Save Big On Diesel

Diesel Fuel Quality

A major percentage of all problems with diesel engines are related to fuel quality. Diesel fuel can
sometimes vary from one shipment to another or from one area to another. Customers also switch
from one fuel vendor to another and suppliers sometimes change the fuel they are offering. The
three things that vary the most in diesel fuel are cetane, weight and viscosity. Cetane is defined
as the susceptibility of the fuel to self ignite. Acceptable cetane levels are between 40 and 45;
however, very few fuel distributors advertise this since each batch may be different. Cetane can
influence both starting and combustion roughness of an engine. High altitudes and low
temperatures demand increased cetane number of the fuel.

The weight of the fuel or specific gravity plays a major role in the heat content of the fuel.
Number 1 is a "lighter" grade while number 2 is "heavier" or weighs more per gallon. While the
lighter fuel (#1) has a lower "cloud point" and may provide better starting in cold temperatures,
the heavier fuel (#2) has better lubricating qualities and actually contains more heat units (BTU’s)
per volume. Assuming the fuels are the same price, better fuel economy is obtained by using #2.

The third aspect of fuel to consider is viscosity. Since "lighter" (#1) fuel is less dense it becomes
thinner when heated than the heavier #2 fuel. When this occurs more fuel begins to leak through
the high pressure parts of the injection pump which actually causes the injection pump to pump
less fuel. As the fuel temperature continues to increase, more fuel is lost through leakage and
this results in a power loss of between 1% and 7%.

Taking all these things into consideration #2 diesel fuel is the best all around fuel for the diesel
engine. Buying fuel from a reputable dealer is a good way to insure high quality fuel. The best
ones seem to be places that move a lot of diesel fuel such as truck stops, etc. The only way to
insure your fuel quality is to treat it yourself and since every tank may be different every tank will
need to be treated. A vital reason to continue reading the next section of this article.

Why do I need to treat my diesel fuel?

A treatment is needed when the diesel fuel is lacking a substance or has a contaminant. The most
common reason for treating diesel fuel is to provide extra lubrication. Almost every fuel injection
component requires the diesel fuel to lubricate at least some part of that component. Since low
sulfur fuel was introduced, the lubricating quality of diesel fuel has varied greatly. Some suppliers
put in an additive for this and some do not. Each tank of fuel you fill up with can be different.
Since low sulfur fuel began being used in on-highway vehicles we've seen the life expectancy of
the fuel injection system drop as much as 25%. This is great for the repair business but bad for
diesel vehicles in general especially since fuel injection components keep getting more and more
expensive to repair. Taking this into consideration, treating diesel fuel with a lubricant is more
like an insurance policy against wear and although it does not stop the wear, consistent use can
delay repairs considerably.

With cleaning and lubricating esters, Ethos Fuel Reformulator is on the cutting edge of fuel
lubrication technology. Ethos FR causes fuel to burn more completely, raising the BTU output of
diesel fuels, resulting in a net gain in mileage above it's cost. When you add up extended repair
intervals plus fuel savings dividends, Ethos Fuel Reformulator really multiplies the number of
advantages to the user.

Caution should be made not to treat your fuel with an additive containing ALCOHOL. The alcohol
has been proven to deteriorate some fuel injection components quicker and could even cause long
term engine damage.

I would really like to hear the reason diesel costs more than premium. When they
first started making gasoline they threw this stuff away.I already know the reason, I
would just like to hear what type of justification the oil industry comes up with. If
you are still in the dark on this issue (gesundheit!) the reason is simple. We are
being gouged . . . .again. It comes down to "Whatever the market will bear". As
long as the Bush/Cheny crime syndicate gets a piece of the action no one cares how
the general public gets screwed. And we thought "Tricky Dick" was a crook.

Don't think because you drive a gas vehicle that you aren't getting yours. You just
get to pay more for everything that is moved by truck in this country. Which is
everything. And truckers are getting really screwed...... again!
I don't think most people realize what an amazing job these guys do. It's a wonder
to me there isn't a steaming pile of scrap metal on every corner.

But, alas, I diverge.

Even with oil prices dropping (or should I say crashing) the management goes home
with the money and we stuck with the bill.