School me on fuel

TDJD · Oct 5, 2018

The post below got me thinking. I?ve heard of winter and summer blends for gas, but what are they blending? And are there different blends for rec gas (100% gasoline)? I normally burn rec gas in my John Deere A but this summer I burned probably 200 gallons so I used just plain gas (from Meijer). Good, bad, same? Now Diesel. I haven?t burned diesel before but I got a John Deere R (to do heavy work instead of the A, because of the better fuel efficiency). There?s a station near the farm that sells off-road diesel, what do I need to know about blends (winter/summer)? Sulfur? I want to burn good diesel for the tractor because it?s getting an engine overhaul. Any thing else I should know about fuel?
Thanks.

BarnyardEngineering · Oct 5, 2018

"Gasoline" is not just one, but several hydrocarbon compounds. Winter gasoline is blended from hydrocarbons that are more volatile, meaning they evaporate easier. The colder temperatures slow down evaporation, allowing the use of the more volatile compounds. These compounds are also cheaper, which is why winter blend gasoline tends to be less expensive than summer (unless I'm confusing things, then it's the other way 'round).

If "rec" gasoline is the same as our "no ethanol" gasoline, the only reason to use it is if you're not going to use the machine enough to consume the gasoline you put in, in a reasonable time. Using the tractor regularly though summer, "regular" is fine. Storing the tractor through the winter, "rec/no ethanol" gas with a suitable fuel stabilizer is recommended, or just empty the tank and carburetor.

Diesel fuel, the only difference between on-road and off-road is the taxes. Put off-road gas in your truck, and the DOT will appear out of the woodwork and "dip" your tank, then proceed to fine you a very large amount of money.

Charlie M · Oct 5, 2018

If you're in a cold region is there a winter blend of diesel so it doesn't gel up or is it up to operator to add something on their own.

leroy in ne · Oct 5, 2018

some of both occur. local station usually treats to so called zero during colder winter months however most local users do some additional treatment especially during cold snaps as it's no fun trying to change filters and treat to dissolve wax ect. in gelled up tank when you are setting in a snowbank on the side of the road and restart a cold engine . Then what about the trucker that pumped in 250 gallons in the middle of Oklahoma when its 40 degrees and is headed to Minnesota where its 20 below when he needs fuel again. Do you think hee will get there and get treated fuel on board before he has problems?

Glen SW Wi · Oct 5, 2018

The lighter hydrocarbons ignite easier in cold weather. Left over winter blend is more likely to cause vapor lock if used in the heat of summer.

MarkB_MI · Oct 5, 2018

The real difference between winter and summer grade gasoline is the Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP). Winter gas can and probably should have a higher RVP, while high vapor pressure in summer gas can lead to vapor locking and contributes to evaporative emissions.

In general, RVP is controlled by adding butane to increase vapor pressure and reducing it to decreasing it. Winter gas tends to be cheaper because butane is not as expensive as some of the less volatile gasoline distillates.

In the case of winter/summer diesel, additives are added to winter diesel to prevent it from gelling in sub-zero temperatures. If you find yourself in the middle of winter with a tank of summer-grade diesel, you can buy additives to treat it.

Bob · Oct 5, 2018

"pumped in 250 gallons in the middle of Oklahoma when its 40 degrees and is headed to Minnesota where its 20 below when he needs fuel again. Do you think hee will get there and get treated fuel on board before he has problems?"

Should be no problem if the truck is equipped for such a trip, and has fuel tank heaters.

john in la · Oct 5, 2018

Mark has it right.
It is all about preventing evaporation of gasoline in the summer.
Depending on where you live and how bad your air pollution is your RVP standard in summer may be from 9.0 RVP down to 7.0 RVP

caterpillar guy · Oct 5, 2018

Bob has it on the southern fuel driving north. The newer engines also return more fuel than the older ones did so will heat the fuel. If you doubt me go feel of a fuel tank, on a semi before fueling, right after it comes off the road. The tank will feel slightly warm below fuel level.
I still believe fuel is blended for the area it is delivered in. Thus treating is not really needed if you are not going to colder climates in the winter.

TDJD · Oct 5, 2018

Can you explain about sulfur in the diesel and biodiesel?
Thanks for all the replies!

School me on fuel

TDJD

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BarnyardEngineering

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Charlie M

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leroy in ne

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Glen SW Wi

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MarkB_MI

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Bob

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john in la

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caterpillar guy

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TDJD

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