Top Tier Diesel Fuel?

[Rusty PW]

Discuss.

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[Camaroboi13]

Costco doesn’t sell diesel in my area. Even if they did, I wouldn’t go out of my way to fill up.

 

[22EcoDs]

I'd want to trace the money. Who pays for the top tier status, how are fuel suppliers enrolled? What are the requirements to be called top tier, both from an org standpoint and fuel chemistry. Their also has to be a better fuel additives then AC Delco, but that pads gm pockets.

 

[Rusty PW]

The video mentioned both GM and Ford for recommending the Top Tier fuel. And GM recommending their additive if you don't. Makes me wonder if they are trying to cover their ass with the CP4 failures.

 

[DylanM]

I looked into Top Tier diesel a few months back because it sounded like a good thing but ran into the same issue as mentioned in the video: the closest place I could get the stuff is 170 miles distant, one way, making it impractical to use.

On a similar note, I find it rather surprising that the vast majority of stations in the area of Texas where I live only offer B20 diesel (or simply noted on the pump label as "containing up to 20% biodiesel"), which makes it difficult to find the recommended B5 or lower fuel. Best I can do is use EDT every tank, and perform more frequent oil changes as per the owner's manual.

 

[Towzone100]

The video mentioned both GM and Ford for recommending the Top Tier fuel. And GM recommending their additive if you don't. Makes me wonder if they are trying to cover their ass with the CP4 failures.

I bet you're right. Why else?

 

[DylanM]

Found another video from the same guy which addresses Top Tier versus Premium Diesel which makes it sound like the Top Tier stuff may not be worth the extra effort trying to track down. In a nutshell, the TT fuel is mainly focused on added detergents to keep vehicle fuel system deposits down whereas PD is aimed toward keeping the distribution/delivery infrastructure clear of water and contamination so you vehicle doesn't get crap in the tank in the first place. PD can be further improved with additives to improve areas of concern such as lubricity, cetane, anti-gel, etc.

 

[maSS-hole]

There an none within 50 miles of me. Im pretty sure if you just use name brand diesel you will be ok. The only stations near me are Exxon and Chevron.

 

[Mr._Bill]

For diesel fuel, the better option is usually to find the station that sells a lot and gets regular deliveries. I don't think searching for a Top-tier or Premium station will net a result that is worth the hassle. The Sam's Club, a mile from my house, moves a lot of fuel and gets daily deliveries. I never had any issues with their diesel. Just remember to regularly change the filter, drain the water separator, and use a lubrication additive.

 

[Jocww]

I wish Costco would start selling diesel again. I have no idea why they stopped. There use to be a lot of people filling up green handles when I would fill up.

 

[GladiatorPilot23]

I looked into Top Tier diesel a few months back because it sounded like a good thing but ran into the same issue as mentioned in the video: the closest place I could get the stuff is 170 miles distant, one way, making it impractical to use.

On a similar note, I find it rather surprising that the vast majority of stations in the area of Texas where I live only offer B20 diesel (or simply noted on the pump label as "containing up to 20% biodiesel"), which makes it difficult to find the recommended B5 or lower fuel. Best I can do is use EDT every tank, and perform more frequent oil changes as per the owner's manual.

Also Run LX4 with the EDT for even more lub.

 

[Sting-Gray Neutral Pres.]

Top Tier diesel has a higher lubricity standard (as measured by allowable wear scar) than the lax federal ULSD regulations. More in line with Euro diesel standards, IIRC. Basically protects the (garbage, yet to be replaced) HPFP without the need to add additive. There is one Costco that is sometimes on my route that I will get it at, and there is a line at every green handle.

Costco was the only major supplier to sign onto this (race to the bottom with everyone else), and their market analysis didn't come up with enough volume in diesel sales even in areas where you'd "think" it "makes sense" to offer diesel at all Costco stations. Basically large metros, not smaller cities, are where you'll find Costco diesel.

Costco likely won't be adding any more diesel pumps, ever, at this point. Light duty diesel's resurgence is over, and it will be a dwindling market from here on out. They don't want commercial truck traffic at their pumps, which is a separate challenge for them.

 

[Rusty PW]

Actually found a Top Tier gas station a few weeks ago. It's a Sunoco station about 12 miles from me. Been using the diesel there since I got my fuel pump recall done. Picked up 1 mpg since then. Don't know if it's the fuel, fuel pump, or the warmer weather lately.

 

[22EcoDs]

Actually found a Top Tier gas station a few weeks ago. It's a Sunoco station about 12 miles from me. Been using the diesel there since I got my fuel pump recall done. Picked up 1 mpg since then. Don't know if it's the fuel, fuel pump, or the warmer weather lately.

Is it on their list or do they just have a sticker.

 

[Rusty PW]

Is it on their list or do they just have a sticker.

Stickers on the pumps. This is the first station I've seen it.

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