34mpg fleet average by 2016?

[AuthorEditor]

For the winter they blend in #1 diesel with the regular #2, plus I think they now may put in some additives to keep it all ULSD. They used to blend in kerosene, but that is too high in sulfur for today's engines. The switch over is usually late October or so when temperatures start falling below 32 degrees frequently. I don't know specifically about the Pacific NW but Exxon says they blend the fuel wherever temps require it. You get worse fuel mileage with the #1.

 

[MNgopher]

Diesel is most defintely seasonally adjusted here in the upper midwest. Typically a blend of #1 and #2 Diesel, depending on upcoming temps along with additives to reduce the point that diesel gels at. Similar to effects noted by some from winter gasoline (and no, not all the effects are from the gasoline), the winter blend diesel and or #1 results in lower fuel economy.

A common sight on the freeways here is northbound trucks that filled up with diesel down south that was not adjusted for well below zero temps, and not well equipped to deal with real cold weather either that eventually gel up and stall.

 

[jetblacknismo]

Interesting stuff. Im still wondering what exactly they 'change' in it? And what is the difference between #1 and #2 diesel? I'll have to look that up or just ask my boss.

I know that jet fuel is VERY resistant to gelling. Dont want planes falling out of the sky! We test it with liquid nitrogen and it usually starts to gel around -55 degrees F.

I doubt that the seasonal blends are getting jet fuel. Maybe, but that would seem rather costly. Im not saying im an expert at all. I just know what we do in my area and a bit about the bizz ince i work in it.... Facinating stuff though!

 

[Steve S]

#1 is more kerosene like than #2 and may have different cetane ? #2 has more wax which is what gells. Sorry the description is not so technical

 

[Steve S]

Originally Posted By: grampi
Originally Posted By: expat
Quote; We are the most self-centered, energy guzzling nation on the planet and still we wonder why people from so many other countries don't like us.


I LIKE Americans, Have you seen how the price of Oil (We export to U.S.) has effected the Canadian Dollar lately.
I'd guess the Arabs like you too. ;-)


They don't like us, just our money :0(
We have bailed out those countries or support them from the sloptrough of the taxpayers.

 

[Steve S]

I would say that it is more government control. Though I choose the best mpg option for whatever vehicle I get. Not because I am cheap, just thrifty.

 

[jetblacknismo]

Originally Posted By: Steve S
#1 is more kerosene like than #2 and may have different cetane ? #2 has more wax which is what gells. Sorry the description is not so technical


Ah, i gotcha! Dont worry about technical, like i said, im not an expert. Thanks!

 

[XS650]

Originally Posted By: Steve S
#1 is more kerosene like than #2 and may have different cetane ? #2 has more wax which is what gells. Sorry the description is not so technical


It's a pretty good one though.

 

[jetblacknismo]

Ok, just asked the boss, but he was in a hurry. He did say that yes, the flash point of winter ULSD is lower than summer blends. And that sometimes it is blended with a jet A1 kerosene product or Paraflow. Which is a synthetc lubricant that also lowers the pour point. He said we dont do it here cause those types of ULSD are good to about -20 to -25 degrees F. And it doesnt get that cold here, thank god!

Sorry, i kinda derailed the thread a bit, but its exciting stuff for a gearhead/oil employee.

Back to the thread: yea, the government sucks!

 

[expat]

Here is a video of a Jeep CRD (Common Rail Diesel)starting in -5F

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dxnq2uXmUw4&feature=related

I have a relative that has one of these in Calgary, the lady is 70 years old and the temps often get down to below -25C
I don't think she understands that a Diesel is any different to a Gas engine, other than it somehow gets better MPG.
The first time I used the car I was not immediately ware it was Diesel!

Stupid thing about the vehicle is it has very little headroom.
If you are over 6'4" forget it!