Diesel in Africa
 

Hi

We are travelling next year with a Mitsubishi L300 4WD Diesel the Eastcoast to Southafrica :D

Due to the restrictions in Germany the L300 has a diesel katalyt converter

Somebody told me I have to take this converter out, because there is too much Sulfur in the Diesel in Africa and I would get a problem .... :eek3:

What do you think, can somebody confirm this :helpsmilie:

Thanks
Thomas & Andrea

Hello!

I don't have exact answer to your question, but it might help.

On this link:

Top 100 countries with sulfur

You have seen, that South Africa is in the golden middle of this ranking (ofcourse, it depends on the gas stations...)

This year, I was in Iran with my Hyundai Terracan, also equiped with katalyt converter. Iran, you can see on the map, is even more problematic about sulfur in the diesel (I could also smell it on every gas station there). No problems at all. I think also, the fuel filter does prevent a lot to put the sulfur in the converter and the engine itself so if you change it properly, I think you should not have some problems around. If there will be some problems, you can still plug of the sensor of the kalalyt converter and drive on.

My biggest worries are more about the vehicle engine, than on converter. But too less sulfur like in Europe is also not good for the engine, cause it's too dry.

I hope it helps!

Best wishes!
Nejc

The catalyst will be damaged by high sulfur fuel. Whether that leads to a problem with engine performance can only be answered by a specialist in your particular vehicle i.e. a dealer. If you can remove the catalyst and later the electronics so the engine runs properly you should do it. Also use a high TBN (detergent) lube oil like Mobil Delvac XHP 10W40 or Shell Rimula R6M. Something in the ACEA E4/MB228.5 category. But only if the catalyst is gone!!
MB 228.5 - Multigrade engine oils (Specification 228.5) - Mercedes-Benz Specifications for Operating Fluids

Charlie