Shell's Dieselect- Premium Diesel or Not?

[bsp]

Shell\'s Dieselect- Premium Diesel or Not?

I keep on hearing the concept "premium diesel" being bandied about in the forum and I do understand that to be "premium" it has to meet a certain minimum number of qualifications as has been listed here. My question is "if" or on what level does Shell's Dieselect meet premium diesel requirements. For example, the pump I get it at in New Jersey specifies that it meets a minimum cetane level of 40 which seems a pretty low baseline to me. Does anyone here know what their cetane level actually is or does it vary depending on geographic area? What does Dieselect actually satisfy (in terms of a checklist) premium diesel requirements or does the quality of the fuel vary depending on location?

 

[gotta_jett]

Re: Shell\'s Dieselect- Premium Diesel or Not?

Gulf makes a true "premium style" diesel...I use it and Hess here in the NJ area...check it out: http://www.gulfoil.com/dieselect.asp

 

[bsp]

Re: Shell\'s Dieselect- Premium Diesel or Not?

This is probably beating a dead horse to some of the members here, but yeah, I've seen their site but it doesn't seem specific enough to me.....and after hearing stories of one company's tankers fueling up using other companies' fuels.....well....I travel well over 30,000 miles per year and although my "preference" (although "conditional") is to run the cleanest diesel fuel that gives me the best mileage and least wear and tear(under the "peace of mind" factor) I also have access to Mobil and Citgo in my area at least 30 cents a gallon cheaper and am not sure if the price difference is worth it based on stories that the companies trade fuel or if the difference is marginal between the Dieselect and the other fuels available from the major companies. Although I see the suggestion "try it to see if you like it," even after reading most of the posts I still can't get a feel as to whether ordinary diesel (either with or without an additive) is generally the way to go (I don't have access to biodiesel in my area) over the life of the car (assuming you are going to run it into the ground). I wouldn't mind getting the Hess (which is cheaper) but the closest one is on Rt. 18 and is a pain in the ass to get to from my location in Howell. I commute from NJ to PA each day to work and there is a Sunoco on the PA Turnpike eastbound before you take the turnpike extension into New Jersey but I don't find it listed as a premium diesel site, but again I don't know if that is critical or not.

 

[b4black]

Re: Shell\'s Dieselect- Premium Diesel or Not?

Gulf "Dieselect" looks to just be a standard diesel with with a cold flow imporver. I wouldn't call that premium and it doesn't look like Gulf does either. It's a "winterized diesel".

 

[c5loadmaster]

Shell\'s Dieselect- Premium Diesel or Not?

Hi guys,
I sent an email to Shell and below is their response. I hope this helps you out.
Robert



Thank you for bringing your inquiry to our attention. Customer interests are important to us as they enable us to improve our service to the public.

Shell?s #2 diesel is a low-sulphur fuel. Research is underway to develop an ultra-low sulphur product which will be marketed as soon as practical. For your guidance the following technical information is provided about Shell?s diesel products:

Diesel fuel sold at retail stations and truck stops is intended for use in medium-duty and heavy-duty diesel engines, and is sometimes referred to as commercial or rack diesel. These engines require a fuel with a minimum 40 cetane number per ASTM D975 and EPA requirements. A minimum cetane number of the diesel fuel is required to ensure quick cold starting, and minimum engine noise, vibration and smoke upon starting. Once the engine becomes warm, the tendencies for excessive noise, vibration and smoke disappear.

Premium Diesel sold exclusively at retail service stations is designed for light-duty diesel passenger cars and light trucks. These are classified as consumer vehicles. These vehicles require an improvement in certain properties above those for commercial vehicles in order to give optimal vehicle performance. Although the State of Pennsylvania has no regulated definition of Premium Diesel, Shell Premium diesel has the following features:

A cetane number of at least 45 for improved engine performance at cold temperatures, enhanced fuel lubricity to protect the fuel pump an fuel injection system, enhanced, seasonal cold flow performance to keep the fuel liquid at low temperatures, enhance fuel thermal stability for high temperature operations, and enhanced detergency to clean and maintain fuel injectors free-from harmful deposits.

All these performance features are required by diesel passenger cars and light trucks, hence Shell Premium Diesel.

We appreciate the opportunity to serve you in this matter and look forward to providing you with quality Shell branded products and service in the future.

Sincerely,
Shell Customer Care