General Information; Diesel Fuel In Cold Weather - Mercury MerCruiser D2.8L D-Tronic Service Manual

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General Information

Grade 2-D diesel fuel is required, meeting ASTM Standards D975 (or fuel rated Diesel DIN
51601) and having a minimum cetane rating of 45.
The cetane number is a measure of the ignition quality of diesel fuel. Increasing the cetane
number will not improve overall engine performance, but it may be necessary to raise the
cetane rating for low temperature or high altitude use. A lower cetane number could cause
hard starting and slower warm-up and could increase engine noise and exhaust emissions.
NOTE: If your engine suddenly becomes noisy after a fuel fill, you may have received
substandard fuel with a low cetane rating.
Avoid fuel system damage. Use of fuels not recommended by Mercury MerCruiser
may cause hard-starting and other various troubles such as premature wear of the
injection pump plungers and injection nozzles resulting from the deposit of carbon
residue and other contaminants.
Sulphur content of the above fuel is rated at 0.50% by weight, maximum (ASTM). Limits may
vary in countries outside of the United States.
On intermittent use engines, high sulphur content diesel fuel will greatly increase:
•
Corrosion on metal parts.
•
Deterioration of elastomer and plastic parts.
•
Corrosion and extensive damage, and excessive wear of internal engine parts,
particularly bearings.
•
Starting and operating difficulties.

Diesel Fuel In Cold Weather

Unaltered diesel fuels thicken and gel in cold temperatures unless treated. Virtually all diesel
fuels are climatized to allow their use in the particular region for that time of the year. It is
the owner/operator's responsibility, if it becomes necessary, to further treat diesel fuel, by
adding a commercial standard brand anti-gel diesel fuel additive. Follow product directions.
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CAUTION
SERVICE MANUAL NUMBER 22
90-860074--1 FEBRUARY 2002