A Cetane number is a measure of the fuel’s ignition delay, which is the time between the start of injection and the start of combustion (ignition) of the fuel. In a particular diesel engine, higher Cetane fuels will have shorter ignition delay periods than lower Cetane fuels. Cetane numbers are only used for the relatively light distillate diesel oils. For heavy (residual) fuel oil two other scales are used CCAI and CII.
Generally, diesel engines run on a Cetane number from 40 to 55. Fuels with higher Cetane number, have shorter ignition delays, and provide more time for the fuel combustion process to be completed. Hence, higher speed diesels operate more effectively with higher Cetane number fuels. There is no performance or emission advantage when the Cetane number is raised past approximately 55. After that point, the fuel’s performance hits a plateau.
Most states adopt ASTM D975 as their diesel fuel standard and the minimum Cetane number is set at 40, with typical values in the 42-45 range. Premium diesels may or may not have higher Cetane, depending on the supplier. Premium diesels often use additives to improve Cetane number.
Orange County Diesel recommends Dr. Performance Cetane Boost R! We have single 10oz. bottles that will treat 35 gallons of fuel. Or pick up a 6 pack of the single 10oz. bottles that will treat 210 gallons of fuel. Dr. Performance’s special formula of Cetane Boost R gives you added Horsepower and Torque, and most importantly 10+ points of Cetane improvement!
