Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Fuel labels

[Adam]

There are a few 24hr automated fuel centers (primarily for the big trucks) in the Fairbanks area that offer diesel fuel for a price 5-8 cents/gallon cheaper than anywhere else in town, but I'm not sure about the ratings on the pump. The pump labeled #2 diesel has two different ratings (two different hoses), #2+15 and #2-10. There's also a pump for straight #1 (which is even cheaper still). It's not yet winter, but with the temps dropping to the mid-teens, I want to make sure I don't have gelling problems. Can anyone explain these ratings to me?

Thanks,

Adam

 

[illflem]

The plus 10 and 15 are probably the percent #1 in the mix. Surprised they aren't offering straight #2 also. The stations in my area also have the gel point listed for each blend and change the blend as the temps drop. Straight #2 with additive has worked for me just fine down to -30°. You probably should be using an additive to lubricate your fuel system anyways, it's anti-gel properties will be a side benefit and also help keep down the worry factor.

 

[JR2]

Adam,

Good to see a fellow Alaskan on here. What illflem says is correct as far as I know. Does one pump really say #2-10 or was that susposed to be #2+10?? A quick call to the owners of the pumps would answer your ?? or you could hang out and ask one of the truckers filling up.



As for straight #2 in Alaska you are almost never going to see it, even in the summer. There is only one station I know of that has it and it is at the Y in Talkeenta... they have a heated tank and have it all year round. The rest of the stations I have seen all run a blend. The other thing to know about fuel in AK is that the additives for anti-gelling that the stations in the lower 48 use, don't work here due to some temp issues... like the fuel has to be above 75 degrees when the additive is added or it just does not mix right. So what folks say about #2 in the states does not apply up here. Also our fuel is VERY dry as in no lubrication properties at all... . its best to run some additive. The guys on the slope where I work buy Power Service in 55 gallon drums. I run it and somtimes styandyne, really any good quality additive will help. Walmart Power Service and Rotella DFA at good prices.



If you ever get towards Anchorage let me know, we have a little group of guys that meets. There are also a couple of members in Fairbanks... W. Daniels and Lakota if I remember correctly.

 

[Adam]

Thanks guys

Thanks for the responses guys, I appreciate the info. I've been running PS diesel fuel supplement in all my diesel engines from the day I buy 'em, so I'm not too worried about the lubricity issues. JR2, the pump does say #2-10 and #2+15. I'm wondering if the last numbers are the cloud point of the fuel. I just found out the station is owned by Sourdough Fuels, so I'll try to ask the attendant at one of the other stations if they can tell me what the numbers mean. This particular station also advertises a "premium diesel" product, but doesn't list any cetane numbers.

-Adam

 

[Adam]

Gel Points!

Talked to the company today, they said it was the fuel gel points. They also said their #1 was now in the tanks, and it doesn't gel till -60. I'm hoping it doesn't get that cold anytime soon, but at least I know what the numbers mean now.

-Adam