cetane boost

Federal regulations require a minimum 45 cetane and also require any vehicle sold in the US be designed to operate at that cetane. They should do the same for cars requiring all to use regular fuel as there is no need to design for higher octane with todays technology.

ol Bombero-JC wrote:

dodge guy wrote:
I`de say something about the cost of owning a diesel. but I don`t want to rub it in!

Yep - HDT mfgrs are going to switch to gas any day now..:R..:R

~

Yep, just gotta add more gears, so that you can multiply all that torque to get the load moving.

mlts22 wrote:
I have never heard about people having to use cetane boosting additives. If something is tossed in the diesel tank, it usually is something to kill algae and other bugs that love feasting on the oil when the rig is in storage.

Good morning.

Cetane additives are often recommended for foreign diesels as they are designed to run with higher quality fuels not generally found in North America. Can't speak for anyone else but it has been our experience that a cetane booster makes a noticeable difference in our Mercedez diesels. It also helps prempt problems with the EGR and turbo in our particular model. I agree that not all diesels will see a benefit from running an additive.

I have never heard about people having to use cetane boosting additives. If something is tossed in the diesel tank, it usually is something to kill algae and other bugs that love feasting on the oil when the rig is in storage.

The study may be several years old but that does not change the results. The current ULSD fuel appears to need some help in the lubricity department. And if the products tested are still on the market, then I want to know where they ranked. If this is the latest study I can find, then that's what I'll use.

Agreed that the OP was asking about cetane improvement. My .02 is that the OP does not need to worry about cetane levels. But maybe should do something to improve the lubricity of the fuel we all have to use. I want that REALLY expensive HPFP to live a long time.

Dusty,
That study is dated and should be deleted or updated, IMO. And lubricity has nothing to do with the OP's subject of improving cetane. I do agree with you about Stanadyne Performance. It is a good product for a number of issues. And it was approved by Ford until they came out with their product.

I use Stanadyne Performance additive based on the recommendation of my diesel mechanic son. The engine runs quieter and I see a slight improvement in MPG. I have used the Diesel Kleen and do not see much difference between it and the Stanadyne. There are several lubricity studies that have been done on the web. The best additive listed is 'Soy Bio Diesel' and ever thing falls into place below that.

Click

Lubricity Additive Study Results

My mechanic of 35 years told me to add it when I bought this truck. That's all Ineeded to know. 35 years, he hasn't sent me in the wrong yet. Uses it in his own trucks. Recommended the Motorcraft PM-22.

GoPackGo wrote:
The OP asked about a cetane improver, which is a completely different question then asking about a lubricity improver.

I would really question a dealer that's telling you to add a cetane improver - I don't see the need. I believe the federal minimum cetane in #2 these days is 45 and that's just fine for my 2013 F350.

Having said that, I know that most of the 'diesel additives' generally claim to add cetane too.

IMHO, what you really want to do is increase the lubricity, which is what most of the replys here are advising, and I also agree with. I add Ford's PM22a, which does increase the cetane level too. But I use it because of the additional lubricity that it provides.

Tim

Ford PM22A MSDS here:

https://www.fcsdchemicalsandlubricants.com/main/msds/us178699us.pdf

How much increase in lubricity will a few ounces of light machine oil dissolved in 12 ounces of naphtha and diluted with 20 gallons of diesel fuel provide?

I use the Power Service Diesel fuel additive. A few ounces per tank at fillup. Never thought about not using something. Cold weather gelling is not something I want to happen to this truck. Happened on a diesel beetle we once had and it always had to go by flatbed to repair shop. Not something I want to do now.