Caltex vortex premium diesel

[bluey]

Is it really premium???

Can't find any technical information on Vortex Diesel.
Caltex Australia: Vortex Premium Fuels - Vortex 98, Vortex 95, Vortex Diesel
MSDS Link via that page comes up with standard diesel.

http://www.caltex.com.au/ProductsAnd...n.aspx?ID=1786
MSDS Link via the second page does not link directly. Search of the MSDS database only comes up with a product called VORTEX DIESEL-EXTRA LOW SULFUR DIESEL - Nothing in there with the "Premum" word.

The blurb seems to say that Vortex Premium Diesel is diesel with an injector cleaner. The MSDS for the low sulphur version says 0-10% methyl esters (presumably from biodiesel). Thre is no mention of cetane improvement of the cetane rating of this fuel.

I presumed "Premium" would indicate a higher cetane. Presumably the biodiesel part does this. Why doesn't Caltex come clean??

So on currently available information, this is misleading naming....

[mk3pete]

it is in melbourne.

[wai]

The way I read it is that Vortex is the premium fuel be it ULP or diesel.

Going to the first link it is headed Vortex Premium Fuels.

[Greg Roles]

I use it happily in line with BP, and preferentially over Shell. There is no real "premium" in a diesel, it's more the additives to assist keeping injectors and fuel lines clean.

[Halcyon]

I had a phone conversation with a tech from Caltex a couple of weeks ago and he said that the difference between Vortex and normal diesel is that Vortex has the addition of a detergent, anti foaming agent and a scent(perfume) to disguise the diesel smell. Two cent/litre price difference when I looked.

[bluey]

Caltex tells me that the cetane rating for Vortex Ultimate Diesel is minimum of 46 (per product specification) and typically >50. Fatty Acid Methyl Esters (FAME) <5%. So really, Caltex Ultimate Diesel appears to be diesel with a small amount of biodiesel and an injector cleaner and antifoam and beyond that, it's all secret.

BP Ultimate Diesel product specification says it has a minimum cetane rating of 50 and typically 55-60. BP Ultimate Diesel is standard diesel with an additive package including:
1. nitro type cetane improver
2. injector cleaner
3. anti foam to prevent splashback
4. corrosion inhibitor

If you want algicide/biocide in your diesel, you need another additive. (Still using Morey's diesel smoke killer.)

[Greg Roles]

Interesting...

I always figured BP was at the pointy end, and is my fuel of choice, and Caltex was my backup. Just not sold on Shell, and only because of a few stories early on, but i'm sure it's quite unfounded really.

[Transporter]

I've been using BP diesel which is now BP premium (can't see any other BP diesel at the servos in Adelaide) and so far so good. The Touareg done now well over 60,000km and my daughter (drives it 99% of the time) never said that there was the DPF light ON or the engine running rougher and she is quite observant.

My choice in SA would be BP, Shell (normaly CN49 when I asked long time ago), Mobil and never tried Caltex Vortex.

[K1W1]

A brand new Caltex station I regularly drive past in Melbourne advertises "Vortex Diesel" (at a 2cpl premium) and "Truck Diesel" on their displays boards out the front. I guess that indicates where the two products sit in Caltex's mind.

I've always run BP diesel in my cars and will continue to do do. Eventually we will get BP Premium Diesel in Melbourne but I'm beginning wonder if I'll live to see that day.

[wai]

Eventually we will get BP Premium Diesel in Melbourne but I'm beginning wonder if I'll live to see that day.

When I contacted BP they said this should be by the end of 2011.