[Vwdiesel] Toluene anyone?

Doyt W. Echelberger Doyt at NWOnline.Net
Thu May 6 18:18:16 EDT 2004


I just hauled out my owners manual for the 82 Jetta na diesel, and read 
about adding gasoline to diesel fuel. That is pretty much what we are doing 
when we add toluene to diesel fuel.

Toluene is pretty close to aviation fuel when it comes to octane number.

Owners manuals for 1980's VW diesels say that you SHOULD use diesel #2. And 
then in the winter, use dealer-conditioned diesel #2.

The manual adds that if conditioned diesel #2 is not available, owners can 
add kerosene or REGULAR grade gasoline (87 octane) to unconditioned #2 
diesel fuel in the winter season, to change its waxing-up properties  so 
that it doesn't gel up. ...so it is recommended to use a 25% regular 
gasoline/75% unconditioned diesel #2 ratio.

But the manuals specifically caution against using premium gasoline. They 
don't say why, but it is in CAPITAL LETTERS.

Toluene is pretty much like the highest "high test premium" gasoline you 
could find, at least in its octane rating. But not in regard to its additives.

So, I conclude that using toluene in diesel fuel is not something that the 
manufacturer would approve of, if the cautions are based on octane number. 
If the caution is not based on octane, then my conclusion is not 
necessarily valid.



Doyt



More information about the Vwdiesel mailing list