Attention: TDR Forum Junkies I was talking to a farmer friend of mine today... he runs a lot of heavy diesel equipment on his spread, plus his winter hobby is building and competing in super-stock tractor pull contests, and he knows and loves Cummins, ranging from our "little" engines to the big bad-boys. I asked him about fuel, and he told me that Purvis, a local fuels supplier, sells the best stuff he's ever seen, but at a premium price, which they blend themselves.
Discussing anti-gelling agents, he assured me that if I'm not sure whether or not my supplier is adding them in winter then I can just go ahead and add it myself, and this won't hurt even if there's already some in there right out of the pump. OK, I believe him. Then he said that some guys, including Purvis, don't use anti-gelling agents in winter... instead, they mix in 20% kerosene, which does the same thing. Then he said "but you'll lose some horsepower with a kerosene blend, because of the lower BTUs. "
I'd just as soon stay away from the kerosene, since I'm not exactly looking to lose any horsepower, thanks anyway
But this got me thinking... how do we know who adds what to our diesel? I usually buy at a local Sunoco because they see a lot of truck traffic, so at least I know its fresh, but I want my diesel with anti-gelling agent, not kero. Is there any info available regarding different oil companies' formulations (at least concerning anti-gel agent)... I know, I know, the company that sells it doesn't necessarily refine it. I sure as heck ain't gonna find out anything useful by asking the kid behind the cash register... he probably doesn't even know he sells diesel.
Discussing anti-gelling agents, he assured me that if I'm not sure whether or not my supplier is adding them in winter then I can just go ahead and add it myself, and this won't hurt even if there's already some in there right out of the pump. OK, I believe him. Then he said that some guys, including Purvis, don't use anti-gelling agents in winter... instead, they mix in 20% kerosene, which does the same thing. Then he said "but you'll lose some horsepower with a kerosene blend, because of the lower BTUs. "
I'd just as soon stay away from the kerosene, since I'm not exactly looking to lose any horsepower, thanks anyway
But this got me thinking... how do we know who adds what to our diesel? I usually buy at a local Sunoco because they see a lot of truck traffic, so at least I know its fresh, but I want my diesel with anti-gelling agent, not kero. Is there any info available regarding different oil companies' formulations (at least concerning anti-gel agent)... I know, I know, the company that sells it doesn't necessarily refine it. I sure as heck ain't gonna find out anything useful by asking the kid behind the cash register... he probably doesn't even know he sells diesel.
