Diesel Fuel
Its late and I don't feel like conducting a web search for an answer so I'm going to ask my fellow diesel owners a fuel question. I purchased a 2011 Chevy Silverado 3500HD 6.6L diesel in South Carolin...
Forum Discussion
It has not been legal for the refineries to make and sell anything but ULSD since 2010 in the USA. At the pumps it is always going to be No. 2. ULSD is more of a problem on older engines built before 2010. Engines built after 2009 are designed to handle ULSD diesel.
I avoid biodiesel in any concentration and would never put anything beyond B-5 in my truck's tank.
Here is what is stated in the 2011 GM owners manuals regarding biodiesel:
"Biodiesel fuel quality degrades with time and exposure to high temperature much more quickly than conventional diesel fuel. Biodiesel gels sooner than conventional diesel fuel at cold temperature, and biodiesel fuel requires proper blending for winter time operation. Fuels improperly blended for cold temperature operation may result in restricted fuel filters and degraded vehicle performance.
Your vehicle is equipped with a fuel heating system to provide a level of protection against filter plugging from gelling (waxing) of conventional diesel fuel and biodiesel blends. However, the system will not prevent all cases of plugged filters if the operating temperature is far below the temperature at which gelling or waxing of the fuel occurs (cloud point). Use of biodiesel blends greater than B5 (5% blend) should be avoided in cold temperatures.
Vehicles operated for extended periods of time on conventional diesel fuel and then switched to biodiesel blends may experience premature fuel filter clogging and require more frequent fuel filter service. With long term use of conventional diesel fuel, gum and varnish may be deposited within the tank and fuel system. These deposits, while not problematic with the use of conventional diesel fuel, may become loosened with a sudden switch to biodiesel blends and cause fuel filter plugging.
This vehicle is equipped with a fuel filter restriction monitoring system that will alert you if the fuel filter requires service, but it will not prevent damage caused by poor quality biodiesel."
That last line is the kicker. Damage caused by burning biodiesel may not be covered by the manufacturer's warranty. One definitely should avoid using biodiesel in the winter but with no benefits I see no reason to use it all.
I avoid biodiesel in any concentration and would never put anything beyond B-5 in my truck's tank.
Here is what is stated in the 2011 GM owners manuals regarding biodiesel:
"Biodiesel fuel quality degrades with time and exposure to high temperature much more quickly than conventional diesel fuel. Biodiesel gels sooner than conventional diesel fuel at cold temperature, and biodiesel fuel requires proper blending for winter time operation. Fuels improperly blended for cold temperature operation may result in restricted fuel filters and degraded vehicle performance.
Your vehicle is equipped with a fuel heating system to provide a level of protection against filter plugging from gelling (waxing) of conventional diesel fuel and biodiesel blends. However, the system will not prevent all cases of plugged filters if the operating temperature is far below the temperature at which gelling or waxing of the fuel occurs (cloud point). Use of biodiesel blends greater than B5 (5% blend) should be avoided in cold temperatures.
Vehicles operated for extended periods of time on conventional diesel fuel and then switched to biodiesel blends may experience premature fuel filter clogging and require more frequent fuel filter service. With long term use of conventional diesel fuel, gum and varnish may be deposited within the tank and fuel system. These deposits, while not problematic with the use of conventional diesel fuel, may become loosened with a sudden switch to biodiesel blends and cause fuel filter plugging.
This vehicle is equipped with a fuel filter restriction monitoring system that will alert you if the fuel filter requires service, but it will not prevent damage caused by poor quality biodiesel."
That last line is the kicker. Damage caused by burning biodiesel may not be covered by the manufacturer's warranty. One definitely should avoid using biodiesel in the winter but with no benefits I see no reason to use it all.
