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$I've been doing a little research into fuels lately. Although people do burn kerosene in place of #1 diesel, they're not the same fuels (i.e. the same stew of hydrocarbon compounds). When crude oil is fractionated, the various fuels consisting of varying mixes of hydrocarbon compounds (paraffins, naphthenes, and aromatics) are separated based on ranges of condensation temperatures. Straight run raw gasoline condenses out in the range of 100-300 deg F. Raw kerosene condenses out in the range of 430-500F. The light gas oils or distillates condense out in the range of 490-600F, etc. The raw kerosene receives further treatment and is sold as finished kerosene (also called lamp oil), which is governed by ASTM standard D187. JP-1 jet fuel is very similar to kerosene but has a lower freeze point. The light gas oils are processed into the various grades of fuel oils (heating oil and diesel fuel) and other jet fuels. The specification for heating oils (#1, #2, and #4) is governed by ASTM standard D287. The specification for diesel fuels (#1D, #2D, and #4D) is governed by ASTM standard D613. Cetane ratings are specified for diesel fuels but not for heating oils. The other differences between heating oils and diesel fuel oils include restrictions on sulfur and ash contents. Some companies market, say their #2 fuel oil, as either #2 heating oil or #2D diesel fuel (meaning that their fuel meets both ASTM standards). Others market their heating oils and diesel fuel oils separately. The primary differences between #1D and #2D diesel fuels are their cloud points (#1:-25F vs #2:15 to 20F), their flash points (#1:100F vs #2:125F), their viscosities (#1:1.3-2.4cSt vs #2:1.9-4.1cSt), and their energy content per gallon (higher for #2). Both fuels have the same minimum cetane number (40). The cloud point is the temperature at which paraffin crystals begin to precipitate out of the fuel (and clog up your fuel filter). Lower flash point means the fuel will begin burning at lower temperature (helpful during cold weather). Lower viscosity is also helpful during cold weather because the injectors are better able to create the proper spray pattern in the combustion chamber. The cetane number is a measure of a diesel fuel's antiknock characteristics (similar to the octane number for gasoline). For these reasons, #1D diesel fuel is recommended during cold weather. New Holland also recommends #1D fuel for higher altitudes. In my area (near Albuquerque), the gas stations and truck stops sell only #2D because it never gets bitterly cold here. Still, an additive is often used in the winter time to lower the cloud point of the #2D fuel by about 40 deg F. Premium diesel fuel is also sold here; its either #2D with an additive already mixed in, or a blend of #1D and #2D. In some areas of the country such fuels are also called a "Winter Blend". Hope this helps. - Jeff$ Diesel Fuel
Parts and Repair
Replies 16 Post by Jeff B