Nikasil and Sulfur!
03-28-2003, 01:25 PM
#1
Three Wheelin'
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Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Northern Kentucky
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Nikasil and Sulfur!
We have all heard the BWM Nikasil engine horror stories regarding the high sulfur content here in the US fuels. I did some calling around, and got some data for thought.
Europe has a current sulfur limit standard of 150 ppm and will be dropping to 50 ppm next year and finally to 10 ppm by 2006
The US has a current maximum of 500 ppm, but I was told the fuel could have as much as 1000 ppm here in the states. All US fuel will be required to have an average of 30 ppm by 2006 with specific readings not to exceed about 150 ppm. California fuel is already down to the 30 ppm level the rest of us need to go to by 2006.
The best news of all (for me at least) is the fuel which is used here in Cincinnati has a sulfur content of 120 to 160 ppm. Here in No. Kentucky we use RFG and its values were the same for sulfur. RFG is supposed to be real *hitty for holding octane up there. Note, these values were only for super unleaded only. The regular unleaded here has as much as 250-400 ppm....stay away!
What I have concluded from all this:
Run the Nikasil bore on super unleaded non-RFG fuel from Ohio until 2006, then I have no more worries about the surface taking a dive because of high sulfur content in the gasoline.
So how did all those motorcycle and 911 engines last for so long on high sulfur fuels in the US? Sounds fishy to me, but it is always good to dig in and get the real facts.
Recall, BMW had serious issues with their latest and greatest M3 engine, I believe it had a lot to do with bearings in the lower end.
My gut tells me they had a serious process issue with their Nikasil blocks resulting in poor wear charachteristics. Ironic how they still use Nikasil on all their Motorcycle engines. I have a friend here at Sweeny BWM who is up on the real issue. I'll post more as I know more.
Europe has a current sulfur limit standard of 150 ppm and will be dropping to 50 ppm next year and finally to 10 ppm by 2006
The US has a current maximum of 500 ppm, but I was told the fuel could have as much as 1000 ppm here in the states. All US fuel will be required to have an average of 30 ppm by 2006 with specific readings not to exceed about 150 ppm. California fuel is already down to the 30 ppm level the rest of us need to go to by 2006.
The best news of all (for me at least) is the fuel which is used here in Cincinnati has a sulfur content of 120 to 160 ppm. Here in No. Kentucky we use RFG and its values were the same for sulfur. RFG is supposed to be real *hitty for holding octane up there. Note, these values were only for super unleaded only. The regular unleaded here has as much as 250-400 ppm....stay away!
What I have concluded from all this:
Run the Nikasil bore on super unleaded non-RFG fuel from Ohio until 2006, then I have no more worries about the surface taking a dive because of high sulfur content in the gasoline.
So how did all those motorcycle and 911 engines last for so long on high sulfur fuels in the US? Sounds fishy to me, but it is always good to dig in and get the real facts.
Recall, BMW had serious issues with their latest and greatest M3 engine, I believe it had a lot to do with bearings in the lower end.
My gut tells me they had a serious process issue with their Nikasil blocks resulting in poor wear charachteristics. Ironic how they still use Nikasil on all their Motorcycle engines. I have a friend here at Sweeny BWM who is up on the real issue. I'll post more as I know more.
03-28-2003, 09:48 PM
#3
Rennlist Member
If I am not mistaken, old late 70 and early 80's 930 nikasil engines lasted about 30K between re-jugging....
If it works well in johns engine at 14 lbs boost, then it should be a go for us all!
Regards,
Marc
Marc
If it works well in johns engine at 14 lbs boost, then it should be a go for us all!
Regards,
Marc
Marc
