I have noticed the engine often sounds different when fueled up at different stations. The Irving I use often is smooth and quietest, and most expensive. Others, like Mobil and Shell seem to run noisier, with louder knocks. The louder knocking fuel seems to have more power performance, but the mileage seems to be about the same for all of them. Has anyone else experienced differences one way or another?

I have been using FPPF Total Power regularly and haven't had fuel problems this winter. When I didn't use anything I had a problem once at -10F and used a dose of 911 to clear it up. I carry both and use the block heater overnight below 20F for quicker warmups.

I also noticed a fuel quality difference when I first got mine. After a couple years of driving the truck, it seems to be harder to notice the difference.

I'm not using any additives currently.

Thanks OhmyLLwhy. I appreciate your feedback about your experience. It had me wondering what the differences in fuel, whether good or bad, are when the noises and prices are different.

I suspect the smoother running fuel has a higher cetane rating, whereas the rougher running stuff is lower cetane. I have used Irving diesel that I purchased over in Springfield VT, and it does seem to let the engine run smoothly.

I was told by an over the road 18 wheel truck driver that he prefers lower cetane fuel because in his rig, it delivers more mileage and power. He might be right, as it is my understanding that the higher cetane fuel has more aromatics in the blend, and aromatics have a lower btu content.

Most diesel fuel is the same from brand to brand. Gas is branded, but diesel is more of a commodity and you will have the same product from BP, Shell, Marathon etc. They only on out there that is really different and brand specific is the Amoco Premier.

The jobbers and distributors pull diesel for different branded stations from the same rack and same storage tank. The difference would be from the additives that are injected.

Yes higher cetane and premium boosters will lower your BTU's which results in decreased mileage and power.

I agree, ss cartage, hauls alot of fuel. They stop at thortens, shell, mobil, etc etc all same load.

What varies, is how often station owners, check for water, clean their tanks and filters on the pumps. Thats the biggest difference in fuel.

does anybody know anything about speedway/gas america fuel?? what about bio fuel?? how have you guys noticed a difference in that from conventional diesel?? the only station around me that has bio fuel is a co-op. how is their quality??

does anybody know anything about speedway/gas america fuel?? what about bio fuel?? how have you guys noticed a difference in that from conventional diesel?? the only station around me that has bio fuel is a co-op. how is their quality??
Bio diesel is great, except for it gels around 35-40 degrees otherwise its great. As for fuel from your co op should be ok.

In the northern New England states, Irving is a smaller regional operation. They bring their fuel in from their Irving refinery in New Brunswick, Canada. I do not think their fuel runs through the same pipeline distribution system as the Mobils, Shells, and other major brands.

does anybody know anything about speedway/gas america fuel?? what about bio fuel?? how have you guys noticed a difference in that from conventional diesel?? the only station around me that has bio fuel is a co-op. how is their quality??

Speedway is owned by Marathon. They offer more cost effective fuel since they are "debranded". Good fuel as long as it's a station that moves enough volume to keep it fresh. Same diesel as Marathon, Shell, Mobil, BP and the likes.

thanks for the info on speedway

does anybody know anything about the bio diesel from co ops??

thanks for the info on speedway

does anybody know anything about the bio diesel from co ops??

Depending on you specific location, I buy my bio mainly from tipton co-op. It runs much different than non-bio. Motor is quiet, less smoke and it seems that mileage is slightly better. I have also ran bio from noblesville co-op with the same results. It is my understanding that those 2 are same company, so same fuel. They do have signs that say 100% american and refined fuel.

Forgot to say that tipton usually has better prices.

Forget to add my input in Co-op biofuel. The diesel they blend the bio with is typically the same, but the quality of bio fuel from batch to batch and producer to producer changes a lot. You will never know if you're getting top of the line bio or not. Most retail locations and jobbers take a chance on it. Some day we'll have strict guideline and quality control. Right now they're all on a learning curve.

i have been filling up b5 blend at the noblesville co op for a while and i just filled up on some b10 today. seems to be running great!

Thanks to all of you for your replies! I have used the B20 Biodiesel in the summer. It runs smooth and quiet, seems to have better performance than straight diesel fuel, smells better, and costs .05-.10 per gallon more here in NH. My son has an '02 GMC Duramax and uses B20 more than I do, and gets about 1-2mpg better with the B20. He ran into a driver delivering a truckload of B20, and the driver told him the Bio part is very thick in the winter, even when cut with Kerosene, and what he ends up dumping from the tank truck is mostly Diesel fuel. We don't use the B20 in the cold weather. My son had a fuel filter clog up quickly when he first used Bio after about 50,000 miles. I guess it tends to loosen and clean up any sludge in the system for a while. I read in the Portland, ME Press & Herald that Irving and Sprague Energy are looking into processing and delivering more biodiesel in the region fairly soon.