I would like to know the difference between #1 and #2 deisel fuel. Also the cetane rating of each. Which one would be the cleaner of the two fuels.

GMC-DMAX


Diesel fuels are complex mixtures of alkanes, cycloalkanes and aromatic hydrocarbons with carbon numbers in the range of C9-C28 and with a boiling-range of 150-390 °C. Kerosene based-type diesel fuel (diesel fuel No. 1) is manufactured from straight-run petroleum distillates, and it has a lower wax content. It also has a lower specific gravity which means it has less energy. Automotive and railroad diesel fuel (diesel fuel No. 2) contains straight-run middle distillate, often blended with straight-run kerosene, straight-run gas oil, light vacuum distillate and light thermally cracked or light catalytically cracked distillates. Some blended marine diesel fuels also contain heavy residues from distillation and thermal cracking operations. In diesel fuel consisting mainly of atmospheric distillates, the content of three- to seven-ring polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons is generally less than 5%; in diesel fuel that contains high proportions of heavy atmospheric, vacuum and light cracked distillates, the content of such polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons may be as high as 10%. Some marine diesel fuels may contain higher levels. Saleable diesel fuel may also contain a variety of additives, such as organic nitrates, amines, phenols and polymeric substances.


Now that I have confused the Sh$t out of you the simple answer is that No 1 is basically Kerosene and No 2 is simple diesel.


As far as the "cleaner of the two" this would be up to each refiner and the distribution, transportation method to keep it clean, and believe me this is not easy. There are so many varriables to keeping it clean. Cetane can run from 35 to 55, but the mid 40's to 50 would be the best. As a simple thought Cetane can be looked at as the energy available, and the higher the number the better.


Use a supply from a good distributor or station, and filter it and by all means use an additive.


Engineer BillEdited by: EngineerBill

Engineer Bill
Thank you for elaborate reply. But I'm still confused is it better to use #1 or #2 in the fuel tank.
Please try to keep it in laymen terms.

GMC-DMAX


Always use No 2, especially in warm Jacksonville, I do go there often by the way. No 2 blended with No 1 would be for those is colder climates.


Engr. Bill

Understand now. I appreciate your answer very much.


Thank You

EngineerBill Do you have any knowledge or comment as to government ordering the use of silica lubricant as a step toward low sulphur deisel?

bill....most of the diesel around me has a cetane of 45 or so...is that high enuf?


also, i know lots of posters use a fuel additive...my mech advised me to use howes, but when i posted that i didn't get very many positive replies...many use stanadyne, and a fellow d-maxer near me uses fppf (i think that's the designation)...what do YOU recommend?


also, do you recommend adding an additional fuel filter?...and if so, which one?


thanks....

LaBeym


Silica Lubricant to diesel, No knowlege of this. Though Silica Alumina or Silica Magnesia is used in the refining process.


Pony Driver


Cetane of 45, no that would be close to the middle, 50 or >50 would be best. I use FPPF and more specifically the Kennedy cocktail mix, a blend of Total Power and Cetane boost.. I am in the camp with George Morrison on the additives(emulsifiers), but you should do you own search here as there are a few hundred(s) of post on this subject. Ditto on the Fuel filters, do a search on the subject and enjoy reading. Post OEM, Pre OEM, Nicktane, Kennedy, Racor, etc. the list goes on.


Engr Bill

Engineer Bill,


I am no engineer, but I love your answers. Facts are where the BS stops and the knowledge starts.


I would like to add that if your try hard enough in the winter you can find suppliers who choose to add a winterizing additive to there fuel vs. run the kerosene cut mixture. Basically straight # 2 with winterizing additive. It is rare though. Most provide the Kerosene blended fuel. Just ask your supplier what is up?