<div class="htmlview paragraph">An experimental investigation of the effect of fuel variables and exhaust dilution on diesel particulate emissions from a Caterpillar 3208 direct injection naturally aspirated engine is presented. Three test fuels with widely varying gravity, volatility, aromatic and sulfur content were used. Exhaust dilution was varied from 50 to 1 volume dilution ratio to 1 to 1 (undiluted).</div> <div class="htmlview paragraph">Particulate characterization of the total particulates, sulfates, soluble organic fraction and the fractional break down of the soluble fraction are shown. Both fuel variables and exhaust dilution were shown to have a significant effect on the measured particulate emission levels.</div>