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Fuel quality question

I am wondering if there are any particular diesel brands out there that are better or worse than others. i.e. are there any in particular to avoid?  I have heard that some companies don't sell clean fuel but it's cheaper and that the impurities in them that can cause problems for these engines.  Any wisdom that can be shed would be greatly appreciated.

Re: Fuel quality question

Reply #1 –
Not aware of "quality differences" between brands.  Most brands come from the same refineries.

Differences I am aware of are: on highway (what you want) vs off-highway (red dye added-- cheaper because no road tax paid)

Dino diesel vs diesel with bio content.  Dino a little better on MPG, much better on storage life.  So, if you can find lower bio content use it.  Yes, many state legislatures (read that lobbyist) have mandated bio content to appeal to big farming.
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Fuel quality question

Reply #2 –
I always fill with the least expensive diesel that I can find. Above ground tanks are always suspect as they can be a breeding ground for algae because of the temperature change during 24 hours and moisture condensing on the walls of the tank. Below ground tanks don't really change temps in any 24 hour period.

Your filters will filter out any contaminants but the see through bowl should be looked at when you check the oil.

Fuel polishing is an absolute waste of money as any clean tank is only clean until the next time fuel is added. Any water/algae should be captured in the primary filter and an occasional visual check on the bottom of the tank is a good idea. But, as I said, the next time you fill, you may get a load of dirt, water or algae.

I always buy biodiesel if prices are close as less emissions are produced. Most of California, you don't have a choice as it's in the fuel at the pump.

Pierce
Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
SBFD (ret)

Re: Fuel quality question

Reply #3 –
As others have stated, diesel is general speaking the same regardless of brand and the quality of it mostly depends on how the retail station stores and handles it, so your best bet is to purchase from a station which has high sales volumes. 
 
ULSD has to be produced to minimum government mandated specifications and with a few exceptions, is sent via pipelines to terminals where it is co-mingled with ULSD produced from other refineries.  Distributors pick up the fuel from terminals and deliver to the local retail station.  Bio is added at the terminal just before distribution to the local retail station and is often blended in as the delivery truck is loaded.
 
Additives are the only thing which differentiates brands.  Like the bio content, additives specific to a brand are added at the time the delivery truck is loaded.  When the delivery truck driver enters their account information, the terminal system injects proprietary additives while the truck is being loaded.
 
Cold filter plug point (CFPP) and other specs change in the spring and the fall for most locations to accommodate colder weather use.  Bio diesel might be reduced from 10% to 5% or even completely eliminated during the winter blend season to comply with CFFP specs.  When bio is not included in the blend, lubricity additives are included to ensure the blend meets lubricity specifications. 
 
CFFP specs vary by location, so if you are traveling north in the winter time, the USLD you purchase in southern locations, like Phoenix will be different than ULSD purchased in Colorado, for example.

If you are concerned about algae growth, add a biocide like Biobor when you fill up and make it a point to keep you tank full to minimize condensate buildup inside the tank.
 

40ft 1997 U320

Re: Fuel quality question

Reply #4 –
While manufacturers have a recommended max bio content. I have heard plenty about Bio-diesel having ethanol in it and thus should be avoided. This is 100% untrue. ethanol is used in the refinement/production of Bio-Diesel. But is distilled off and reused in the process.
Jerry & Nona and Kimeru the cat that thinks she's a dog
1998 36' WTFE U320  #5314 Motorcade #17711
USAF 1975-1995
2019 Subaru Crosstrek 'toad'
2003 Subaru Legacy touring car
jerry Fincher | Flickr

Re: Fuel quality question

Reply #5 –
The only difference I have found is there are some places in the northern climates that sell "premium" diesel that is pretreated for winter months. They change the amount of additive by dates. I think it is after Oct 15th it has maximum protection. I always add Power Service treatment to each fill year round anyways.

Re: Fuel quality question

Reply #6 –
Good primer for the differences between different grades of diesel: Understanding The Differences Between Diesel Fuel Grades

Pro and Con of Bio Diesel: What's So Different about Biodiesel Fuel?  Note that it depends on the percentage of biodiesel in your fuel.

Pierce
Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
SBFD (ret)

Re: Fuel quality question

Reply #7 –
If you purchase diesel in the California market, you might also see diesel pumps labeled as R20, R99 or R100 etc which is renewable diesel primarily made from soybean oil and tallows or other biomass.  Unlike bio-diesel which must be blended at 5% or 10% by volume with traditional diesel, renewable diesel can be used 100% straight as it is produced via a different process than bio-diesel.
40ft 1997 U320
 

Re: Fuel quality question

Reply #8 –
Everything in MN for the most part is B20.