Are all cetane boosters created equal?
 

Hi all -

Amsoil seems to be the most commonly used, but do any of you chemically knowledgeable posters know if there's a real difference between brands?
Specifically, my local Co-Op sells Diesel Kleen.
And is amyl nitrate significantly better?

TIA.

regards,

Terry

Well we know that Amsoil works and it's MSDS claims that it contains 100% 2 Ethyl Hexyl Nitrate (aka 2EHN).

This might be a slight exaggeration since nothing Chemical is 100% pure.

Some F2C (c/l racing) flyers use it with complete satisfaction. This is a ringing endorsement. Control Line Team Racers know diesels and their operation inside out. F2C is the ultimate TR.

The MSDS for "Diesel Kleen" doesn't give a composition, but other parts of the document suggest some 2EHN, but the other components cited (Xylene and Naphthalene)aren't going to raise the Cetane rating much.

Clearly it's not 100%, so is almost certainly inferior to the above.

The received wisdom with other c/l Team Race fliers is that Iso Propyl Nitrate (aka IPN) works better (~400-500 RPM) than 2EHN in Vintage style TR diesels such as Oliver Tigers, Rothwell R250's and PAW 15 GTS engines.

However 2EHN is reputed to be better in modern AAC Integral Liner and ABC engines. Most use reagent grade from chemical suppliers.

Some US diesel sources claim to sell Amyl Nitrate. Some investigation suggests that it's not that at all. It's more likely to be Amsoil sold at a premium.

UK diesel users have tested real Amyl Nitrate against 2EHN and IPN and have concluded that it's definitely not superior, and since it's restricted anyway it's not worth bothering about.

So to sum up, stick to Amsoil. For the price it's the "bees-knees".

:-)

Possibly the most cogent, well-framed response I've seen on a forum - thanks qaz!

One last question since I run older engines: what retail U.S. Iso Propyl Nitrate products are readily available, as Amsoil is?

Tnx.

Terry

One additive not mentioned is MEK Peroxide. This is used primarily for setting polyester resins but works also in diesel fuel. It causes rust in engines so they must be flushed after a day's running. Also very harmful to eyes. This is no longer recommended but since someone may suggest you use it, you should be aware of it.

George

Thanks for the heads-up George.
Amsoil is locally available, so unless someone recommends an IPN product as well. I'll go with it.

regards,

Terry

A few days ago I tried to post a comment on this topic - it seems to have vanished. Just as well, it added nothing that isn't in here now..