2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Low Sulphur Fuel and Mileage!

[ralee]

Hello, I just returned from southern California. My truck is a 97 2. wd 3500 dually with auto. I was towing a Wilderness 25J trailer that weighs in at 6500 lbs. wet. Initially down in the Palm Springs area my rig was averaging 14 m. p. g at 65 mph. As I headed north, mileage dropped off somewhat and finally in the stretch from Klamath Falls, Or. mileage was down to 11 m. pg. I have owned the truck through last summer up until now, so this really is my first winter with it. Question, is low sulphur fuel just used in the colder northern climates or is it distributed nationwide at this time of the year? i have heard that it is common to see a 2 m. pg. drop with the new fuel, this would account for the decrease compared to the sunny warm climes if the older fuel is still used down there! I keep a very close eye on mileage when towing so these figures are accurate. Also, the truck really purrrrrs, nice running.

Any advice!

 

[ralee]

Forgot to mention that it is a CTD, indeed!

 

[gitchesum]

Perhaps terrain is playing a part in the drop in mileage
I know when I drove to west Texas last month, I got better mileage coming home than I did getting there.

Elevations in west Texas were near 3000 feet, elevation at home is about 15 ft. Better mileage downhill vs uphill?

 

[Bob Cochran]

It is Nation wide and I too have noticed a MPG drop. Used to be only difference between east and west was they mixed #2 with #1 diesel in the East and this cause MPG drop. This mix was to stop jelling in cold temps. I have heard but don't know for sure ULSD is only available in #2 so no #1 allowed and it seems to result in more jelling as there is no mix available. At least as of yet.

 

[DPellegrin]

In the winter up here they mix the fuel together every year right around November I lose about 2 miles per gallon the fuel doesent have the same heating value as the unmixed stuff I have heard they put kerosene in it up here.

 

[DieselDoghouse]

ULSD is phasing in as nationwide, For several months I was able to alternate through several tankfuls and track mileage on the'clean' (nonblended tank). I was little if any drop with my 12V, less than I could differentiate from mileage wander due to temperature...

 

[WestTN]

Winter blend is only used in cold climates where the temperatures can fall below 20 degF. #1 diesel has less heat energy than #2, so mileage will vary depending on how big a percentage of #1 was blended with the #2. Kerosene would require an additional filtering step to be safely used for diesel fuel.

 

[ralee]

Thanks for all the replies. Now that I think about it, there certainly is a difference in altitude in some of my towing areas. The plateau that Klamath Falls is on is about 4500`and Palm Springs is about 250' or so. In fact most of that part of eastern Oregon is about 4000'-4500'. Probably enough to make a small difference.

Even as is, my rig makes 18 m. p. g. empty and 12 m. p. g. towing so I`ll not complain, after all, I have the honor of owning and using a great rig!! Thanks,

Richard

 

[BigEasy]

#1 diesel has less heat energy than #2, so mileage will vary depending on how big a percentage of #1 was blended with the #2. Kerosene would require an additional filtering step to be safely used for diesel fuel.

Ummm... #1 diesel IS kerosene, no additional filtration needed, unless there's a dirty tank somewhere. You are definitely correct about the energy content, though.

 

[Andersonville]

Definately a drop in mileage 1. 5 to 2 mpg from straight #2 to ULSD #2 and add in the winter blend factor it's probably 3 to 4 mpg loss when towing. Here's another one, I see my mileage go down on different road surfaces too. Going from OR to ID on I 84. The road surface in ID is much rougher=more resistance. I just use Howe's fuel treatment. No mods other than synthetic oil and Frantz.

 

[IanF]

I don't have MPG numbers for my CDT yet, but I've noticed a drop in my TDI. I'm still waiting to see if cleaning the intake manifold improves things any.

 

[BLegere]

try using this formula : 16oz. desiel kleen 8oz. marvel mystery oil for 25 gallons I have sucsessfully used this combination and have seen no drop in my mileage plus the truck runs smoother.

 

[FLynes]

When I had my '05 and the switch to ULSD occured, I noticed a drop of 4MPG. I had not changed my driving habits, my driving route, nor had I changed refueling stations. This ULSD is crap, period. Now that I have my '01 3500, I'm putting in Howes Meaner Power Kleener to compensate for the lack of lubrication this crappy ***** fuel provides.

 

[Flinty]

With Howe's lubricator I have seen no drop in my MPG. 1oz. /gal. adds . 11 to my price per gallon of fuel plus with documentation they will pay to tow it to my shop in the event of fuel gelling. It does get cold in MT. I have had no issues.