This is my first diesel and I have a newbie question. When I go to the area truck stop to fuel up, the pumps closest to the station are labeled “Premium Diesel” and run about $1.99 a gallon. The pumps where the big trucks fuel just say “diesel” and run about $1.87 a gallon. My question is do I have to run the premium Diesel in my Duramax or can I run on the cheaper fuel? Is there any difference or is it just a marketing ploy to sell the exact same fuel at a higher price?

I took delivery of my GMC 3500 CC D/A SRW last Friday. I drive it every chance I can find an excuse and my wife looks at me like I’ve lost it when I volunteer to “run” to the store. I LOVE THIS TRUCK!!!! :)

Buy your fuel from a busy station, and buy #2. Run an additive at least every other tank and probably every tank in the winter to keep water at bay.

also, look around and see if the fuel truck is there filling the tanks. if it is, go to another fuel stop. as they are filling the tanks, it stirs everything up from the bottom and you'll pump it into your tank, most likely. just let it settle for a few hours before returning to that station.

I'd put a [re ORM filter on there as soon as possible. I have a Nicktane set up on mine and like it very much. I use premium when possible wih a little additive every tank and I'd use truck stuff (#2) but those stations are to far from me.Be careful whatever additive you select is free of any alcohol products. Filters of all kinds are expensive from GM, look for a non GM source and avoid Fram filters.The factory air filter is prefered by most, I agree. The fuel filter, no matter what brand is made by RACOR so just about any brand is okay. Mobil 1, Wix Baldwin , Gm,and a few others or okay. Check your differental level, GM has reputaion for leaving them a little low soetimes.You'll love the truck.

On the fuel, preium is about42-45 cetane and non premium is about 39 to 42 cetane. There isn't any rgulation on the cemtane rating as there is on octane ratings of gasoline.I use Schaeffers Soyshield fuel additive( #139) because of its lubricitity value (my belief) or FPPF about every 3rd tank because it supposedly has good emulsificatio quality. GM is okay on RACOR and Standyne additives but non other.

I wouldn't use any oil additives either, you don't know what they do to the additives already in the oil.