Engine Performance with Low-Cetane Fuels

A WIDE variety of tests in the laboratory, in the cold room, and in the field have lea the authors to the following conclusions: 1. The 35-cetane-number fuel may be used satisfactorily under normal temperature and altitude conditions. 2. Existing automotive diesel engines can be operated at subzero temperatures on this fuel, but certain precautions, discussed by the authors, must be taken to avoid possible trouble. 3. Deposition obtained from misfiring during operation at subzero temperatures will be reduced by the use of higher-cetane-number fuel, but will not be completely eliminated under severe conditions. 4. Operational difficulties may be expected at high altitudes on the 35-cetane-number fuel.