With so many asking this question I found a information web page that may help answer some questions many have and keep asking about. Here is the URL: http://www.truckinfo.net/trucking/ad...s-workpage.htm

FYI, the web site is a Sponsored type web page but it is still a nice read and some good information IMHO.

 

Pretty good read. Thanks for sharin it.

They say tha there is no "one magical blend". I guess they've never heard of "the brew" huh?

 

This goes to show us that not all fuel is the same. I get a kick out of those who only buy brand X as it is said to be a higher grade of fuel. Many pay extra for it yet there is no way to even tell if your getting your moneys worth or higher centane. That is unless you pay to have it tested and then the fuel may be different from what you had tested when you go back to get more.

I did enjoy these three parts:

For instance, the NCWM standard for cetane in “premium� is 47. A study found one “premium� grade fuel with a cetane of only 35, which is actually below the federal minimum standard of 40 for regular grade diesel. A trucker hoping for a certain cetane number from this “premium� fuel would be badly disappointed. This situation is not rare. The most recent Premium Diesel Fuel Survey from Hart’s Diesel Fuel News shows that 26 major refiners/distributors make 34 brands of premium diesel fuel. Only one of the 34 brands of premium fuel claims to meet all five NCWM properties. Thirty-three of 34 admit to falling short on one, two, three, or four properties. Another study of 64 “premium� fuels showed none meeting all five standards.

And then this one:

The joint definition of “premium� grade by TMC and EMA uses the same properties as NCWM. TMC and EMA standards are a little tougher. For instance, their minimum standard for cetane is 50 compared to 47 for NCWM. TMC and EMA definition adds lubricity as another property. (In fact, lubricity was discussed by NCWM as a sixth property, but they couldn’t agree on how to measure it, and they are still working on it.)

And also this one about ULSD:


“Lubricity� means the lubricating value of fuel. Low sulfur fuel has less lubricity. Low sulfur fuel also absorbs water more readily, and water is an abrasive. Untreated fuel often causes excessive wear on fuel pumps and injector tips. Many additives have a lubricity improver, by itself or in combination with other chemicals.

 

They kinda lost me a bit when they were saying that a higher centane rating doesn't nessaraly mean it's a good thing. Something about how in example A it would boost it 8 points, whereas in example B it would only boost it 3 points.

They lost me there ...

 

Mayfair,

I'll will send you a PM with an answer that i hope will help you understand it better.