Oil & Fuel Diesel fuel additive

[Carl Bert]

I own a 2010 B26. This is my first diesel. I just wanted to know if I am supposed to be using the fuel additive, that is used in gasoline to keep it from gumming up, in the diesel fuel also? And if so should I go out and add it to the diesel fuel, that is already in the tractor, and run it a while? Thanks

 

[TripleR]

You will probably get mixed responses. We don't use any additive in our diesel tractors though I have when I got some bad fuel. I have spoken with several farmers in my area and none of them run additives either.

I know there are others who swear by them.

 

[easygo]

I add Power Service (white bottle) to my diesel in the Winter just in case. They supposed to change something in the fuel that is sold during the cold months to prevent gelling. I never had a problem even in 20-30 below 0F.
So. I always add Power Service to keep it that way.

 

[moship]

Carl,

1st off assuming I read your post correctly. I would not use any additive designed for gasoline unless it explicitly says that it can be used with diesel fuel.

I run an additive to prevent gelling and to aid in lubricity of the moving fuel delivery components. Is it necessary? I do not know, but feel better knowing that I'm not hurting anything but my wallet. Given the low volume of fuel I use the added expense is trivial.

Diesel is hydroscopic in that it will absorb water which can cause all kinds of problems and can lead to bacteria growth which will look like slime. So follow good practice on fuel storage. Keep the fuel fresh and you should not have any problem.

Depending on where you live, most diesel fuel will be blended differently for winter usage and some locations will guarantee fuel quality.

Just make certain to buy fuel from some place that turns their fuel over regularly.

 

[MF 1532]

Most of the farmers around here don't use anything other than what suppliers add , but the trucking companies do . I use some Howes Diesel Treat all the time , for cold weather , the lubricity , and peace of mind . No more fuel than I use in my tractor a bottle will last me quite awhile .

 

[unbidden]

My Kubota dealer told me no need to run conditioners as the winter diesel mix has additives already; but like others I've been wondering if an additive would be a good piece of mind security policy. For years I've run 1oz of SeaFoam per gallon of gas in my motorcycle, snow blower and just about any other gas powered machine I have that sits unused for long periods of time, winter or summer. SeaFoam is approved for diesel engines; have any of you used it on your tractor?

Click here if you're not familiar with SeaFoam.

 

[TripleR]

My father in law owned and operated a bulk distributorship for farm fuels and lubricants with several diesel delivery and transport trucks as well as diesel farm tractors. He didn't use any additives in his trucks/tractors/storage tanks etc., so I don't. I guess we have been lucky because we have never had any fuel problems. We do use a lot of diesel or it sure seems like it, so the cost can get a little steep. It sure won't hurt anything to use additives and if it gives nothing more than peace of mind, it is worth it to some.

I don't doubt algae in diesel exists, I just have never known anyone personally who has experienced it.

 

[9973720wb19]

I guess a factor would be how fast you burn through your diesel. For, it takes a while to burn 5 gallons so I use additive from the dealer. I gallon will last me several years.

 

[moship]

TripleR,

Well now you know of someone who has had first hand experience with algae growth in diesel. I had it happen to the fuel in my tractor and in a container that was stored under controlled conditions (not related). There are periods of time when I do not use the tractor for months.

With the tractor it caused the filter to plug which resulted in the engine stalling due to fuel starvation.

 

[radioman]

I am going to assume something. if you were trained to put stablizer in gas to prevent it from going stale and gumming up carb when storing for winter, thn no in general for diesel it doesnt have that issue.

On the other hand, there are 2 things to think about with diesel in my opinion.
1. gelling/waxing from extreme cold with summer blend
2. long term storage of diesel in large tanks for more then a year- algae can grow and plug filters.

I see you are from NY so gelling/waxing can be an issue when its cold. If you dont use your tractor at all in winter, then nothing needs to be done. just wait till its warm enough. Otherwise you need to us winter blend diesel or treat it or both.
As for algae growth- if you use fuel from station, no need to worry about it. If you store more then 300 gallons and dont refill every year then you might want to add algaecide for diesel fuel.