Difference in fuels

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Apr 14, 2007 | 09:23 PM

mjlevi

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From: New York

Difference in fuels

The only available Diesel fuel in my area has been Ultra-Low Sulfer at 15 ppm,
with a minimum 40 cetane rating, sold by Hess and Citgo...I noticed a significant drop in power and performance and mileage...however I have found a service station that is carrying Sunoco Low sulfer at 500 ppm, with a 42 cetane rating, but I have to say after a fill-up with this fuel, I cannot believe the difference in the way my truck runs...talk about more power, quicker response, quieter operation....I love it !! just like when it was brand new !!... The Owner/Operator runs a full service AAA towing agency, and has many large tow rigs, and he turns over alot of fuel... I guess the point I am trying to make is that it feels good to have my truck back the way it was intended to be... POWERSTROKE !!!

Apr 14, 2007 | 09:54 PM

wb6anp

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From: Weatherford Texas.

ultra low won't hurt anything and eventually all stations will go ulsd any ways, its required by the epa. Just don't go to Citgo or petro express if you see them pop up. I won't go into why here except it has to do with another countries politcal views of the U.S. (hope that i within forum rules)

Apr 15, 2007 | 06:25 AM

bigredtruckmi

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From: Huntington Indiana

The ULSD has 1% less BTU's than the LSD fuel so expect a drop in mileage. I have went with a biodiesel blend of 5% (B5) soyoil which seems to help a lot with mileage loss and noise.

Apr 15, 2007 | 07:11 AM

WishIhada7.3

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make sure you are running a additive with the ultra there are many good ones out there....i use howe's and you can also get a straight cetane booster aswell and put that in but some additives have that in it already...

Apr 15, 2007 | 07:05 PM

RoyC

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Quote:

Originally Posted by bigredtruckmi

The ULSD has 1% less BTU's than the LSD fuel so expect a drop in mileage. I have went with a biodiesel blend of 5% (B5) soyoil which seems to help a lot with mileage loss and noise.

Actually, the documents I have read say LESS THAN 1 % less BTUs. But ULSD is to also have have a higher cetane rating, kind of a wash. A mileage drop of a 10th or two of a MPG might be seen. Mine has been running a bit better since I am back on summer fuel. Are you sure winter fuel is not your issue?

RoyC

Apr 15, 2007 | 07:09 PM

bigredtruckmi

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From: Huntington Indiana

No it isn't a issue because the supplier uses the same fuel year round and even puts in antigell year round. He says it only costs $0.0025 per gallon to add the full additive pkg.

Last edited by bigredtruckmi; Apr 15, 2007 at 07:11 PM.

Apr 15, 2007 | 09:13 PM

tex25025

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From: Plano TX and Brentwood TN

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigredtruckmi

I have went with a biodiesel blend of 5% (B5) soyoil which seems to help a lot with mileage loss and noise.

I am actually hoping that they are able to mass produce switchgrass as a biofuel eventually. Based on what I have seen thru prelim studies have shown that it produces more power and overall efficiency then some of the veggie oil(including soy). Also with switchgrass versus soy or veggie, switchgrass doesn't(to my knowledge, and here is thankfully where my ag degree is put to some use) have any value as a food source to us so consumption as a fuel doesn't interfere with that market and it isn't used as roughage for livestock as a mainstay(unlike fescue, timothy, alfalfae, coastel etc.). This would eventually be a better choice if they can produce those effects for the mass market.