In the United States, for best results use No. 2-D diesel fuel year-round (above and below freezing conditions) as oil companies blend No. 2-D fuel to address climate differences. No. 1-D diesel fuel may be used in very cold temperatures (when it stays below 0°F or -18°C); however, it will produce a power and fuel economy loss. Avoid the use of No. 1-D diesel fuel in warm or hot climates. It may result in stalling, poor starting when the engine is hot, and may damage the fuel injection system.
At a minimum, the diesel fuel you use should meet the latest version of ASTM specification D 975 (Grade Low Sulfur) in the United States. In addition, the Engine Manufacturers Association (EMA) has identified properties of an improved diesel fuel for better engine performance and durability. Diesel fuels corresponding to the EMA Recommended Guideline on Premium Diesel Fuel (FQP-1A) could provide better starting, less noise, and better vehicle performance. If there are questions about the fuel you are using, contact your fuel supplier.
It is acceptable to use diesel fuel containing up to 5% biodiesel (B5), but the final blended fuel must meet the same specification, ASTM D 975 (Grade Low Sulfur), as other fuels used in your vehicle, and the biodiesel used for making this fuel must meet the latest version of ASTM specification D 6751. Biodiesel is produced from vegetable oils or animal fat that have been chemically modified to reduce the possibility of damage to your fuel system and engine. Higher concentration (i.e., greater than B5) biodiesel-containing fuels or the use of unmodified bio-oils blended into diesel fuel at any concentration is not recommended and could damage your fuel system and engine. Such damage would not be covered by your warranty. If there are questions about the biodiesel-containing fuels you are using, contact your fuel supplier.
Diesel fuel may foam when you fill your tank. This can cause the automatic pump nozzle to shut off, even though your tank is not full. If this happens, just wait for the foaming to stop and then continue to fill your tank.
Caution: Heat coming from the engine may cause the fuel to expand and force the fuel out of your tank. If something ignites the fuel, a fire could start and people could be burned. To help avoid this, fill your fuel tank only until the automatic nozzle shuts off. Do not try to top it off.
What Fuel to Use in Canada
Canadian fuels are blended for seasonal changes. Diesel Type "A" fuel is blended for better cold weather starting (below 0°F or -18°C); however, you may notice some power and fuel economy loss. If Type "A" fuel is used in warmer temperatures, stalling and hard starting may occur. Diesel Type "B" fuel is blended for temperatures above 0°F (-18°C). The emission control system requires the use of diesel fuel with low-sulfur (.05% by weight) content. Both low- and higher-sulfur fuels will be available in Canada. Only low-sulfur diesel fuels are available in the United States. It is important that diesel-powered trucks are refueled only with low-sulfur fuel. Use of fuels with higher-sulfur content will affect the function of the emission components and may cause reduced performance, excessive smoke, and unpleasant odor.
At a minimum, the diesel fuel you use should meet the latest version of specification CAN/CGSB-3.517 (Low Sulfur Diesel) in Canada. In addition, the Engine Manufacturers Association (EMA) has identified properties of an improved diesel fuel for better engine performance and durability (FQP-1A). Diesel fuels corresponding to the EMA description could provide better starting, less noise, and better vehicle performance. If there are questions about the fuel you are using, contact your fuel supplier.
It is acceptable to use diesel fuel containing up to 5% biodiesel (B5), but the final blended fuel must meet the same specification, CAN/CGSB-3.517 (Low Sulfur Diesel) in Canada, as other fuels used in your vehicle, and the biodiesel used for making this fuel must meet the latest version of ASTM specification D 6751. Biodiesel is produced from vegetable oils or animal fat that have been chemically modified to reduce the possibility of damage to your fuel system and engine. Higher concentration (i.e., greater than B5) biodiesel-containing fuels or the use of unmodified bio-oils blended into diesel fuel at any concentration is not recommended and could damage your fuel system and engine. Such damage would not be covered by your warranty. If there are questions about the biodiesel-containing fuels you are using, contact your fuel supplier.
For fleets requiring compliance to Executive order 13149 (EPACT credit mandate), a minimum B20 biodiesel blend is needed to qualify. For these users only, it is acceptable to use diesel fuel containing up to 20% biodiesel (B20). Do not use biodiesel blends in excess of 20% (B20). Higher concentration (i.e., greater than 20%) biodiesel-containing fuels or other unmodified bio-oils blended into diesel fuel at any concentration is not recommended. The biodiesel portion used to make the blend must meet the latest version of ASTM D 6751, Standard Specification for Biodiesel Fuel (B100) Blend Stock for Distillate Fuels.
Notice: Raw or refined vegetable oil, or recycled greases that have not been processed into biodiesel, are not biodiesel and should not be used. The use of unprocessed oil and greases blended into diesel fuel or degraded (aged) biodiesel could damage your fuel system and engine. Such damage would not be covered by your warranty.
If there are questions about the biodiesel-containing fuels you are using, contact your fuel supplier.
Some points you should be aware of when using up to B20 blends are:
| • | Biodiesel has less energy content than standard diesel fuel. If you are using B20, power, torque and fuel economy should be between 1% and 2% lower compared to standard diesel fuel. As the percent biodiesel in the blend is lowered, any differences in energy content become diminished. |
| • | Biodiesel has a cleaning effect on accumulated sediments in tanks, and filter plugging may be experienced during the use of B20. |
| • | Biodiesel has a greater tendency to oxidize than the standard diesel fuel, and thus, has a shorter storage life than standard diesel fuel. Frequent turnover of fuel in the tank is recommended to minimize problems. |
| • | Biodiesel reduces the surface tension of the blended fuel, which results in the water separator coalescing element in your vehicle's fuel filter to be ineffective. Any water in the fuel will pass through the filter and may cause corrosion damage to the fuel system. |
Notice: Any damage caused by the biodiesel fuel that does not meet these specification are not covered by your warranty.
