Diesel Fuel Additives

[lthrnk]

Anyone using any additives in their fuel, on a regular basis. With the ULS being used, even though the fuel manufacturers have said they have compensated for the sulfur reduction, I was wondering if it would be a good idea.

[lthrnk]

Anyone using any additives in their fuel, on a regular basis. With the ULS being used, even though the fuel manufacturers have said they have compensated for the sulfur reduction, I was wondering if it would be a good idea.

[Georgia Flash]

I HAVE BEEN LOOKING AT DIFFERENT ADDITIVES FOR A WHILE. FPPF SO FAR OUT WEIGHTS ALL THE REST AS FAR AS I CAN SEE. TRACTOR SUPPLY ALSO HAS A GOOD ONE BUT HAVENT TRIED IT YET. LOTS OF INFO OUT THERE IF YOU GOOGLE IT, BUT YOU GOT TO MAKE UP YOUR OWN MIND ABOUT IT.

[JC2]

Before we finally made the big switch to a MH, I ran different diesel pu's and would always use a fuel additive, if nothing else for peace of mind. In the warm months, I would mix 8-12 oz of Power Service in the gray bottle with 4 oz of Marvel Mystery oil per 35 gal of tank fuel. In the winter months, I used 8-12 oz of Power Service in the white bottle with 4 oz of Marvel Mystery oil. The diesel's seem to run smoother and quieter. Both products can be purchased at Wally World or auto parts stores. Other fuel additives are available but I've found these to be to most reasonable in price.

[rotts4u]

I would be interested in using something if I thought it really worked. But as someone that works in a lab/testing environment I would need to see some proof that it works.

So for those of you that are using something, how do you decide if it is working or not? What is your measurement method or system? I jsut dont want to thrown money away for nothing.

Thanks
Don

[Route 66]

Cat, Cummins, and DD all recommend that additives NOT be used, as they are not needed.

The only exception is an algaecide if the rig is going to be parked for an extended period.

[JoeT]

As Route 66 said. The engine manufacturers do not recommend using additives. However, CAT now sells and additive. Go figure.

[lthrnk]

Thank you all for your input and all are valid. As JoeT mentions they don't recommend any additives but all engine manufacturer facilities sell them. There lies the confusion and what originally prompted my question. Yes there are many on the market but you really have to wade through the info to weed out the most relevant and therefore that which is best suited to your situation, ie. climate changes, etc. Thanks again for all the replies.

[Route 66]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">As JoeT mentions they don't recommend any additives but all engine manufacturer facilities sell them. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Perhaps that way, they have some control over what is used. Not to mention they now get the $$$$$.

Come to think of it, the $$$$$ is probably the main reason.

However, there sure are a lot of us who use no additives and have no problems.

[Internation500HP]

I know my friend who has a diesel pushed (I have a gas) he uses Amsoil additive for his truck and now his RV. Works really good I guess and there is noticeable performance gain in both vehicles.

[Cruzer]

One thing I'd consider is how any additive to the fuel would affect the DPF on the new ULSD spec engines. If you have a pre-2007 emissions spec engine this is a moot point but with the new emissions gear on the 2008 engines, the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) is very sensitive. If you run regular LSD fuel, you'll foul it up eventually and it's going to cost you. You even have to run newer spec engine oil. The Rotella T 15W-40 with API spec CI4 that everyone ran all these years won't work. You need the API spec CJ4 oil, which has reduced ash content. Any oil that gets burnt by the engine will pass through the DPF and if it's not CJ4, it'll foul it out eventually. With the DPF being that particular (and expensive ) I'd have to think real hard about whether or not I'd want any additive in my diesel fuel.

It looks like everyone who posted so far has pre-ULSD engines but I wanted to put this thought out there for anyone who has the new engines to consider.

[lthrnk]

Cruzer,

Thanks for the info, much appreciated, and food for thought. I will double check the specs on my engine and proceed from there.
Mike

[Arlo Smith]

I agree with moderator. I was a truck driver for 35 years and very rarely used an additive except in extreme conditions in early years. My opinion as to why oil cos. sell additives is an extra billion dollars a year in revenue. They learned early that diesel truck owners(not comm'l trucking co,s) can be scared (understandable. big investment in rigs.)into buying additives and manu. of these make big profits, they want part of that market.It is just a business decision. I think most folks that own diesel trucks say,"what the heck - it can't hurt anything" and buy it.Now days fuel cos. put needed additives in fuel.(IE. Summer blends and winter blends)I would be suspect of claims made by Manu.of additives. I agree with earlier post on wanting to see some scientific proof (by reputable independent testing lab).Stop in at a large truckin co. (Roadway,Yellow Freight,etc. and talk to their service supervisor and ask them what they use.)I think you will be surprised.

[Rick A]

I use Power Service from Walmart in my '99 7.3 Powerstroke. I do notice it runs quieter and a little smoother. There really does not seem to be any change in power or mileage though.