Hmmm, diesel specs vary state to state?

[steved]

OK, just read this in the latest TDR Mag... they state 50% of the states adopted the ASTM standard, but that the others either adopt their own standards or don't have one...



I am quite intrigued by this statement and was wondering if anyone has run onto a site (or multiples) that might shed some light on each state's diesel fuel spec requirement??? I'd like to know if the fuel I'm getting at state X is worth me bypassing for state Y's fuel... you know, sorta run the best stuff you can??



steved

 

[steved]

Anyone?? I know I'm not the only one...





steved

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

All I know Steve, is that based upon earlier testing Bosch did in random samples from California stations, diesel fuel quality and spec were all over the map - usually very SUBstandard in more than one category!



What "intrigues" me, is the notion that all those issues are now magically cured with the new ULSD... :-laf :-laf

 

[steved]

All I know Steve, is that based upon earlier testing Bosch did in random samples from California stations, diesel fuel quality and spec were all over the map - usually very SUBstandard in more than one category!



What "intrigues" me, is the notion that all those issues are now magically cured with the new ULSD... :-laf :-laf

Yeah, I'm not to sure that the ULSD isn't what's causing my "water" issue... I am still draining water from my FASS everytime I drive it... only recently did I get marked ULSD.



I was just wondering about the fuel state-by-state because if I had the choice, I would preferentially bypass fuel stops in places where they had poor fuel standards to begin with (even though that in itself is no guarantee you are getting good fuel)...



steved

 

[mhenon]

Just fill up at the busiest truck stops you can find. If a station has bad fuel the word gets around fast.

Mike

 

[steved]

Just fill up at the busiest truck stops you can find. If a station has bad fuel the word gets around fast.

Mike

Umm yeah, and by doing that exact thing, a fill up at a flying J netted me 2 quarts of water from a single tank of fuel... while I agree with you that theory normally holds true... I found that you can still get burnt... just be careful.



I'm wondering if the water I am experiencing now is a byproduct of ULSD as I never had this trouble before ULSD???



And looking for the busiest truck stop doesn't always mean the fuel is within any spec either... if the entire state sells poor quality fuel, then you could potentially get poor quality fuel from a busy truck stop... see my point?





steved

 

[mhenon]

I know what you mean but don't see any way to figure out who has the best grade D#2... . ULSD or not.

All of our fuel here in SW Idaho comes up a pipeline from Utah and I imagine it supplies Nevada, SE Oregon, parts of Wyoming, etc. . There's no way to get around it so the best you can do is fill up at a high volume station.

Worst fuel I've got is in the mid-west (Iowa, Mn, Mo). Had to change filter 3 times in 9 days. It was 2000 miles from Tx to Mn and back so not much option.

As far a spec's I'm more worried about lubricity with ULSD then cetane etc. . I haven't heard that it's more prone to attract water then LSD but don't know that for sure.

Mike

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

I suspect that basic issues of quality - Cetane and lubricity originate at the refiner and primary distribution points - and that contaminents, dilution and related quality issues relate to transportation from those points, and the storage at the final distribution point - the service stations.



If all those were/are good PRIOR to ULSD, they probably still are - otherwise... .

 

[steved]

I suspect that basic issues of quality - Cetane and lubricity originate at the refiner and primary distribution points - and that contaminents, dilution and related quality issues relate to transportation from those points, and the storage at the final distribution point - the service stations.



If all those were/are good PRIOR to ULSD, they probably still are - otherwise... .

Agreed...



... But I hate to think of the garbage I have run through my truck that some places call fuel...



steved

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

Agreed...



... But I hate to think of the garbage I have run through my truck that some places call fuel...



steved

YUP - that's why my fuel is filtered 4 times prior to the engine (1 at sub-micron!), and twice for water - plus PS additive for lubricity and Cetane...