T&T: T&T Cetane Rating

[Trainman484848@aol.com]

Hello All

I'm seeing various different posts on fuel quality price cetane, etc., and 
thought I would add my thoughts. There is no direct correlation between the cost 
of fuel and the quality of it Fuel docks are not near as competitive as gas 
stations. In the Tampa area Cheap fuel can be had at Clearwater Municipal 
Marina expensive fuel can be had in Venice usually about 30 cents per gallon more 
both docks get it from the same distributor at the same price.

Cetane rating denotes how easily the fuel will ignite higher cetane does not 
mean more power just better performance. I don't believe fuel that sits loses 
cetane rating. Heavier fuels such as #2 heating oil will produce more power 
but because of the lower cetane rating will generally run dirtier and put a 
higher strain on the engine. Light fuels such as #1 diesel or kerosene will burn 
very clean but don't produce as much power and often lack lubrication qualities 
especially kerosene.

Any fuel marketed as diesel will meet the minimum requirements of your engine 
but if your getting fuel with a cetane rating on the low end of the 
acceptable scale you will probably see better performance and economy by raising the 
cetane. The BTU value of the fuel will not change but increasing the cetane # 
will create a more complete burn. You will also have a smoother quieter and 
cleaner running engine. So it's posable to improve performance and efficiency with 
a higher cetane # but simply paying more doesn't mean you will get that.

Brian Palmetto FL