I have heard quite a few comments about premium diesel, and if it really makes a difference. What dictates premium diesel, or what brands do folks recommend? Any other opinions on this subject are welcome.

So far, my F250 6.0L Harley SWB is getting around 14-15mpg, with about 500 miles on it.

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2004 F250 6.0L, SWB in Colorado

 

For me a premium diesel is one that is advertised as being Premium, and has a cetane rating of at least 48. I am currently using BP/Amoco Premier diesel, which is supposed to have a cetane rating of 50. Gas stations usually carry three grades of gasoline and only one diesel pump, and that isn't identified as to the grade of diesel. I researched the petroleum producers on the internet. Some companies don't even list the cetane rating, just that the fuel contains lubricants and additives for today's engines. I switched from Sunoco to Amoco Premier and noticed increased performance, fuel economy and a reduction in engine noise.

 

I have yet to see a cetane rating on a diesel pump. I try to use stations where I see a lot of diesels. There is a Shell station that is a truck stop that is not way out of my way. I seem to perceive a less than optimal performance when using Shell.

I also now use Stanadyne Performance Formula in every tank. I seem to get better starts, no smoke on startup and smoother idling using Stanadyne.

 

I was using Sunoco most of the time and one day I noticed a number "40" on the pump cover. Nothing else just "40". I had researched diesel fuel and 40 cetane is minimun for road diesel applications. Suspecting it was the cetane rating, I got onto the Sunoco website and they did not list the cetane rating on thier diesel. I checked other companies and Amoco had the highest. Most other big names were rated in the mid to upper forties.