Newbie Fuel question

[Pit Bull]

At my local truck stop (Texaco) they have 3 grades of diesel fuel. Regular #2, Premium #2 and a mix of the Regular and Premium. I asked the cashier what was the difference and he said that the Premium had additives that cleaned the injectors and fuel system and more anti gel ingredients. The regular/premium mix was just a 50/50 mix and the regular was plain old #2 diesel. He said I could buy the anti gel and cleaner additives myself and then just add them to the regular #2 diesel or I could just buy the premium. Can anyone tell me what is the difference between regular #2 diesel and premium #2 diesel? Would I be better off (better for my engine) buying the premium? Should I just buy regular #2 diesel and then add my own cleaner and anti-gel? The price for regular #2 diesel was $1. 24 and the premium was $1. 33. I just want to do what is best for my Cummins

Thanks for the advice.

Dennis

 

[RHARVEY]

Try a tank of the Premium diesel and see how she runs. I don't have access to the Premium stuff or I would run it. I use the standard #2 and add a fuel treatment. The treatment that I bought was $80 for 5 gal.



Rick

 

[Reddog1]

What I am about to say, will hurt many peoples feelings but I am going to say it anyway.



Additives, anti-gel, clean the injectors? With the possibility of the anti-gel, why does one need any of this? Go to Cummins , and ask which they recommend. What are the symptoms that would suggest the need for anti-gel? How do we know the injectors are dirty?



My experience includes machinist, hydraulics, and mechanics with training in oils and hydraulic fluids. Other than sales people, and those influenced by sales and hype, I am not at all convinced additives are anything other than snake oil . If you have a specific need, such as an anti-gel issue, then perhaps an additive.



It should be obvious to anyone that if you believe the hype on the cans and bottles at the parts house, you can “make the engine like new” , “tune up in a can” , “double your HP” , etc. etc. All are snake oils , and belong at the checkout stand for impulse buyers.



If you are like me, you must do something special for the truck of your life. Consider an extra squeeze on the door handle or perhaps give the seat back a little hug . I am just kidding (maybe). Apply your money to something that will improve your Ram, do not just send it down the pipe .



Wayne



P. S. If you just gota waste the money, buy me a part for my Ram.

 

[Pit Bull]

Thanks Reddog1, I just read the "Premium" info on Fritz's web site, guess there is no rule for Premium, so I am going to take your advise and stick with good old Regular #2 diesel. Hell if there is a problem that is why I got that 100,000 mile warranty

Dennis

 

[dan_gilson]

if the premium diesel has a better ?cetane? number then you might get better power and milage. There is one station here in San Jose, CA the sells this type of diesel. One of my co-workers had been buying it and says that his milage has increased +2 MPG. If costs more than the standard stuff.



Anti-gelling stuff should only be needed if you are blow a certain temperature (e. g. freezing - 32oF). You might be able to get buy cheaper by adding yourself only when necessary.

 

[JWhitcomb]

What is the name of the station in SJ?

 

[illflem]

Reddog, I feel the same way about additives and premium fuel, I use additive only for cold weather and only regular #2, anymore is a waste of money. Premium diesel is just #2 with additives. Here's what Chevron has to say about additives;



Aftermarket Additives; It would be convenient for the user if a finished diesel fuel could satisfy all his or her requirements without the use of supplemental additives. Although this is often the case, some users must use additives because the low temperature conditions in their region are more severe than those for which the fuel was designed, or because of other special circumstances. Other users feel that they need a higher quality diesel than regular diesel. And, finally, there are users who regard the cost of an additive as cheap insurance for their big investment in equipment. A large number of aftermarket additive products are available to meet these real or perceived needs. Some are aggressively marketed with testimonials and bold performance claims that seem "too good to be true. " So, as with any purchase, it is wise to remember the advice, caveat emptor – let the buyer beware.



http://www.chevron.com/prodserv/fuels/bulletin/diesel/L2_7_fs.htm to read all about additives and premium diesel.

 

[Cooker]

Bill,



Didn't you use to run Stanadyne year round???

 

[illflem]

Ryan, only in the winter since I don't use #1/2 blend.

 

[Blakers]

I wish they rated all diesel fuel with the BTU's it contains. Generally the heavier (larger hydrocarbon chains) the fuel, the more BTU's (energy) it contains. So more energy means more power and more milage. So you should get more power and milage with straight #2 fuel oil, rather than the stuff that's been diluted with kerosene.



Blake

 

[fj40charles]

I went to a Texaco in Frisco, TX that just opened up and I figured I try their diesel since it was 1. 29 a gallon. When the fuel started coming out of the nozzle, I let some of it drip on my hand to smell it to make sure it was diesel and noticed it was not

very slippery compared to other diesels. It did not have the distinct diesel smell so I did not put in any more and will fill up else where.



Charles

 

[Dennis Garrett]

I stopped in Oklahoma on I-35 for fuel once. I had a choice of #2 or "Premium". I ask the dumb chick at the fuel desk what was different about their Premium. She said it was a "winter blend". To me that translates into lower BTU's & poor fuel economy & power, I went with the #2 of course. I do like the Standyne performance formula, & have noticibly more power when I use it. I remember when I used to get "Premium Ruby Red" at the Co-op station. It's been a while since anybody sold red fuel for hiway use. When fueling though, I like to see the good old, thick green stuff coming out of the nozzle, rather than the thin colorless version.

 

[Champane Flight]

Yeap.

For once a fuel cashier was right. Most suppliers premium #2 is only a additive package. In the winter months they do up the anti-gel components and supply a winter blend so to speak,all depending on your location.



For the money I stay with a straight #2 and add 50ml of Amzoil cetane booster every second tankful in the winter. In the summer I add half a bottle of Amzoil diesel modifier every third tankful. I have had no problems with starting down to -35 in the winter and have had good performance in the summer. I do notice it running smoother right after the diesel modifier.