Why mileage drops for diesel's with winter fuel.

[polarisrider4life]

Hey guys i have seen so many posts on here about " o, here comes the winter diesel fuel" and what crappy mileage you get with it so i kept my eyes open for a while now. I was reading an article in a local paper where i live and a macanic was saying that the mileage is so bad for diesel's in the winter because the gas companies mix kerosene with the diesel fuel to help provent it from jelling up. Idont know how much truth there is to his claim, but that could be why.

[Dave]

Winter blend diesel can vary how they do it by the station and supplier. Some mix #1 diesel and #2 diesel. Some just add additive packs to #2

[Tyler]

Adding Kerosene shouldn't really matter since its clean diesel right?

[Dave]

Originally Posted by 97StrokerG

Adding Kerosene shouldn't really matter since its clean diesel right?

Kerosene has a lower BTU rating than regular diesel. Thereby doesnt burn as efficiently

[alberta 7.3]

I'm no chemist, but I think the winter diesel has molecules with shorter chains to give it a lower freezing point, less carbon and hydrogen atoms would result in less energy per molocule, reducing power and mileage.

[polarisrider4life]

Originally Posted by Dave

Kerosene has a lower BTU rating than regular diesel. Thereby doesnt burn as efficiently

i agree with him here. Thats what i think the macanic was trying to say, but couldnt get it out that simply.

[Ryan Rønning]

Originally Posted by alberta 7.3

I'm no chemist, but I think the winter diesel has molecules with shorter chains to give it a lower freezing point, less carbon and hydrogen atoms would result in less energy per molocule, reducing power and mileage.

You cant claim your no chemist and then say that.