FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT DIESEL FUEL

Diesel fuel is a complex mixture of hydrocarbon molecules derived from petroleum crude oil. While the term “diesel fuel” includes products such as burner fuel, heating fuel, X-Grade, D-Grade, fuel oil and others, it most commonly refers to a distillate that is burned in compression combustion engines or home heating systems. Diesel fuel is ignited in an internal combustion engine cylinder by the heat of air under high compression – unlike motor gasoline, which is ignited by an electrical spark.

Biodiesel is a clean-burning alternative fuel for diesel engines made from animal fats or vegetable oils, such as soybean oil. Pure biodiesel (B-100) contains no petroleum, is biodegradable and nontoxic. Pure biodiesel is often blended with petroleum diesel to create biodiesel blends, such as B-2 or B-5; this designation indicates a 2% or 5% biodiesel blend. Biodiesel blends can be used in most diesel engines with no modifications; refer to your equipment owner’s manual for details. Cenex® Biodiesel Fuels are produced using domestically grown soybeans.

Contamination, dirt, water and other airborne materials are usually the cause. However, most of these problems are correctable. Filter replacement can prevent the pump and injector wear that results in premature repairs. Cenex® Premium Diesel Fuels, Cenex Roadmaster XL® and Cenex® Ruby Fieldmaster® contain aggressive detergents that clean dirty fuel systems and keep them in like-new condition. This maximizes the life of fuel pumps and injectors, while optimizing power and fuel efficiency.

Algae are simple, photosynthetic organisms that exist in several forms. Many species live in water and feed on fuel. Generally they form a black, slimy substance that plugs filters, and most often occur in farm storage tanks that are seldom used (algae like dormant, warm conditions). Water is the key ingredient. If a tank is regularly drained, problems can be minimized. If water does accumulate and growth occurs, then the tank should be cleaned and treated with a biocide. Cenex Roadmaster XL® and Cenex® Ruby Fieldmaster® contain a demulsifier that separates the water and forces it to the bottom of the tank.

Diesel engine smoke is caused by incomplete combustion. White smoke is caused by tiny droplets of unburned fuel resulting from engine misfire at low temperatures; this smoke should disappear as your engine warms up. Black smoke can result from faulty injectors, insufficient air or overloading/overfueling the engine. Blue or gray smoke is the result of burning lubricating oil and is an indication the engine is in poor mechanical condition.

Tank location and storage temperatures affect a fuel’s storage life. As diesel fuel is stored, it slowly reacts with oxygen in the air to form gums and varnishes. As temperatures increase, the reaction also increases. The addition of contaminates such as water or rust accelerates this process. Generally, fuel should not be stored longer than six months. If long-term storage is required, the tank should be located underground or inside to reduce temperature extremes, and it must have proper ventilation caps. If storage exceeds one year, testing is recommended. The storage stabilizer additives in Cenex Roadmaster XL® and Cenex® Ruby Fieldmaster® reduce the formation of gum and varnish and can extend the fuel’s storage life.

No. Diesel fuels vary widely by supplier. Using a true premium diesel fuel can increase both the performance and longevity of your equipment. You’ll notice the difference with quicker starts, more power, better fuel economy and less smoke. Most important, you’ll reduce downtime and maintenance costs – benefits that go right to the bottom line. Cenex® Premium Diesel Fuels are true premium fuels – they’re powerful, efficient performers, formulated expressly for today’s diesel-powered equipment. They contain a high-quality base fuel that works with an exclusive, proven additive package. They’ve been tested time and again, in the lab and field, to ensure they’re the best fuels on the market.

There are many differences between standard diesel fuel and Cenex® Premium Diesels. Our premium fuels have a higher cetane number, better lubricity and injector-cleaning capability compared to standard #2 diesel. Cetane measures a fuel’s ignition delay. Higher cetane equals a shorter delay and better ignition for quick starts and less pollution. Lubricity reduces friction, which extends the life of the fuel pump and reduces downtime. Detergents keep fuel injectors clean for optimum engine performance. They contain a top-quality, proven additive package that delivers bottom line benefits.

No. Both base fuels and additives used to achieve “premium” status can vary widely by supplier. Cenex® Ruby Fieldmaster® offers a quality base fuel and a complete, balanced, soy-enhanced additive package. It is continually researched and tested to ensure that it is the highest quality premium diesel fuel on the market; that’s why we can confidently offer our unequaled Cenex Total Protection Plan® warranty. A premium highway fuel such as Cenex Roadmaster XL® from CHS has the ability to deliver valuable benefits, including more power for climbing long hills, improved fuel efficiency and reduced maintenance costs.

Over time, your engine’s fuel pump and injectors get dirty—a gradual, hard-to-notice process that reduces both engine performance and fuel economy. Standard #2 fuel contains no additives to reduce water; extend storage life; or reduce the formation of gum, varnish and corrosion. Cenex Roadmaster XL® and Cenex® Ruby Fieldmaster® keep your fuel system in like-new operating condition for maximum power and performance.