Fuel quality differences
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Senior User
Joined: Apr 2005
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From: Texas
Fuel quality differences
As I've read FTE over the past year, I've always been perplexed at why some people (like me) get really good mileage and some get really poor. I filled up in East Texas this week at a station I've never been to before. I normally fill up in north Dallas. I have read on this board that certain areas of the country (like Dallas) are required to pump higher cetane diesel.
My mpg from the tank in East Texas was really bad - 3 mpg less than normal and nothing unusual about the trip (no headwind, tires were inflated the same, etc.). I refilled in Dallas and the mpg's came right back up on that tank.
So now I'm wondering if maybe there are vast differences in fuel qualities around the country that may be causing these big mpg differences with those on this board.
My mpg from the tank in East Texas was really bad - 3 mpg less than normal and nothing unusual about the trip (no headwind, tires were inflated the same, etc.). I refilled in Dallas and the mpg's came right back up on that tank.
So now I'm wondering if maybe there are vast differences in fuel qualities around the country that may be causing these big mpg differences with those on this board.
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Senior User
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 245
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From: Texas
I didn't know the regs had been relaxed. Does that mean the cetane levels required in the fuel are less?
Folks have talked about looking at the pump to see what the cetane rating is. I've never seen a pump in my area with that posted. So like you said, I guess "you just get what you get".
Folks have talked about looking at the pump to see what the cetane rating is. I've never seen a pump in my area with that posted. So like you said, I guess "you just get what you get".
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Joined: Aug 2005
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The governement does not require a minimum cetane rating or test for it like they do octane. Therefore, stations could sell swamp water and get away with it. You may want to try an additive. I've been using ford's PM-17a with good results. Been getting 1-2 mpg improvement from before and the engine runs so much smoother.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,782
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From: Huntington Indiana
I notice a BIG difference when I go from the fuel delivered to me which is 51 cetane VS the 40 cetane I get on the road.
This question shoould be moved to the general diesel discussion group for more participation. Very good question... for all groups
This question shoould be moved to the general diesel discussion group for more participation. Very good question... for all groups
Last edited by bigredtruckmi; Mar 21, 2006 at 12:07 PM.
