#1 or #2 ultra low sulfur fuel

kennerk · Aug 7, 2023

What is the best fuel to run in my 2021 LS M235E tractor.
#1 or #2 fuel, does it make a big difference with using #1 ?

Thanks
kenner

jeff9366 · Aug 7, 2023

#1 is for cold temperatures, when jelling of #2 diesel might occur.

What is your location?

RjCorazza · Aug 7, 2023

#1D will have less btu's, and MAY have less lubricity than #2D. I live in a somewhat moderate climate where true #1D will not be in commercial pumps. There will be an unknown percentage of #1D and #2D, or a winterizing agent added.
As far as gelling temperatures are concerned, numbers on the web are all over the place. I settled on the following, somewhat conservative numbers for #2D (untreated) :
Cloud point 32f
CFPP (cold filter plugging point) 10-15f (some sources say 0f)
Gels (pour point) at 0f

100% #1D goes south at around -40f

I personally try to use up #2D summer fuel and have November fuel in my transfer tank for the winter. I also add Power Service anti gel additive to ensure I don't have any problems.

kennerk · Aug 7, 2023

jeff9366 said:
#1 is for cold temperatures, when jelling of #2 diesel might occur.

What is your location?

upper MI.

ruffdog · Aug 7, 2023

kennerk said:
upper MI.

For here, many will end up with at least a 70/30 blend (#2 to #1) for winter use. If it looks like we are going frigid in the forecast, then a 60/40 blend or even a 50/50 may be used. Like stated earlier, #1 has less BTUs so you won't have the power or mileage. For upper MI I would think a 60/40 and a anti gel additive would be about right. Most normal stations here only blend for the current temps and not the temps you will get later in Jan or Feb. Contractors with a bulk tank can order the blend from the supplier and I have one station that will have a winter blend early in the fall. I also can go to the supplier and get a jug of #1 to blend my own fuel.