Diesel Fuel Information

Diesel fuel is a type of petroleum-derived fuel that is used in diesel engines, primarily for transportation, and also in generators and machinery. Diesel engines are known for their efficiency and durability, making them ideal for heavy-duty applications.

Types of Diesel Fuels

Low-Grade Fuels

Low-grade diesel fuels typically offer higher heat value but contain more impurities, such as sulfur, which can damage engines over time. They are generally cheaper but may increase maintenance costs due to their impact on engine parts.

High-Grade Fuels

High-grade diesel fuels burn more cleanly, produce fewer emissions, and extend the life of the engine. However, they tend to have a lower heat value, providing slightly less energy compared to lower-grade options.

Crude Oil

Crude oil is the unrefined form of petroleum and can be used in some diesel engines after specialized treatment. It serves as the raw material for producing various refined fuels, including diesel.

Distillate Fuels

Distillate fuels are refined from crude oil and include diesel fuel, gas oil, and kerosene. They are commonly used in transportation and heating applications due to their high energy content and efficiency.

Marine Diesel Oil

Marine diesel oil is a type of fuel used primarily for maritime purposes. It is available in various grades and is formulated to meet the unique requirements of marine engines, providing both efficiency and reliability in challenging conditions.

Biodiesel

Biodiesel is a renewable, biodegradable fuel derived from organic sources, such as vegetable oil or animal fat. It is often blended with petroleum-based diesel to reduce emissions and promote sustainability.

Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD)

ULSD contains ≤15 ppm of sulfur and is designed to minimize particulate emissions in diesel engines, making it a cleaner and more environmentally friendly option.

Diesel Fuel Characteristics

• Cetane Number: The cetane number indicates how easily a fuel ignites under pressure. Higher cetane numbers mean better combustion and smoother engine performance.
• Sulfur Content: Diesel fuels can contain varying amounts of sulfur. High sulfur content leads to greater engine wear and pollution, which is why many countries have moved toward low-sulfur diesel options like ULSD.
• Viscosity: Viscosity refers to the thickness of the fuel. Fuels with high viscosity may not flow as easily, while low-viscosity fuels could provide less lubrication for engine parts.
• Distillation: Diesel fuel is produced through a distillation process that separates it from crude oil, leaving behind residual products like tar.
• Flash Point: The flash point of diesel is the temperature at which the fuel vaporizes and becomes ignitable.
• Pour Point: The pour point is the lowest temperature at which the fuel can still flow.
• Cloud Point: The cloud point refers to the temperature at which paraffin in the fuel begins to solidify, causing the fuel to appear cloudy.

Diesel Fuel Selection

Fuel should always be selected based on the requirements outlined in the engine-specific Operation and Maintenance Manual. The information and charts below are for reference only. The fuels recommended for use in Cat diesel engines are normally No. 2-D diesel fuel and No. 2 fuel oil, although No. 1 grades are also acceptable.

The following tables list worldwide fuel standards and acceptable aircraft jet fuels that meet Caterpillar's requirements.

Worldwide Fuel Standards

Standard	Name	Description
American	ASTM D975	No. 1-D & No. 2-D Diesel Fuel Oils
	ASTM D396	No. 1 & No. 2 Fuel Oils
	ASTM D2880	No. 1-GT & No. 2-GT Gas Turbine Fuels
British	BS 2869	Classes A1, A2 & B2 Engine Fuels
	BS 2869	Classes C2 & D Burner Fuels
West German	DIN 51601	Diesel Fuel
	DIN 51603	Heating Oil El
Australian	AS 3570	Automotive Diesel Fuel
Japanese	JIS K2204	Types 1 (spl), 1, 2, 3 & 3 (spl) Gas Oil
U.S. Government	W-F-800C	DF-1, DF-2 Conus & DF-20 Conus Diesel Fuel
	W-F-815C	FS-1 & FS-2 Burner Fuel Oil
U.S. Military	MIL-L-16884G	Marine Oil

Acceptable Aircraft Jet Fuels and Kerosene-Type Fuels

Name	Description
ASTM D 1655-80	Aviation Turbine Fuel (JET A-1)
MIL-T-5624L	Aviation Turbine Fuel (JP-5) (NATO Code No. F-44)
MIL-T-83133B	Aviation Turbine Fuel (JP-8) (NATO Code No. F-34)

Please consult your engine's operation manual for specific fuel recommendations and always use the fuel that meets the necessary specifications for optimal engine performance and longevity.