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Thread: Mileage burning #1 vs. #2 diesel

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  1. #1

    Default Mileage burning #1 vs. #2 diesel

    So...I have been under the impression for some time that the BTU content of these blends are the same. However, on the occasions that I have filled with #1 diesel in warm weather, it seems that my average MPG on the DIC begins to climb.

    Yesterday I drove unloaded about 180 miles, filled and realized I put in #1 diesel. On the way home, same speed, I added about 1mpg to my average.

    Coincidence? Factual? Maybe a tailwind on the way home, instead of a headwind?
    2011 Chevrolet Tahoe 5.3L daily driver
    • Previous owner of two 1994 6.5L K3500s, '01, '02, and '05 6.6L K2500s, '04 C4500, '06 K3500 dually, '06 K3500 SRW, '09 K3500HD SRW, '05 Denali
    • Total GM diesel miles to date : ~950K

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jul 2003
    Location
    Allentown, PA
    Posts
    1,355

    Default

    Well, Mark, now you've got me scratching my head! I had always thought that the (very basic) difference was that #1 had slightly less BTU's, but also does not gel as soon. ???
    1998 K2500 Suburban 6.5L TD 3.73 rear, Ron Schoolcraft 18:1, Kennedy ECM & IC, Timing gears, Splayed main caps, 3.5" Kennedy Exhuast/No Cat, K&N Filter, Boost/Tranny Temp/EGT(Pre Turbo), Ceramic-coated Manifolds, 195 Stat's, 265/75's (VSSB Adjusted) 7,000lbs (on a scale) Remote Mount Oil Filter, Remote Oil Pressure Sensor

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jul 2011
    Location
    Kansas
    Posts
    32

    Default

    I was under the impression that #1 had less wax in it so it could resist gelling better at lower temps. With the lower amount of wax came lower BTU per gallon.

    I am sure someone will chime in and set the record straight.

    Brian
    1995 GMC Surburban, 3.42 gears, 4in WarpSpeed Exhaust, Remote PMD, Airdog-100 Lift Pump, Racor fuel filter/heater, S&B cold air filter setup, P-400, ATT, and a Heath tune! SOLD all that after putting 3/4 million miles on that rig! Now drive 2015 ram EcoDiesel.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Dec 2002
    Location
    Teton Valley, Idaho
    Posts
    1,873

    Default

    the Mercedes forum, Dodge forum, Cummins forum, and some others say:
    less BTU's/gallon (137,000 vs 142,000? ish), less paraffin so won't gel as soon, less lubricity because of less wax, costs more, poorer mileage.

    Methinks you had a tailwind...

  5. #5

    Default

    I think it was a tailwind, and a lighter foot on the way home. Average for the 400+ mile day was 19.2mpg unloaded. Not bad!
    2011 Chevrolet Tahoe 5.3L daily driver
    • Previous owner of two 1994 6.5L K3500s, '01, '02, and '05 6.6L K2500s, '04 C4500, '06 K3500 dually, '06 K3500 SRW, '09 K3500HD SRW, '05 Denali
    • Total GM diesel miles to date : ~950K

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Jun 2007
    Location
    Watkins, CO
    Posts
    73

    Default

    On my 2003, I see a noticeable drop in mileage (2-3 MPG) between November-February when they sell the winter blend diesel here in the Denver area.

    Bob
    tufcj

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