Community Forums

Marinelender · 10-06-2013, 08:56 AM

'03 3126 with 70K miles. I've driven it for the last 30K...change oil and filter every 10K, change fuel filter (I only have one) before 3K miles on old one...never let fuel tank get below 1/3. Valves set at 40K.

So we are about to leave Vermont to head home to FL, been here 5+ months with tank filled just before we parked this past Spring. (I ALWAYS park with a full tank). Yesterday two other RVrs who seemed to know what they were talking about told me I should not be running this rig without using a fuel additive. Reasons were that my fuel will have "separated" in the tank during the summer, and that fuels sold today do not lubricate the engine as they should (I assume they mean injectors and valves) because the sulfur has been removed from current fuels.

I always thought fuel additives were BS...mouse milk that did nothing except separate you from your money...but now I'm not so sure. Any thoughts?

Skip426 · 10-06-2013, 09:34 AM

I use an additive , mostly for the algaecide , when the coach is sitting, and anti waxing , when I've purchased fuel in one area/ season , and starting up and driving in another.
On the road , new fuel every second day , I don't bother. JMHO.

Ranger Smith · 10-06-2013, 05:45 PM

I only use a additive for algae also. I believe some of the cummins motors have had an issue with injector pumps with low sulphur fuels. Our son works for Caterpillar and he says it is a NON ISSUE. He has been a mechanic there for over 22 years.

adonh · 10-06-2013, 05:49 PM

What about this one. Biobor Jf Fuel Additives - Products

http://www.biobor.com/products/biobo...uel-additives/

BCooke · 10-06-2013, 06:41 PM

People come down on both sides of this.
After reading this http://www.globaldenso.com/en/topics...tion_paper.pdf , I chose to use one.

adonh · 10-07-2013, 07:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BCooke

People come down on both sides of this.
After reading this www.globaldenso.com/en/topics/files/120730common_position_paper.pdf , I chose to use one.

I read it, but what did it say?

BCooke · 10-07-2013, 10:10 AM

Bosch pumps (used in VW and 6.7 l Fords) should have higher lubricity than the fuel we use in the US. When they remove the sulfer they make 'dry' fuel. It looses the slipperiness. They do add additives, if you talk to people at the fuel depots (humans make mistakes, it only takes once). The fuel is used as a lubricant in the pump. Due to the high pressures of the common rails the pump is after the filters. Should a small (realitive to us, to the injector it is large) piece of metal come off of the pump.... it is not pretty but pretty expensive.

pops2 · 10-08-2013, 09:22 AM

As a long hauler we put in either Hawes conditiner or a qt. of ATF every 3 or 4th tank. ATF keeps the pump lubricated and the high detergent action keeps the injector clean. just my 2 bits worth

chief02 · 10-08-2013, 09:30 AM

Yes, use a good additive. I just retired from a second career in fuel refining. It's cheap insurence for "off spec fuel" that is way more common then you know.

Passin Thru · 10-09-2013, 10:44 AM

YES!
After 2.4 million miles in diesel trucks I have been almost stranded because I ran out. I was parked in WY at -12 and my crossover fuel line froze leaving me with a full fuel tanks and a truck that would run 30 MPH. I use Howes or Power Service, depending on the weather. My Duramax gets about 1 MPG better if I use it and in the winter I don't worry about Gelling, water or ice. I will fill a new fuel filter with it during the winter months also.

Marinelender · 10-09-2013, 09:02 PM

I'm convinced...now just to decide which one to use. Thanks for all of your info

road dogs · 10-09-2013, 09:31 PM

Common rail diesel injection pumps run at pressures around 30,000 psi. Modern ULSD (Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel) lacks the lubricity of older less refined fuels. Using a good fuel additive will likely increase the life of injectors and pumps. I use Stanadyne (GM recommended) and Diesel Kleen. It is cheap protection. My diesel is driven summer and winter so I've never worried about algae and it usually doesn't get cold enough here to worry about gelling.

rvarner · 10-16-2013, 06:07 PM

I have used Power Service for years because of the "lubricity" issue on older diesels. Used it in my 2002 Duramax and now the CAT. Never had a problem with storage and algae but I live in a very dry place. Always starts right up and runs smooth even after storage all summer.
Richard