarding fuels utilization prescribe DF-2 diesel fuel
         (Federal Specification vv-F-800) as the primary fuel for all diesel/compression-
         ignition and turbine engine powered ground materiel.  In overseas theaters
         however, the Single Fuel on the Battlefield policy (i.e., DoD Directive 4140.43)
         is to be followed wherein either JP-8 (MIL~T"83l33) or JP-5 (MIL-T-5624) become
         the primary fuel unless waived by the Unified Command.

         5.  VV-F-800 does not include a Grade DF-4; however, commercial heavier dis-
         tillate fuels are usually available and are described under the US industry
         standard for diesel fuels (ASTh D975) as 4-D diesel fuel.  These fuels are
         primarily intended for low-to-medium speed diesel engines such as found in
         large rail- roads or stationary/marine applications.

 *       6.  These heavier distillate fuels such as 4-D (or the DF-4 reportedly used
         in Saudi Arabia) are not acceptable substitutes for the primary fuel DF-2,
         but instead are to be used only as emergency fuels.  Heavier fuels such as
         4-D or DF-4 are not recommended to be used.  Their major property differences
         when compared to DF-2 and effects on engine systems are briefly summarized.


                   PROP~RTY DIFFERENC~                       EFFECT ON ENGINE(s)

           Significantly Increased Viscosity             Produces abnormal fuel injection
                                                         spray patterns affecting combus~~on
                                                         and power.  Fouling and sticking
                                                         of injectors will occur.

 *         Significantly Higher Fuel Sulfur              Produces higher wear rates
                                                         of all oil-wetted engine parts
                                                         and rapidly depletes oil additives.
                                                         Particularly critical for two-cycle
                                                         diesel engines that will rapidly
                                                         experience ring-sticking/cylinder
                                                         scuffing problems.  Also causes
                                                         liner distress in turbine com-
                                                         bustors.


                                    G-23

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