Innospec also offers CI-0808, a nitrogen-free Cetane Number Improver. This addition can be used to raise the Cetane Number of diesel fuels while lowering the nitrogen percentage of the fuel. CI-0808 is a solvent-based blend of Di-tert-butyl peroxide that is normally employed at a concentration of 0.05 to 0.50 percent.
Is it possible to add cetane to diesel?
You’ve got a diesel engine that doesn’t seem to be working properly. It’s possible that it’s a little harsh. It’s a little louder than usual. It doesn’t appear to have the same strength as before. Perhaps you have a diesel generator that is difficult to start and produces too much black smoke when it does.
Diesel engines have never been more difficult, especially since the introduction of new common rail diesel engines. So the reasons why your diesel engine isn’t performing as well as it once did aren’t always obvious. However, if you’re going to start someplace, make sure you’re using diesel fuel with a high enough cetane rating for your engine.
What Cetane Rating Really Means
While technically a chemical, cetane is also an index rating that indicates how well diesel fuel performs in a normal engine. If you use a diesel fuel with a low rating, the engine will operate more rough and without enough power. Insufficient diesel fuel cetane rating indicates that the diesel fuel will not combust as quickly as it should in that engine. As a result, the engine does not perform as well as it should. It’s the polar opposite of gasoline’s octane. In fact, gasoline with a low octane rating burns TOO fast (which is why they call it pre-detonation). The burning rate of diesel fuel with a low cetane rating is excessively slow.
Fortunately, increasing the cetane number in diesel fuel is simple.
They all entail adding something to the gasoline that has a higher cetane rating than the fuel itself.
This makes sense because the cetane rating is the average of the cetane ratings of all the constituent components of the diesel fuel.
The overall cetane rating of the fuel is increased by adding more of a higher-cetane component.
Recommendations for Cetane Rating
What kind of rating should you aim for? While 40 is the lowest rating for diesel fuel sold in the United States, 45 is the de facto minimum for most diesel engines to function properly. Some diesel engines demand a rating of 50 or higher.
There are ways to increase the cetane rating of your diesel fuel if you suspect it isn’t high enough.
Some alternatives are superior to others. You’ll find plenty of message board posts from backyard mechanics talking about how they’ve been adding toluene to their fuel for years with fantastic results if you search the internet. Alternatively, dimethyl ether. Or something else entirely.
In reality, 2-ethyl hexyl nitrate is the industry standard for cetane improver. It not only raises the diesel cetane rating, but it also does it without causing engine difficulties or harming engine materials.
One thing to keep an eye out for with cetane improvers is a similar issue that many have with octane improvers.
Many people offer products branded as cetane and octane improvers because consumers consider them to be fast solutions. If the cetane improver you’re looking at doesn’t contain 2-ethylhexylnitrate, you should generally avoid it. You might not be sure if it’s an acceptable addition, if it’ll harm your engine, or (most importantly) if it’ll work.
Pay attention to the treatment rates as well. Raising fuel cetane rating is not difficult to do, but you have to have enough active ingredient in the fuel. You might as well put the additive back on the shelf if it claims to boost gasoline cetane rating by 6 or 8 points yet only requires 1 ounce per 30 gallons. It’s not going to work with such a small amount of additive. You’ll probably need at least 1 ounce per 10 gallons to boost the gasoline cetane rating by any significant amount. There are no shortcuts, but if you use enough of a cetane improver additive, it will work.
Is it possible to use a cetane booster with diesel?
With current diesel engines, higher cetane values have relatively limited benefits and may cause more harm than good. One of the few advantages of cetane is that it helps with cold-weather engine starting by speeding up the ignition process in the cylinder. The cetane’s advantage, however, terminates there.
What’s the best way to increase cetane levels?
The best additive in the game is Diesel Extreme. This one raises the cetane rating of diesel by seven points (improving the fuel’s combustion performance once again), as well as cleaning and lubricating injectors and other essential fuel system components. Diesel Extreme also aids in the removal of impurities and excess water from fuel.
Which additives boost diesel’s cetane number?
To increase the cetane number of diesel, chemicals such as alkyl nitrates (most notably 2-ethylhexyl nitrate) and di-tert-butyl peroxide are utilized.
Is it worthwhile to invest in cetane boosters?
First and foremost, a cetane additive affects your engine’s cold-temperature performance. No-starts, misfires, torque variations, noise, and vibrations are all things to avoid. A cetane booster can also result in a smoother idle, more power, higher MPG, and longer engine life.
What is the highest cetane diesel fuel?
Cetane is measured on a scale of 0 to 100, with the higher the value, the better. Fuel with a cetane value of 45 to 55 is recommended for modern highway diesel engines. Cenex Premium Diesel has a cetane number of 47 to 52, whereas standard no. 2 diesel has a cetane value of 40 to 42.
Is it possible to put too much fuel additive?
It’s easy to overdo it with a high-quality diesel fuel additive. What happens if your diesel fuel is over-treated? Overdosing can result in a slew of new fuel and engine problems, ranging from clogged filters to decreased engine performance and efficiency. Don’t over-treat if you’re losing lubricity.
What is the best way to raise the cetane number?
Fuels that have been autoxidized have a higher cetane number. Higher autoxidation temperatures and longer autoxidation times can result in a greater increase in cetane number. It is possible to increase the cetane number of diesel fuel by autoxidation.
How often should cetane booster be used?
- For best performance, add Diesel Kleen +Cetane Boost (silver bottle) if the temperature is above 30F. To ensure peak diesel performance, this Max HP Formula is infused with cetane, detergent, and lubricity improver.
- Add Diesel Fuel Supplement +Cetane Boost (white bottle) for winter operability if temperatures are below 30F. This Arctic Formula will keep your fuel from gelling and your fuel filter from icing.
- If your vehicle won’t start or get power in the cold, call Diesel 911 to reliquefy gelled fuel and de-ice frozen fuel filters.
- To remove water, scatter impurities, and stabilize fuel for long-term storage, use Clear-Diesel Fuel & Tank Cleaner.
- To destroy bacteria and remove remaining water and pollutants, use Bio Kleen Diesel Fuel Biocide and Clear-Diesel Fuel & Tank Cleaner.
What octane boosters are effective?
We think the Torco F500010TE Unleaded Fuel Accelerator is the greatest overall octane booster. This octane booster works with a variety of engines and can raise your car’s octane levels to 102. Oxygen sensors and catalytic converters are also compatible. STP Octane Booster is a cost-effective choice that yet produces high-quality, consistent performance.