I have had a diesel for two years now and still don't understand the types of fuels. I have done some skimming but still confused. Does anybody have a link to some good info. Just need to make it clear in my head. Primarily the comparison between them.

#1 diesel is used when?
#2 diesel is used when?
Dyed or red diesel is different how?
Biodiesel mixtures during cold temps?
SVO & WVO done some reading, not ready for that yet!
Are there other types of fuel that can be ran in diesel engine?

#1 is part kerosene, used when temps get below freezing.
#2 is "summer" diesel, more BTU's than winter diesel
Dyed diesel around here is the exact same as regular diesel, but with a dye in it. Some states report higher sulfur in their red diesel.
Biodiesel mixing (<50%) should be fine at least down to freezing, and considerably less with a good additive. Depends on biodiesel source, and petrol diesel in the mix.
SVO/WVO needs to be heated before it can be used in a diesel engine. Very similar to diesel, less the viscosity.

For starters:

http://www.npradc.org/news/facts/fuels.cfm
http://www.dieselnet.com/standards/fuels/us.html

Is #2 just #2? I thought gas stations or refinerys blended the fuel based on the temps or seasons. So #2 might be %75 #2 and %25 #1.
My dad had an old delta 88. He told me to put 75% #2 and %25 #1. However I thought it was already blended that way.

I'm a little confused too.

Most gas stations have a projected schedule for changing winter blends.

Holiday Gas Stations are really good at labeling what your getting at the pump.

Thanks for help and links!

The reason I ask, a friend of mine with a dodge cummins ran dyed fuel and claims the truck ran rough and loud-er ( ctd )Brought it in and the dealer told him $1,800 to fix problem. Said he would do him a favor by not contacting the local authorities about running dyed fuel in an on highway vehicle.

Red dye is added for one of two reasons. High sulfur diesel is dyed because it is not allowed for on-road because of emssions. Low sulfur may also be dyed if it is not going to be used on-road and therefore is not subject to taxes.

High sulfur fuels can hurt the emissions equipment of newer engines, but rough running and noise are related to cetane number, not sulfur or dye. Simply changing to a higher quality fuel should have cured the problems. I would be very interested in what the mechanic did to fix the engine.

#2 Diesel is refined differently in summer and winter to improve cold flow properties. #1 Diesel is Kerosene that has been tested and meets ASTM diesel specifications. #2 is sometimes blended up to 30% with #1 to further mprove cold flow properties.

I am a newbie to owning a diesel, I am a fireman and obviously our vehicles are diesels but how different is the fuel I should use compared to the Detroit diesels? We have numerous places that sell diesel anywhere from $1.99 to $2.29 and they have different types at the pumps. There is BLENDED(with the larger nozzle that won't fit my fuel neck) and Diesel (that has the smaller fill nozzle). I can get the blended nozzle to work with a little cohersion :o if i need to. Also is the fuel at the local truck stop any different than what I need?

Thnaks,
Chris

Generally all diesel you can buy at the pumps is the same. The refineries blend it all about the same for cold flow purposes...