Diesel and Centane Content

MarkF48 · Sep 8, 2017

The place where I had bought diesel fuel for years for my tractor decided the cost of replacing his inground tanks was too much and quit selling fuel altogether, so I found another fairly place to buy it which is a major chain of gas stations in the Northeast. The most recent tank full I put in the tractor seems to be different in the respect the engine seems less 'responsive' when punching the accelerator pedal a bit... seems slightly slower coming up in RPM. First thing that comes to mind is the fuel filter might need a change, although the present one doesn't have a lot of hours on it. Tractor is starting OK and runs smooth with no skips, burps, or exhaust smoke.
Mostly wondering how consistent diesel fuel is regarding the grade/quality or Cetane level from different fuel dealers and if that might make a difference. On this tank full I had initially forgotten to add Power Service with added Cetane, but did add it later, but haven't run the tractor since adding it. Maybe the small 3 cylinder 1.1L engine may notice a difference in Cetane content more than a larger diesel engine(?)

CincyFlyer · Sep 8, 2017

Does the pump have the cetane number on it? I think it should (does around here). The cetane boosters, BTW, don't contain cetane (I think it's very expensive!) I just use the low-sulfur no-name "Premium Diesel" stuff at the gas station down the road, no issues in 100+ hours.

RNeumann · Sep 8, 2017

I've never noticed anything on my tractor but my Duramax tells me with every tank of fuel. Duramax will fluctuate 1-2 mpg depending on where I purchase. I also notice a change when they go to the winter blend. Also check sulfur content- it's typically posted. The new place may be using a different blend.

I am aware enough to know the local places I won't get fuel. I'm not aware enough to tell you specifically why.

Side note- my 1995 Toyota hates Shell. Seems I have to relearn that every year or so- it's the closest station to my house and I pass it every time. Mileage and performance drop.

George2615 · Sep 8, 2017

Is it possible your station has switched to a winter blend of diesel. Winter blend contains kerosene which has less energy or BTU content than straight diesel. In my area all you can buy is ULSD whether kero, diesel or home heating oil. My tractor as well as yours requires ULSD but I noticed a slight loss in power the first winter I used winter blend. It ran fine but did seem to lack power. I stopped buying winter blend diesel at the pump and get straight #2 home heating oil diesel delivered and add Power Service to the tank to prevent gelling and boost cetane. The past 2 winters the tractor power has been fine. I'm still using my original fuel filters at 200 plus hours. Try running the tractor around since adding the PS to get it mixed in and see if that helps. If power returns to where it was you've found the problem.

thepumpguysc · Sep 8, 2017

theres a new product on the market from DTECH.. bottle says it raises cetane by 8 POINTS.. YES.. 8 points..
I didn't believe it either but I read it on the bottle..
A fella at work put it in his daily driver Cummins pick up & said it took off like a rocket from a red light stop..

George2615 · Sep 8, 2017

thepumpguysc said:
theres a new product on the market from DTECH.. bottle says it raises cetane by 8 POINTS.. YES.. 8 points..
I didn't believe it either but I read it on the bottle..
A fella at work put it in his daily driver Cummins pick up & said it took off like a rocket from a red light stop..

Here's some info on DieselMax and DieselBoost from Dtech
Diesel Fuel Additive, DTech DieselBOOST Fuel Upgrade 16oz (treats 25 gal.) - DT233 - Enterprise Engine PerformanceEnterprise Engine Performance

CalG · Sep 8, 2017

C&P....................

Generally, diesel engines operate well with a CN from 40 to 55. Fuels with lower cetane number have longer ignition delays, providing more time for the fuel combustion process to be completed. Hence, higher speed diesel engines operate more effectively with higher cetane number fuels.

In Europe, diesel cetane numbers were set at a minimum of 38 in 1994 and 40 in 2000. The current[when?] standard for diesel sold in European Union, Iceland, Norway and Switzerland is set in EN 590, with a minimum cetane index of 46 and a minimum cetane number of 51. Premium diesel fuel can have a cetane number as high as 60.[2]

In North America, most states adopt ASTM D975 as their diesel fuel standard and the minimum cetane number is set at 40, with typical values in the 42-45 range. Premium diesels may or may not have higher cetane, depending on the supplier. Premium diesel often use additives to improve CN and lubricity, detergents to clean the fuel injectors and minimize carbon deposits, water dispersants, and other additives depending on geographical and seasonal needs.[citation needed]. California diesel fuel has a minimum cetane of 53.[3] Under the Texas Low Emission Diesel (TxLED) program there are 110 counties where diesel fuel must have a cetane number of 48 or greater, or else must use an approved alternative formulation or comply with the designated alternative limits.[4]

thepumpguysc · Sep 9, 2017

For those who don't know> DTECH is a division of Dipaco.. Dipaco is an aftermarket company that's been around for a while..
They make aftermarket gaskets, pump & injector installation kits.. Several years ago they started rebuilding 6.5L inj. pumps to compete w/ Stanadyne's piece of junk 6.5L electronic pump.. They were hundreds of $ cheaper than the Stanadyne exchange pump w/ a better warranty..
That's why you see the negative stories in the article.. BOTH Stanadyne & Dipaco did some "shady" things to each other inorder to keep & break into the market.. There is NO love loss there..
That being said.. if they make a superior product w/ scientific backing.. why not use it..??
Down here in the South, Stanadyne & Lucas were the only game in town.. Most field mechanics I know used Lucas to clean-up smoking/carboned injectors w/ immediate results out in the field.. I personally haven't had the pleasure of using the Dtech product yet so I cant comment on its performance.. but like I stated earlier, a fella at work did & loved it..

teg · Sep 9, 2017

I use over the road, 49 cetane... It's not much more money (for the amount I buy) so it gives me the warm fuzzy feeling that I want for my tractor. Call me stupid!

Looking forward to hear if I'm wasting my money or if it actually does give the tractor a little more ump'th!