A few fact to add to the discussion.
1) Diesel fuel has a maximum storage life of 1 year. Sta-Bil, a fuel
additive that keeps fuel fresh in storage, will help diesel fuel also.
2) Diesel shops often address performance complaints by checking the fuel
cetane rating first. Unlike a gas engine that will let you know overtly
when the octane rating is low (by pinging), a diesel is more subtle. It may
be a little noisier, but within the realm of the cetane ratings found at
the pump, the most common symptom is a loss of power. I did some dyno tests
on a GM 6.2L and found an 8hp difference between 42 and 50 cetane fuel (I
used a cetane improving additive) If you can, buy premium diesel fuel, but
unfortunately in many states, there is no legal standard to define preium
fuel. The extra money you pay may not buy you any better fuel. The industry
regards "premium as 47-50 cetane. Most of what you buy is 40-45 cetane.
3) There is a difference in heat content between #1 and #2 diesel. #2
produces noticably more power than #1, or blended fuel. That's why your
diesel doesn't run as well in the winter. Of course, we have already heard
about gelling.
4) If you have a multifuel, why not run kerosene or gasoline in the winter.
You have a hardened injection pumps, so it won't hurt the truck. Since my
knowledge of multifuels is limited, perhaps an expert could chime in.
Jim Allen
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