Diesel Fuel Quality

[Jimworld]

Has anyone noticed a difference in diesel quality and your mileage? I assumed that diesel #2 was all the same. When I need to fill up, I look on Gas buddy to find the cheapest fuel in the area. I found a station that is about a nickle a gallon cheaper than the next cheapest station but now my mileage has dropped below 20 MPG. I normally get around 21.

This is my 1st diesel truck. if there is a difference, what should I be looking for?

 

[MADDOG]

You're looking mostly for cetane rating differences and blends. Some fuel dispensed in winter is a blend of #1 & #2 which can have an impact on fuel quality and mileage.

There's a bit more to it than that. Here's a good article on the differences in diesel fuel:

https://www.progressivedairy.com/to...mechanics-corner-the-truth-about-diesel-fuels

 

[Jimworld]

You're looking mostly for cetane rating differences and blends. Some fuel dispensed in winter is a blend of #1 & #2 which can have an impact on fuel quality and mileage.

There's a bit more to it than that. Here's a good article on the differences in diesel fuel:

https://www.progressivedairy.com/to...mechanics-corner-the-truth-about-diesel-fuels

Thanks for the article. It was very informative. I don't think I have seen the cetane rating at any of the gas station I have been to. I know that the staff at the gas station will have no clue what cetane is or even how to spell it. In Southern California there is no need for a winterized blend, so that should not be the issue with my lower mileage. I next time I need fuel, I will go back to the name brand stations and see if the mileage goes back up.

 

[SHOOT2KILL]

You really never know. All you can do is trust the refinery blends the fuel properly, especially in the winter...Case in point...When I had my diesel trucks I always filled up at the same station because I knew they sold the most diesel fuel in the area. One day I went to fill up in mid january, stuck the nozzle in the truck, and sat in the truck till full. All of a sudden I hear the motor start to make a serious internal noise and proceed to shutdown. I jumped out of the truck and shut the nozzle off. I then pulled it out and gave it a quick squirt and saw the fuel coming out of the nozzle like a slushy snow cone. The fuel was gelled inside the underground tank. I poured some anti-gel in the tank and prcedded to try and start the truck again. After 3 attempts it finally started and smoked like an MF'r...After this ordeal I made a mental note that this would be the last of 5 diesels I would ever own...Obviously it wasn't the trucks fault, but all the other diesel related issues over the years like the stanadyne injector pumps I had to replace, it was time to go back to a gasser...

 

[MADDOG]

Take a good look at the diesel pump for a sticker when you return. I believe they have to post fuel ratings on the pump.