Has Diesel Fuel Changed Recently?

[mfitzpatrick2]

I have noticed more problems starting my diesel engines and it seems to have begun in the last year or so.

A good friend has also experienced harder starting, decreased HP, and more smoke (under load) in every diesel tractor.

He has restored many JD two cylinder tractors and several of them are modified diesels for pulling.

He has a dyno and knows precisely what HP each one produces.

These pulling tractors have been used for 20 years with very consistent HP records

Different fuel brands/suppliers produce the same lower HP.

Anyone having the same experiences?

Anyone know of changes to the fuel quality other than "ultra low sulfur"?

 

[David G]

I am aware of a 2020 maritime low sulfur rule going into place, but there is much more bio now. It is important to know that bio can be animal fat.

 

[Gantt]

Some Truckers try to use pure diesel, the bio stuff returns lower fuel mileage. lower mileage means the engine is making less power, uses more fuel.

 

[David G]

I hate the bio, at first the soy was not too bad, but this new animal fat diesel sucks.

 

[IowaJohn]

I'm with you, when bio first came on the scene it worked good for me. As of last fall I told my fuel guy no more all straight number 2. I farm and we were having trouble gelling around 15 and seemed no matter how much howes I put in it didn't fix it. My fuel guy said more of his customers are doing the same thing.