I recently purchased a 2008 F250 with the 6.4 motor. Really nice truck, REALLY GOOD deal, and it's my first diesel. So, is all low sulfur diesel fuel the same? I guess what I am asking is if there is a benefit by buying my fuel from Chevron, Shell, 76, etc, or will I get the same quality if I buy from ARCO or my co-op which are both less per gallon. How about from el cheapo station? Thanks.

 

There are several different things to consider about fuel. There is winter or summer blend.

DF 1 or DF 2.

there is also ULSD-ultra low sulfer (what yours require)
LSD-Low sulfer
and of course the off-road use fuel.

So you need to buy based upon that info and then of course based upon cost, reputation of the dealer and weather or not they have water/contamination issues.

 

They're all essentially the same. They all manufacture to certain industry minimum standards. Just be sure that it's 15ppm ULSD fuel, not 500ppm LSD, and use a good diesel fuel additive for lubricity & cetane boost. Also, try to get your fuel where there's plenty of business because the fuel is used faster and refilled faster thereby reasonably ensuring that the fuel is fresh.

 

I have been told, by several very good diesel mechanics, that there is no need to use additives as these are added during the refinement process.

 

I don't see it as necessary to add as well. Only if you start to have issues.

 

Here in Florida I do not have to deal with winter and summer blends.I have used Chevron BP and Shell regularly.For me the Shell gives me the best MPG but only about 1MPG difference.The Cheveron and BP are owned by the same people so their supplier is probably the same.I use an aditive because around here fuel is mostly 40Cetane and Fords minimum is 45.Just my 2 cents.

 

You just need to determine if it is ULSD. The easiest way is to look at the color. Most of the time it is a faint fluorescent green/yellow color. If it is then you are good to go. Some stations sell "premium Diesel" that they claim has a higher Cetane level then normal diesel. Next year the government will up the minimum Cetane requirements for diesel which will help mileage. The national average Cetane amount in diesel is a minimum of 40 but i have heard that the 6.0 and 6.4 was designed to run on a Cetane of 55.

 

If you google ULSD or diesel fuel you will find the EPA regulations regarding implementation of ULSD and the depletion of LSD. Technically, the sale of LSD (500ppm sulfur) is allowable up to 12/10. The production of LSD is slated to be illegal as of 6/10.

Just make sure you get the 15ppm sulfur content ULSD.

I use the Motorcraft diesel fuel additive. Mostly because I run a lot of miles and figure that I can use all the help with MPG and engine life I can get.

Enjoy your truck and every now and then hook it up to something that is hard to move. The motor is great but needs to get really hot and tired now and then. That's our theory anyway.

 

As was said previously, it's a good idea to buy at a high volume fuel stop. I get mine at the local Flying J because I know they keep theirs "fresh" and there is a high turnover. It's also posted on all of their pumps as 45 cetane. I have heard that there is no need to use additives because of the refineries adding them but I use Power Service Diesel Kleen white bottle in cold weather and grey bottle in the warm weather. It adds cetane and lubricity and helps keep the injectors clean. I have noticed minimal mileage gains with it as well.

 

First off, congrats on the new ride.

Secondly, with no disrespect intended to other resposnders, diesel fuels can be as different as night and day. In my area of the country, good quality diesel is hard to find. Most fuels are now ULSD fuels so that is not an issue.

The issue is quality. If you can find diesel fuel with a cetane rating above 45 you've got a good thing. Some fuels have cetane 8 to 10 points less than that. When you get down into the upper 30s that fuel is crap. It definitely needs a cetane booster. Fuel can also be dirty. If it's cloudy looking rather than clear, I'd find another supplier.

Twenty years ago my diesel engines started running low on power, overheating and consuming excess fuel at one of our harvest stops in the Dakotas. All I needed to do to correct the problem was switch suppliers. My engines cooled down, powered up and consumed less fuel.

My Ford dealer is equipped to analyze fuel and has analyzed mine, which he says is great. Perhaps yours is too if you ask. I use Cenex RoadmasterXL with 5% soy bio in it when I'm close to home, which is a premium fuel. I do not put an additive in this fuel. When I'm on the road away and not knowing, I'll put the additive in.

Also, you'll need to watch what you put in the tank in the winter months if you're in a cold climate. I prefer a 50/50 blend of #1 and premium diesel.

 

Diesel fuel comes out of the refinery at a centane rating of about 40. These new trucks require 45 for best performance. Do the suppliers put in the additive...well of course they do..every one of them... We use shell premium here in Florida and do not use a additive.When we can not get the premium diesel we use the additive.

 

I go to big QUIKTRIP STATION that sell to over the rode 18 wheelers so I know if fresh and I also use Ford's addtives to boost the cetane levels and I have notice better mpg with it. QT is big here in Iowa and Missouri.