Cummins is urging fleets and operators of near-vintage equipment to strictly adhere to engine fuel specifications following a temporary Environmental Protection Agency emergency waiver in Texas, warning that using incorrect fuel will void engine warranties.
"Cummins is aware of the temporary EPA waiver and continues to recommend that customers follow the fuel specifications outlined for their engines and equipment," the company said in a statement to CCJ. "Failure to use the approved fuel (maximum 15ppm sulfur diesel fuel for Tier 4 and 2007 and newer engines) can damage the engine and aftertreatment system."
Failures attributable to the use of incorrect fuels, the company told CCJ, will be denied warranty coverage. "We will continue to provide guidance to customers as appropriate," Cummins said.
The EPA issued the temporary fuel waiver Oct. 5 in response to a request from Texas Governor Greg Abbott. The federal action lifts State Implementation Plan TX-Low Emissions Diesel (TXLED) standards and ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD) requirements for 20 days, allowing the production and sale of higher sulfur diesel (up to 500 ppm) to mitigate supply shortages.
Texas is also among the states that have approved dyed diesel for use in on-highway vehicles.
While the waiver aims to alleviate diesel supply disruptions driven by Middle Eastern geopolitical conflicts and tight national refining capacity, it is strictly limited to older highway vehicles built prior to the 2007 model year and off-road equipment utilizing Tier 1, Tier 2, or Tier 3 engines.
Modern engines equipped with diesel particulate filters or catalytic emission control systems must continue utilizing standard 15 ppm ULSD to prevent serious damage.
The EPA waiver remains effective through Oct. 24, though federal officials indicated they stand ready to extend the measure if market conditions require.
