DETROIT DIESEL 53
13.3
DIESEL FUEL OIL SPECIFICATIONS
As a guide to the selection of the proper fuel oil for
The quality of the fuel oil used for high-speed diesel
various applications refer to the ASTM Classification
engine operation is a major factor in satisfactory engine
Chart and the Fuel Oil Selection Chart.
performance and life. The fuel oils selected niust be
clean, completely distilled, stable, and non-corrosive.
ASTM Classification of Diesel Fuel Oils
Enlist the aid of your supplier in obtaining proper fuel oil.
The responsibility for clean fuel lies with the fuel
supplier as well as with the operator.
DISTILLATION RANGE, CETANE NUMBER, AND
SULFUR CONTENT are three of the most important
properties in the selection of diesel fuels for optimum
combustion and minimum wear. Engine speed, load,
and atmospheric temperature influence the selection of
the fuels with respect to distillation range and cetane
number. THE SULFUR CONTENT OF THE FUEL
MUST BE AS LOW AS POASIBLE, to avoid excessive
Engine operation at altitudes above 5000 feet requires
deposit formation and premature wear.
use of next lighter class of fuel oil than would normally
be used.
Diesel fuels are generally marketed according to ASTM
DESIGNATION D975 and only distillate fuels No. 1D
During cold weather engine operation, the "cloud point"
and 2D are considered satisfactory for Detroit Diesel
(the temperature at which wax crystals begin to form in
engines. Residual fuels and furnace oils, generally, are
the fuel oil) should be 10F. below the lowest expected
not considered satisfactory for Detroit Diesel engines.
fuel temperature to prevent clogging of the fuel filters by
In some regions, however, fuel suppliers may distribute
wax crystals.
only one fuel that is marketed as either diesel fuel
(ASTM D-975) or domestic heating fuel (ASTM D-396).
At temperatures below -20 . consult an authorized
F
In this case, the fuel should be investigated to determine
Detroit Diesel Service Outlet, since particular attention
whether the physical properties conform with those
must be given the cooling system, lubricating system,
shown in the Fuel Oil Selection Chart.
fuel system, electrical system, and cold weather starting
aide for efficient engine operation.
FUEL OIL SELECTION CHART
BREAK-IN OILS AND ADDITIVES MARKETED FOR FUELS AND LURICAN
The use of proprietary blends of supplementary additive or concentrates such as engine oil supplements, break-in oils,
tune-up compounds and friction reducing compounds is not recommended in lubricating oils used in Detroit Diesel
engines unless given official Detroit Diesel part numbers and made available for use in appropriate service applications.
This also applies to the use of metal containing diesel fuel additives.
1970 General Motors Corp.
July, 1970
SEC. 13.3 Page 1
