![]() ![]() Adding a cetane booster, especially one containing alcohol, can put an engine on the fast track for disaster. Alcohol and harmful solvents in diesel fuels are a fuel system’s worst enemy. Yet, most cetane improver additives on the market do contain alcohol or harmful solvents (2-exthylhexyl nitrate), which can be detrimental to a fuel system. One such service bulletin warns, “If such additives are to be used, it must not contain any metal-based additives, alcohol, or other water emulsifiers.” But for those who choose to regardless, there are warnings.įor example, an OEM releases service bulletins to the public when there are problems in the field. The majority of engine manufacturers do not recommend using a cetane boosting additive at all. The truth is the negative effects of cetane boosters far outweigh the benefits. If you increase the cetane number too high (55 and beyond), it can deteriorate the fuel and actually cause a reduction in overall engine performance. As such, a cetane improver is not needed because the fuel itself already contains an adequate amount of cetane. What you may not know is the cetane rating number directly from the diesel pump is normally between 45-46.Īdditionally, if the diesel fuel contains a biodiesel blend, it will increase the cetane number even higher. The higher winter number is what provides the aid in cold-weather starting. ![]() Once the engine gets to normal operating temperature, there is no added gain in engine performance.Įngine manufacturers recommend using a 42 cetane rating number in the summer and 46 cetane rating number in the winter. However, the benefit of the cetane ends there. One of the very few benefits of cetane is its ability to speed up the ignition process in the cylinder, aiding with cold-weather engine starting. Higher cetane numbers actually have very limited benefits with modern diesel engines and could cause more harm than good. Big companies boosting cetane additives add to this misconception by promoting claims which are not, in fact, backed by science. Some people are convinced that cetane improvers will promote larger gains in engine performance and reduce engine knock. The most common question? “Does the performance of a cetane booster outweigh the potential damage cetane could cause in the fuel system?” The answer may surprise you. With diesel fuel additives becoming more important for fuel systems, many questions and misconceptions have arisen regarding fuel additives containing cetane boosters. ![]()
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