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Model specific boards => Golf mk7 => Golf mk7 GTD/TDI => Topic started by: adekil on 27 November 2014, 18:58

Title: Shell V-Power Nitro Diesel question
Post by: adekil on 27 November 2014, 18:58
Just out of curiosity, I always use normal diesel at a garage but If I was to use Shell V-Power Nitro diesel for example at any time does it matter how much 'normal' diesel is still in the tank at that time, as in is it recommended to only add to a fairly empty tank if normal diesel was used before?
I'm not looking for benefit gains or anything just that on several occasions when visiting a garage normal diesel was not available only V-power so I pulled away and went elsewhere.
Title: Re: Shell V-Power Nitro Diesel question
Post by: mcmaddy on 27 November 2014, 19:47
It won't make any difference at all.
Title: Re: Shell V-Power Nitro Diesel question
Post by: itavaltalainen on 27 November 2014, 20:55
All 'premium' Diesel sold in the UK still complies to BS EN 590 - i.e. can be mixed with any other diesel (which also is BS EN 590) at any percentage.

Nitro Diesel has the least positive effects on my TDI, I get marginally better mileage and it runs a touch quieter with BP or Esso premium diesel but Shell's makes very little to no difference over 'cheap' diesel.

 
Title: Re: Shell V-Power Nitro Diesel question
Post by: monkeyhanger on 27 November 2014, 21:46
Shell V-power Nitro + Mach 3 Turbo Quattro Super Fusion Pro Revolution :whistle: will help clean up a dirty fuel system (injectors etc) and make a difference in a car that's under performing, but it'll do nowt for a shiny new car. It is less potent than regular Diesel, the super clean synthetic part of the fuel has a lower chain length than regular diesel, and the Cetane number is lower than normal. You'll get worse mpg and the car will be less powerful. The first few tanks in my GTD when new were with the V-power, and mpg was atrocious.

It won't cock your car up if you're left with no choice, but why pay 8p/L more for something that gives you less mpg and power? V-power Petrol is worth getting, the diesel variant isn't.
Title: Re: Shell V-Power Nitro Diesel question
Post by: monkeyhanger on 27 November 2014, 21:48

Nitro Diesel has the least positive effects on my TDI, I get marginally better mileage and it runs a touch quieter with BP or Esso premium diesel but Shell's makes very little to no difference over 'cheap' diesel.

Completely agree - my previous VW TDIs used to be noticeably better on Shell, but not the MK7. Esso is my usual diesel of choice, followed by BP and Sainsburys.
Title: Re: Shell V-Power Nitro Diesel question
Post by: charv94 on 27 November 2014, 23:38
My opinion, and the opinion of my father and the dealers he has spoken to is, that generally, these high performance fuels are useful. Porsche, Aston Martin, and Mercedes in relation to his AMG, they all say that unless you are interested in track or very very performance orientated driving, filling the cars with these fuels every single time is just not worth it. Filling the car with a performance fuel every 1 in 4 tanks is the approach suggested to us.

Another note i would put forward is, that in a 180bhp diesel, will you benefit that much from a 8p increased fuel to justify it? If mpg was improved, i would absolutely agree its worth it, however most studies seem to show that the variations aren't significant enough
Title: Re: Shell V-Power Nitro Diesel question
Post by: mcmaddy on 28 November 2014, 06:44
Charv - read post 3 above regarding the shell expensive diesel. It has no benefits in a new car and is worse than standard diesel. Even the gti doesn't need premium fuel but people still insist it's giving them better performance etc etc. High powered cars will see a difference though like the marques you mentioned.
Title: Re: Shell V-Power Nitro Diesel question
Post by: itavaltalainen on 28 November 2014, 17:02
It's not worse than standard diesel, just more expensive.... :D

Having a lower cetane number is beneficial (it's different to octane rating). A lower cetane no means the diesel ignition easier.

I found that running a tank of premium diesel on say every 4th fill gave me slightly better mpg (or using regular diesel will increase consumption after a few tanks - guess it has to do with build up in the engine, plus it seems to do more dpf regens on the cheaper stuff).
Title: Re: Shell V-Power Nitro Diesel question
Post by: mcmaddy on 28 November 2014, 17:23
Maybe worse is the wrong word if people are being picky. No difference in mpg for me using nitro diesel so I don't waste the money on it. Stick to esso or normal shell and avoid supermarkets and you'll be fine.
Title: Re: Shell V-Power Nitro Diesel question
Post by: monkeyhanger on 28 November 2014, 18:23

Having a lower cetane number is beneficial (it's different to octane rating). A lower cetane no means the diesel ignition easier.


You got that the wrong way around, higher cetane number increases the volatility of the diesel, making it ignite earlier (and usually more completely) during the combustion cycle. You don't want to go over 56 though, otherwise the diesel will ignite too early. With petrol, the higher octane number fuels can undergo higher compression ratios without igniting in the absence of a spark (pinking).

Shell V-power has a cetane number of 51, regular diesel is typically 53-54, adding millers around 1:1000 (50ml in a full tank of fuel) boosts it by 2 points. Shell V-power  is also around 8% less calorific than regular diesel due to the GTL content. If you have dirty injectors cutting your mpg down then V-power will get your mpg back up somewhat, but a clean system running regular diesel will get you more mpg.

Title: Re: Shell V-Power Nitro Diesel question
Post by: kenny.c on 28 November 2014, 18:23
Maybe worse is the wrong word if people are being picky. No difference in mpg for me using nitro diesel so I don't waste the money on it. Stick to esso or normal shell and avoid supermarkets and you'll be fine.

A lot of people say avoid supermarket fuel......I can never understand this...??
Can anyone offer a actual reason branded fuel is any better than supermarket fuel..??

Ken
Title: Re: Shell V-Power Nitro Diesel question
Post by: monkeyhanger on 28 November 2014, 18:26
Maybe worse is the wrong word if people are being picky. No difference in mpg for me using nitro diesel so I don't waste the money on it. Stick to esso or normal shell and avoid supermarkets and you'll be fine.

A lot of people say avoid supermarket fuel......I can never understand this...??
Can anyone offer a actual reason branded fuel is any better than supermarket fuel..??

Ken

Supposedly less money spent on the detergents and other additives, and history of the silicon contamination screwing oxygen sensors (can't remember the particular supermarket at fault).
Title: Re: Shell V-Power Nitro Diesel question
Post by: mcmaddy on 28 November 2014, 18:33
I'm sure it was Morrisons.
Title: Re: Shell V-Power Nitro Diesel question
Post by: kenny.c on 28 November 2014, 18:59
Well I can tell you for certain....

Morrisons
Tesco
Asda
Shell
ESSO
BP
 
All their tankers and many others all fill from the same road loading facilities....so id struggle to offer any reason one fuel is better than another.

Ken
Title: Re: Shell V-Power Nitro Diesel question
Post by: mcmaddy on 29 November 2014, 06:28
Morrisons was found to have a lot more bio diesel content than any other brand of fuel which is why I never fill up at morrisons. Unless this has changed since I had my tiguan which ran like a dog on supermarket fuel I won't be using them any time soon.
Title: Re: Shell V-Power Nitro Diesel question
Post by: am1w on 29 November 2014, 12:30
Shell V-power has a cetane number of 51, regular diesel is typically 53-54, adding millers around 1:1000 (50ml in a full tank of fuel) boosts it by 2 points. Shell V-power  is also around 8% less calorific than regular diesel due to the GTL content. If you have dirty injectors cutting your mpg down then V-power will get your mpg back up somewhat, but a clean system running regular diesel will get you more mpg.

Most interesting thread.
Even more interesting to learn about the Cetane value of Shell V-Power Nitro+.
I have been using it in my BMW all the time. I will now try some ordinary Diesel and report if I notice any change.
Title: Re: Shell V-Power Nitro Diesel question
Post by: itavaltalainen on 29 November 2014, 17:39

You got that the wrong way around, higher cetane number increases the volatility of the diesel, making it ignite earlier (and usually more completely) during the combustion cycle. You don't want to go over 56 though, otherwise the diesel will ignite too early. With petrol, the higher octane number fuels can undergo higher compression ratios without igniting in the absence of a spark (pinking).

Ah right, thanks :)
Got that the wrong way around for some reason....
Title: Re: Shell V-Power Nitro Diesel question
Post by: adekil on 29 November 2014, 17:59

[/quote]

Most interesting thread.
Even more interesting to learn about the Cetane value of Shell V-Power Nitro+.
I have been using it in my BMW all the time. I will now try some ordinary Diesel and report if I notice any change.
[/quote]

Yep I agree, interesting read from peoples experiences. So my question was answered and some! And today I received an email for the Shell drivers club offering Shell branded Lego when spending £30 on V-Power!!  :laugh:
Title: Re: Shell V-Power Nitro Diesel question
Post by: am1w on 29 November 2014, 18:02
Regarding increasing Cetane Value, I have used Archoil AR6800 a number of times and I did notice smoother idling, a more responsive engine, better acceleration and a slight improvement in fuel economy.

But then as with all things, there could be a touch of imagination kicking in!

I have not used it for sometime and I do feel my engine does not run quite as smoothly. Will pour some in soon when I get round to buying it.

http://www.powerenhancer.co.uk/product.php/869/archoil-ar6800-diesel-full-power-cetane-booster
Title: Re: Shell V-Power Nitro Diesel question
Post by: monkeyhanger on 29 November 2014, 18:13
Regarding increasing Cetane Value, I have used Archoil AR6800 a number of times and I did notice smoother idling, a more responsive engine, better acceleration and a slight improvement in fuel economy.

But then as with all things, there could be a touch of imagination kicking in!

I have not used it for sometime and I do feel my engine does not run quite as smoothly. Will pour some in soon when I get round to buying it.

http://www.powerenhancer.co.uk/product.php/869/archoil-ar6800-diesel-full-power-cetane-booster

I use millers ecomax and can tell the difference when I've forgotten to put some in after a fill up, the doc regens more often without it. Smoother, more responsive and slightly better mpg. Buy a 5L tin for £70 and put a 70p shot in on every tankful rather than spend an additional £4 a tank on V power vs standard diesel.
Title: Re: Shell V-Power Nitro Diesel question
Post by: am1w on 29 November 2014, 18:47
Regarding increasing Cetane Value, I have used Archoil AR6800 a number of times and I did notice smoother idling, a more responsive engine, better acceleration and a slight improvement in fuel economy.
But then as with all things, there could be a touch of imagination kicking in!
I have not used it for sometime and I do feel my engine does not run quite as smoothly. Will pour some in soon when I get round to buying it.
http://www.powerenhancer.co.uk/product.php/869/archoil-ar6800-diesel-full-power-cetane-booster
I use millers ecomax and can tell the difference when I've forgotten to put some in after a fill up, the doc regens more often without it. Smoother, more responsive and slightly better mpg. Buy a 5L tin for £70 and put a 70p shot in on every tankful rather than spend an additional £4 a tank on V power vs standard diesel.

Exactly the conclusion I have come to. Great minds and all that .....  :wink: