First Diesel purchase

[Nick1234]

I just purchased a 2019 chevy 3500HD. This is my first adventure into the world of diesel engines. I'm trying to do some research in regards to grades of diesel fuel. I find that there is a #1 diesel and a #2 diesel. Printed on my fuel gauge it says use Ultra Low Sulfur. The manual says DO NOT use diesel with 15 ppm or greater sulfur. I'm not sure which to use. Does #2 diesel meet the requirements for GM in regards to fuel requirements? So far, the best I can find is that #2 is not Ultra Low Sulfur, but, Low Sulfur. Does that mean that <15 ppm of sulfur is the same as Ultra Low Sulfur? Would I consider that all the major brands ie. shell, chevron, valero etc. meet all the fuel requirements for GM?

[mbmike29]

Here's what I understand and my opinion:
Both are ULS diesel. If you're buying at the pump at a gas station or truck stop #2 (or blended #2 w/ bio diesel) is what you get unless it's really cold and you're in the north then you'll find stations with #1. Stay away from B20 or bio diesel - although it's pretty common for places to sell it with no alternatives. If you use a lot of bio or blended bio - change your diesel filters more often. Bio diesel is also bad if you store it a lot and don't use it. If you're buying for a fleet or work for a company where you have access to fleet fuel then some machines need the others and you can get into trouble that way - but I don't think I've ever seen anything other than ULS #2 (or blended) at a truck stop.

[JColeman]

Buy fuel from major providers at car or truck stops with no concerns and have fun with your new diesel. It will pull stumps for you. You're gonna love it even if it is the wrong brand

[Calnca]

Diesel #2 is pretty universal.....can't recall recently seeing any diesel # 1.

Only issues are the winter blend/grades of diesel you sometimes run into in the colder states, where fuel can get pretty thick.....the winter blend flows when it gets cold.

Cal

[Dick Noble]

Ultra Low Sulfur seems to be the standard. I have not seen #1 diesel anywhere. Enjoy your Duramax and watch the temps. Also, do not mix the antifreeze with any other kind but the OEM. If you put the green in with the orange it will gel and overheat.

[Canyonlight]

#1 diesel is prevalent in northern climates in winter months. We have it hear even in southern SD to be used for more extreme temps colder than -10ish and below. I see our fire trucks, ambulances, etc. filling at a local station using it it extreme cold events just to ensure no problems with gelling.

#2 is treated for colder weather in winter months Oct- March usually in our area down to -10 or so. The farther north you go and the longer the winter and the colder the temperatures #2 is treated to different levels reflecting the temps in that region. There are maps out on the web reflecting bands of average temperatures and the greater blending of #2 to handle the cold in that region as one heads north in winter months.

GM recommends #2 for the preceding reasons as well as the better lubrication, better power, better MPG etc. All this is covered in the owners manual or at least it used to be. It is in our 2012 Chevrolet Diesel Supplement.

Mixing Bio-diesel and std. diesel is also covered in detail in our manual. If you use Bio......stay with it......do not go back and forth to non bio to prevent fuel filter clogging issues. Most of us prefer to not use bio to prevent the fuel filter issues.

All highway diesel is ULS since 2006/2007.

Dan

[Country Campers]

In Pa. we have on road and off road diesel , off road is dyed pink, or red and is not taxed , and is not allowed to be used in on road vehicles, if found in you tank you will get a fine.
Not sure why but here our #1 diesel is on road , #2 is off road or home heating oil.

Brian

[Bob/OlallaWA]

Stay away from off road diesel and you will be fine. almost all diesel even the off road farm stuff is uls as the equipment is held to the same standards as road stuff. A bit of Bio is good for extra lube for the fuel system. Better than a lot of the additives on the market today. Blended winter fuel is nothing more than adding some #1 to the mix to keep the fuel from gelling. .

[ZoomsBro]

Washington State has Red Dye #1 for off road use (tractor) and #2 for road use. I've been doing diesel trucks since 1997 (4th one now) and never any issues using #2 at any major station. Just try to use stations that have high volume sales so you get "fresh" fuel and less moisture. You will love towing with a real truck now! Enjoy

[howson]

I just purchased a 2019 chevy 3500HD. This is my first adventure into the world of diesel engines.

Not exactly OT, but on my Ford there is a fuel/water separator that other owners have warned me (multiple times) to ensure I drain on occasion. There is supposed to be a warning light that comes on when the separator is full of water, but if it doesn't water could inject into the engine and then it is major $$$$$ to repair.