I have been asking aournd lately and have not been able to get a straight answer. What are the major differences between number 1 and 2 diesel? I noticed that one of the truck stops here sells both #1 and #2 year around which suprised me. Their #1 is about 10 cents more expensive than #2.

I always thought that #2 diesel was the winterirzed blend? Is that correct? I had a person the other day tell me I should pay the extra 10 cents and buy the #1 diesel cause it has better lubrication properties, ext.

Any of this true?? Thanks in Advance for the help guys!!

 

#1 is kerosene

 

there is no lubrication to #1

 

So is that the main reason #1 fuel is more expensive out here? I take it it is a safe blend to use?

 

i wouldnt think it to be safe to use by itself

 

Interesting...The when i asked the guy at the truck stop about it he said they have semi's that run it year around. But who knows how much credit to put towards his comment.

 

People do run it year round. The only difference is the viscosity, #1 is lower viscosity (thinner). Some engines are only certified for #1, but you can run #1 in any diesel engine anytime of the year, despite what people think it will lube everything just fine.

 

So is there any benefit in running #1 instead of #2?

 

Not quite. #1 is different than Kero. Kero has NO lube at all, #1 has a little but no where near as much as #2

#1 has had more of the Parafin (wax) taken oout of it so that it won't gell as easily. As a result of that refining process, there are also less BTU's per gallon in #1. Less BTU = Less power.

If you are going to operate in cold (below freezing for prolonged times)temps #1 is the way to go just be sure to use a good Lubricity additive to make up for the Drier (less lubricity) fuel.

 

i agree with ofcmarc, when it gets cold out use #1 , so you wont gel up, and an additive for the lube. run #2 otherwise. there isnt a need to run #1 in our trucks when it is warm out, no benifits, and it cost more money.

 

Perfectly said.

#1 Burns around 137,000 BTU, while #2 burns around 142,000 BTU I believe, which makes quite a difference in regards to power and fuel mileage. Once I start switching over to #1, I notice a good decrease in MPG *thumbs down*

 

Ok...Is there that big of a difference between when the two fuels gel? I have tried to find more reading material online...but it all seems to be over my head

 

#2 starts gelling @ +12 F and #1 starts @ -10 f. I disagree about less lubricity than #2, I have first hand experience with running over 200 ISC & ISL CTD going on 4 + years without any fuel system problems and zero additive used.

 

I don't even know where you would find #1 year around. My 06 has never had a gallon of #1 diesel and I live in ND (I add Howes) For the last few years when it gets cold out #1 will be .30-.40 cents more per gallon then #2. You can feel the power loss when you run it and the fuel mileage goes down.