What's Going Into My Fueltank?

[JSkalet]

I'VE HAD MY 2001 RAM NOW FOR 5 MONTHS NOW AND LIVE IN DENVER WHERE IT CAN GET DOWN TO 30 BELOW, BUT NOT USUALLY FOR LONG. I WOULD LIKE TO UNDERSTAND BETTER WHAT I AM PUTTING INTO THE TANK. MOST DENVER STATIONS THAT CARRY DIESEL, REFER TO IT AS PREMIUM DIESEL AND COLLECT A FAT PRICE. TRUCK STOPS ARE NOT EASILY ACCESSIBLE BUT WHEN I GET TO THEM THEY NORMALLY HAVE #1 AND #2 SO IF I EXPECT COLD WEATHER, I CAN MIX 50/50. IS THAT WHAT I SHOULD BE DOING AND WHAT AM I GETTING WHEN I BUY "PREMIUM DIESEL" CAN I CALL THE STATION OWNERS AND EXPECT A STRAIGHT ANSWER? I CARRY A 96 ONCE CONTAINER OF POWER SERVICE ADDITIVE WITH ME BUT DON'T WANT TO GET STRANDED WITH A GELLED TANK. YOU CAN TELL I AM NEW AT THIS BUT JUST NEED A LITTLE GUIDANCE, THANKS FOR YOUR HELP. JOHN SKALET DENVER COLO

 

[illflem]

John, just use the recommended amount of antigel additive in each tank for the winter then you won't have to worry about getting blended fuel. The folks at most stations don't have a clue as to what's in their pumps. That's the system I've used for at least 10 years with no problems. Denver is in the tropics compared to Montana.

 

[M Barnett]

I have used power service since my truck was new in 94 and I live in the desert. Just use it in every tank, winter and summer. It also lubricates the pump.

Michael B

 

[B9Mile]

Fuel Info

Take a look at this Diesel Fuel FAQ over at the TDI page.

http://www.tdiclub.com/TDIFAQ/TDiFAQ-3.html





Here is some info regarding various blending requirements for winterized fuel.

http://www.tdiclub.com/TDIFAQ/TDiFAQ-10.html



A Premium Diesel fuel description from Chevron.

http://www.chevron.com/prodserv/fuels/bulletin/diesel/l2_5_2_rf.htm

 

[JSkalet]

thanks to the three of you

your information has been extremely helpful, i feel much more prepared to use the right fuel. john

 

[ftb87]

John,



You might want to try to get flying j fuel. Good quality and cheap (if you get their frequent flyer card).



Its located by I-70 and Chambers. They are curently serving winterized fuel.



I'm not associated with flying j. You might want to check out their web site for other locations.





Frank

 

[TBOB]

JSKALET, CALL CENTRAL MOTIVE POWER IN DENVER, LOCATED JUST HORTH OF 58TH ON BROADWAY. THEY REBUILD BOSCH INJECTOR PUMPS, AS WELL AS TRAINING IN THIS FIELD. THEY WILL ANSWER YOUR QUESTIONS. TBOB

 

[Doc Tinker]

I'VE ASKED MANY STATIONS FOR SPECS ON THEIR FUEL AND THEY ACT LIKE I DON'T KNOW WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT. "CETANE? WHAT THE HECK IS CETANE, YOU BIG DUMMY!" THAT'S THE KIND OF RESPONSE I USUALLY GET.



MAN! NOW MY THROAT IS SORE FROM ALL THIS YELLING. IT'S HARD TALKING TO THESE DIESEL DEAFENED GUYS.



Doc

 

[Briar Hopper]

EH, DOC, ARE YOUR LIPS MOVING?

 

[DennyDay]

Centane?????????

Hey Doc - Maybe thats why their pumpin' fuel!!!!

Denny

 

[HC]

I'm sure this info is in the links that were posted (which are very good links, by the way), but in case you haven't had time to read it all yet, remember to do something BEFORE the fuel gells. If it ever gells, you might have to find a heated garage to get things flowing and running again. Also, if you're new to diesel, remember, don't ever push your luck and allow it to run out of fuel. It's very hard on the VP44 pump, AND it is very hard to get started again when that much air gets into the lines - sometimes requires a tow trip to the dealer.

 

[JJW_ND]

A good additive and and Straight #2 is fine.

I would not worry about adding any #1 in your area.



Like Illflem said, just run a good antigell additive (Power Service, Stanadyne PF, Howes) and straight #2.



Up here in ND, straight #2 is fine down to Zero. I add some Stanadyne below that. Have not used any blend or #1 in four winters.



jjw

ND