Fuel additive

[DDK]

I am thinking about adding some fuel additive to my diesel tank as it has been setting all winter, has anyone used a diesel additive and if so what do you recommend?

[JohnRR]

You've come to the right place for guidance, while I can not give you a good answer I'm sure someone will be along shortly to do so.

In the mean time you might want to browse around some of the other areas.

[jland]

I have a diesel pick up truck and I pretty much stick with Power Service additives. They have a product for just about any possible fuel issue.
Power Service Products, diesel fuel additives, prevent gelling, clean injectors, disperse water, boost cetane, reduce emissions, improve fuel economyPower Service Products, diesel fuel additives, prevent gelling, clean injectors, disperse water, boos

[FreeByrd]

It really depends on what you want the additive to do. If you want to replace the lubricity that's missing in low sulfur diesel, take a look at this study done last year:

Lubricity Additive Study Results - Diesel Place : Chevrolet and GMC Diesel Truck Forums

I use the 4th place performer Opti-Lubes Summer Blend. It costs out @ $.68 for a 26 gallon tankful and I have run it consistently for over 2 years. This will aid in reducing metal wear and scarring.

To keep the injectors clean, I've used several of the more popular brands like Stanadyne and Power Service Diesel Kleen + Cetane Boost but changed to Lucas Upper Cylinder Lubricant with injector cleaners & fuel conditioners. Have had several folks (truckers and auto parts staff) recommend it to me and it's available at Walmart at a much better price than the auto stores. Mind you, all of these did poorly in the lubricity study above but are suppose to help in keeping the cylinders & injectors clean. I use each.
Hope this helps.

[chief02]

AmsOil diesel fuel conditioner 1st, Power service 2nd

[Cat320]

If your fuel sits a long time, you need a biocide, not something to add to the lubrication...two different issues. Find it at a marine store.

[GaryKD]

Hi DDK,
There is a Brand of additive called Stanadyne. Go to Diesel Fuel Additives - Stanadyne and read about the choices. Like posted earlier, the additive will depend on what you want it to do. I use Stanadyne performance formula. My coach is used all year long.

[dieselclacker]

If it were mine, I would just add a little biocide to deter any algae growth, and drive it. Mine sits all winter without any additives, no problems so far.

Dieselclacker

[puttin]

Star Tron is what I use in our boat and m/h. They make both Diesel and gas additives and I have never had any problems.

Star Tron Enzyme Fuel Treatment - HOME

[dons2346]

If it has been sitting all winter long, you are a little late in adding any algae preventive. I would drive the coach and keep some new filters handy just in case.

[Ray,IN]

Just because diesel fuel sits in storage for months or even years, does not mean it goes bad or grows algae. Water must be present for algae to grow, as it only grows where water and fuel meet-that line.
If one simply follows accepted practices, you will not have any algae growth. Keep your tank full when the engine is not operated for extended periods, Only buy fuel from high-volume stations, change filters as recommended by mfgr.
Diesel fuel has a natural affinity to attract moisture, when a tank is partially empty during rapidly changing temperatures, like spring or fall, the tank "breathes", by that I mean when the temperature rises, fuel expands and pushes air out, then when temperature falls fuel contracts pulling in outside moist air. This moist air cools inside the tank condensing moisture on tank walls, which falls into the fuel and settles on the tank bottom. And then -algae has a birthplace.
That is my understanding of the algae growth subject, and I've never had an algae issue since I bought my first diesel in 1978.
On the subject of cetane rating and lubrication, I have changed my mind about the need based upon my personal investigation and research and plan to begin using one product. As to the best such product, read this: Lubricity Additive Study Results - Diesel Place : Chevrolet and GMC Diesel Truck Forums

[Diplomat Don]

I use Opti-Lube XPD in my coach.

[Dagwood]

Ray what I did not see in that report was the score for additized diesel fuel. If the lubicity additive has been put in at the refinery why add anything?

[Pairajays]

Quote:

Originally Posted by DDK I am thinking about adding some fuel additive to my diesel tank as it has been setting all winter, has anyone used a diesel additive and if so what do you recommend?

There is quite a discussion on diesel additives here.
Diesel Additives - Escapees Discussion Forum

Jim E