Diesel Engine - Fuel Requirements
90ford25 Article No. 90-17-9DIESEL FUEL REQUIREMENTS - 7.3L - ACCEPTABLE AND UNACCEPTABLE FUELS
LIGHT TRUCK: 1989-91 E-250, E-350, F SUPER DUTY, F-250, F-350
CALIBRATION: 8-89J-400, 8-89X-R00, 8-89J-R00, 8-89X-R00
WARNING: THIS MODIFICATION IS AUTHORIZED ONLY FOR THE LISTED ENGINE. PERFORMING THIS MODIFICATION ON OTHER ENGINE CALIBRATIONS IS UNAUTHORIZED AND COULD CREATE LIABILITY UNDER APPLICABLE FEDERAL OR LOCAL LAWS.
ISSUE: The 7.3L diesel engine is designed to use number 1-D or 2-D diesel fuels. Alternative fuels may be used while operating at extremely low ambient temperatures or under special conditions, if certain guidelines, outlined in this article, are observed.
ACTION: Use the following acceptable diesel fuels whenever possible. If conditionally acceptable fuels must be used, install the proper "Arctic" fuel injection pump identified in the "Arctic" Fuel Injection Pump Application Chart. Do not use diesel fuels listed under the unacceptable fuel category.
ACCEPTABLE DIESEL FUELS
Whenever possible the following acceptable diesel fuels should be used.
^ Grade 1-D is the preferred fuel for diesel operations at ambient temperatures below 20~F (-7~C). The Cetane rating is a minimum of 40.
^ Grade DF-1 is the Federal version of Grade 1-D, but it has a minimum Cetane rating of 45.
^ Grade DF-A is the Arctic version of the Federal DF-1, but it has a lower cloud point requirement.
^ Grade 2-D has lower volatility than Grade 1-D and is the PREFERRED fuel for diesel operation at ambients above 20~F (-7~C). The Cetane rating is a minimum of 40.
^ Grade DF-2 is the Federal version of Grade 2-D, but has a minimum Cetane rating of 45.
CAUTION: DO NOT ADD GASOLINE, GASOHOL, ALCOHOL OR CETANE IMPROVERS TO DIESEL FUEL. DAMAGE TO THE FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM MAY OCCUR.
CONDITIONALLY ACCEPTABLE DIESEL FUELS
If acceptable fuels are not available, the following conditionally acceptable fuels may be used if the existing fuel injection pump is replaced with an "Arctic" fuel injection pump. Refer to the appropriate model year Econoline, F-Series Shop Manual, Vol. 2 of 2, Section 22-08, for service details.
Obtain an Authorized Modifications Decal and list the date, dealer number, and summary of alterations performed. Select a prominent place adjacent to the Vehicle Emission Control Information Decal suitable for installing the Authorized Modifications Decal. Clean the area, install the decal, and cover it with a clear plastic decal shield.
CAUTION: THE FOLLOWING AUTHORIZED FORD SERVICE "ARCTIC" FUEL INJECTION PUMP MUST BE INSTALLED IF ANY OF THE CONDITIONALLY ACCEPTABLE DIESEL FUELS ARE USED. SOME POWER LOSS SHOULD BE EXPECTED. FAILURE TO INSTALL THE "ARCTIC" FUEL INJECTION PUMP IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE USE OF THESE FUELS IS NOT APPROVED OR WARRANTED BY FORD.
NOTE: INSTALLATION OF ANY OF THE "ARCTIC" FUEL INJECTION PUMPS IS NOT A WARRANTY REPAIR.
LIST OF CONDITIONALLY ACCEPTABLE DIESEL FUELS
^ Grade JET A or JET A-1 is kerosene type aviation fuel (a light version of Grade 1-D). A power loss of 5-7% is expected with this fuel due to both lower heat content and injection system leakage.
^ Grade JP-8 is a military version of JET A and has additional fuel additives.
^ Grade JP-5 is a high flash point version of JP-8 which is primarily used for sea-based air craft carrier operation.
UNACCEPTABLE FUELS
The following fuels should not be used:
^ Grade JET B is an aviation fuel. It is a mixture of kerosene and naphtha which is a poor choice for diesel fuel. When used in diesel engines, it results in power losses up to 15%. Further, there is substantial fire and explosive risk with this fuel.
^ Grade JP-4 is the military version of JET B and has a more stringent fuel additive package than JET B.
^ No. 1 and No. 2 Fuel Oils are typified as "heating" fuels used in oil burners. These fuels are not recommended for use in diesels because of the anticipated low Cetane numbers.
^ Kerosene is not recommended because it has low energy content, low Cetane rating and low viscosity which shortens pump life.
^ Gasoline as a diesel fuel causes very poor engine performance. It has insufficient lubricity for the injection pump. It is extremely flammable and can detonate during combustion.
OTHER APPLICABLE ARTICLES: None
WARRANTY STATUS: INFORMATION ONLY
OASIS CODES: 404000, 622000