Diesel Kleen plus Cetane Boost Recommended?

[AH64ID]

Cetane number is not a measure or indication of the heating value (BTU) of diesel fuel and has little if any affect on engine power output. The measure of diesel fuel heating value, or sometimes called energy content is API gravity. Typical #2 diesel fuels have about 35 API gravity. Lower than 35 API gravity the fuel would have higher heating value, higher than 35 API would mean lower heating value. Higher heating value fuels usually result in better fuel economy.
Cetane number as defined by ASTM is a measure of the auto-ignition characteristic of the fuel. It works something like this in a Diesel engine: when fuel is injected into the cylinder it must evaporate, mix with air, before burning and expansion of gases can occur. This process takes time (crank angle) and is produced by the heat of compression of air only. This is called heterogeneous combustion. Compare this to a spark ignition gasoline engine where air and fuel are introduced into the cylinder pre-mixed and are ignited by a spark plug. This is called homogeneous combustion. Therefore, a high cetane number would be a low octane number fuel. Cetane and octane are numerical ratings of the auto-ignition characterics of diesel fuel and gasoline respectively. They are basically opposite ends of a spectrum. Diesel engine manufacturers typically require 40-45 cetane fuel for their engines. ASTM D-975 is sometimes referenced. When diesel engine manufacturers discuss cetane number their concern is adequate cetane rating for satisfactory cold start ability.
Respectfully,

Old thread...

While Cetane itself is not a measurement of BTU's it is an indicator. The process in which fuel is refined to increase Cetane will decrease the BTU content. It's a direct correlation.

This is a chart I've seen in several papers and kicking around. As you can see as Cetane increases so does the API, which means a lower BTU content.

Increased Cetane is good in certain applications, but an increase in Cetane isn't always the best thing as a general rule. I like it in winter under certain low temp/low load/low rpm uses, but with normal loads/rpms the benefit to increased Cetane diminishes after starting.

 

[MN12valve]

“Old thread...” What does that mean?

I’m not sure how old your graph is but it looks like one that was developed based on what oil refiners call “straight run distlllates” That is, lower boiling point parafinic crudes have higher cetane and lower heating value. No argument there. Just like typical #1 diesel fuels have lower boiling points and lower heating value and higher cetane than typical #2 diesel fuels. However, there are very few straight run distillate diesel fuels these days. However, diesel fuel chemistry has changed with the removal of sulfur, removal of aromatic content, and in many areas of the Country additions of biofuels. These factors have a significant affect on distillation range (boiling points), cetane, and energy content of the fuel. ASTM calls out two test procedures for cetane. ASTM D-976 is the calculated method (referred to as cetane index) use the mid-boiling point and API gravity in the equation. The calculated method is used today as a “screening” test for cetane, but because of the large differences in the hydrocarbon make-up (paraffins, aromatics, saturates) of crudes these days a +or- three cetane numbers is accepted for cetane index values. ASTM D-613 is cetane determination by running test fuels against reference fuels in an adjustable compression ratio engine. This test is done only when precise cetane determinations are needed mostly because it is an expensive test to run.
I am fortunate to have participated in accelerated durability tests with a major Diesel engine manufacturer (not Cummins). The test fuels we used were tested only for API gravity. The only engine power output differences we saw was when API gravity was different for those test fuels. Lastly, I have never seen any analytical test data by cetane additive suppliers that proved their additive did anything to cetane values. If you believe their MSDS sheet the only thing than the additive did was lower the energy content of the fuel it was added to. Based on this information I would have to label these additives “snake oil” as far as increasing cetane number.

 

[nibroc]

AGREE

I would be less inclined to use additives with DPF equipped units.

AGREE...........

 

[Newsa]

duesel clean + cetane boost is popular but nobody really knows what is best.

Here is an opinion supported by unofficial research.

https://justalittlefurther.com/just.../9/1/blue-view-do-cetane-boosters-really-work

 

[ofelas]

Nice read.

I've found cetane boosters do best on unloaded diesels in cold weather, otherwise it's actually a mileage hit.

It's why I use Amsoil's straight diesel injector clean/lube, rather than their All In One, or Stanadyne Perf, or Power Service.

The only cetane boosting additive I like is Schaeffer's All Season SoyShield; they don't go overboard, and the mileage hit is within the margin of error.

 

[AH64ID]

I try to avoid cetane boost myself, aside from that cold unloaded use I get a couple times a year.

 

[ofelas]

With our statements, you know the Stanadyne & Power Service hordes are incoming John.

 

[Ozymandias]

Diesel KLEEN is now recommended by Cummins.

 

[ofelas]

Naturally. Just like with Valvoline oil & now wipers, royalties work.

Valvoline wiper blades work best on Cummins powered vehicles, is what the marketing card states at my local Cummins counter.

I'm sure we'll soon see Fleetgard branded card locks if the bean counters so acertain.

 

[Ozymandias]

https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170510005497/en/Cummins-Officially-Recommends-Power-Service®-Diesel-Kleen

It is a little bit more behind then just a print on a business card on the parts counter.

 

[jhenderson]

https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170510005497/en/Cummins-Officially-Recommends-Power-Service®-Diesel-Kleen

It is a little bit more behind then just a print on a business card on the parts counter.

Not really. Much the same as Premium Blue oil. Cummins recommends it because they have a marketing deal with Valvoline. Same with Power Service. Preferred display area at the dealer along with manufacturers official OK gets the dealer a great price break on the product.

 

[Newsa]

Not really. Much the same as Premium Blue oil. Cummins recommends it because they have a marketing deal with Valvoline. Same with Power Service. Preferred display area at the dealer along with manufacturers official OK gets the dealer a great price break on the product.

Ram dealers don't advertise or use either Valvoline or Power Service products. Maybe Cummins dealers do? But since Cummins only sells their engines to truck makers like Peterbuilt, Kenworth, and Freightliner as well as Ag and generator equipment makers, I would think there are few strictly Cummins dealerships. Maybe Cummins repair shops? But what would they need with Powerservice products?

 

[JR]

But what would they need with Powerservice products?

Because it's a great selling point for every hipster with a Megatron that walks through the doors of AutoZone, O'Reilly's, Walmart, etc.

The endorsement isn't intended for the small market that utilizes a dealership. It's intended for the people with 10, 15, 20- yr old trucks or equipment. That audience is much larger.

 

[Newsa]

Because it's a great selling point for every hipster with a Megatron that walks through the doors of AutoZone, O'Reilly's, Walmart, etc.

The endorsement isn't intended for the small market that utilizes a dealership. It's intended for the people with 10, 15, 20- yr old trucks or equipment. That audience is much larger.

I fail to understand how Cummins benefits from that

 

[MarkEagleUSA]

I fail to understand how Cummins benefits from that

Because they're essentially selling advertising space.

 

[w6pea]

I read in Overdrive and Work Truck and also in an RV Magazine my wife get's that Cummins recommends Power Service Additive.

 

[mwilson]

Ram dealers don't advertise or use either Valvoline or Power Service products. Maybe Cummins dealers do? But since Cummins only sells their engines to truck makers like Peterbuilt, Kenworth, and Freightliner as well as Ag and generator equipment makers, I would think there are few strictly Cummins dealerships. Maybe Cummins repair shops? But what would they need with Powerservice products?

I think you are trying to make sense of this in car dealer terms.

Essentially I’m a Cummins dealer. Why?

Because DTNA offers Cummins as an engine choice. We have to be trained and certified in parts and service for any model Cummins engine used in a DTNA product.
We can perform service on any Cummins engine models used in on Highway applications including warranty repairs. Except Ram of course...
We can work on off highway applications as well but cannot provide any warranty repairs.


So add up all Cummins certified truck dealers, equipment dealers, marine dealers, etc.. across the United States alone. We are brick and mortar for Cummins along with their locations.

That makes a built in distribution network for the Power Service / Cummins deal....

I have not checked the pricing as I get my Power Service from a different source...

 

[w6pea]

I found this on the Power Service Web Site.

https://powerservice.com/?utm_sourc...213401&rl_retarget=1&rl_track_landing_pages=1

 

[w6pea]

From what I have read it seems to be endorsed for use in Cummins Diesel Engines by Cummins .

 

[JR]

I fail to understand how Cummins benefits from that

You fail to understand how a company benefits from selling a product with their name on it that they have no overhead or R&D in?