Diesel fuel
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Joined: Jan 2014
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From: USA - Minnesota
2014 GL350 / 2026 BMW iX iDrive60
The "base" fuel source is often similar and possibly from even the same regional refinery but the cetane levels and quality of additives can be wildly different (or be nonexistent) between major brands and "discount" fuel. As a result the differences in diesel are often greater than differences in gasoline. (See the recent thread on "top tier" gasoline.)
In addition, diesel has two qualities that set it apart from gasoline as it it can contain water in suspension and there are actually algae that consume diesel. The water is tolerable (within reason) in older diesel motors but in modern common rail high pressure fuel systems it plays havoc when it vaporizes upon release from the fuel injector. The algae can seriously clog filters and once in a tank pretty much requires a replacement of the entire fuel system to eliminate.
Since both of these items can seriously cause damage to the fuel system it reinforces the desirability to source from high-volume facilities that have consistent quality control checks and quality fuel.
Last edited by cadetdrivr; Jul 15, 2016 at 10:36 AM.
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Joined: Dec 2010
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You may also find biodiesel blends in some markets or at certain suppliers. Some service stations are now starting to offer premium diesel products with detergency in it - similar to what has been in gasoline for years.
