Howe's Diesel Defender

[homey53]

I see a lot of ads for this product on line, Howe's Diesel Defender. As a general rule, are there any products we need to add to the diesel fuel we get from the pump. In winter, I add an anti gelling product, but I'm wondering if I should be using something like this year round? The ad claims it cleans injectors and keeps deposits from forming there.

 

[LouNY]

Some people swear by them, others swear at them. With the cetane numbers and lack of lubricity in our current fuels I wouldn't be adverse to using them.

 

[Hay Dude]

I dump a shot in every 80 gallon tankful of off road diesel I buy. I run the Hot Shot secret brand.
No injector issues.

I ran a Case-IH Magnum 270 built in 2000 for a few years. That tractor & Cummins pump was designed when diesel fuel had a lot more lubricity, which would keep the pump lubricated. They said the CAPS fuel pump would be ruined if you ran it out of fuel a few times ($6,000 to repair) on the newer, low lubricity fuel.
I think it’s vital to add lubricity in tractors with older pumps, but also the newer pumps, too.

 

[TMGT]

I prefer Hot Shot Secret everyday treatment, use to use Power Service but switched after seeing results from independent testing.

I always heard good things about Howes, but the testing results didn't impress me.

 

[oldballs]

As i understand it, Howes (the one that I used) was great for anti-gel....but made no comment about lubricity........So....I went back to Power Service white bottle....and use it year around on my little Kubotas. Since as a home owner with low hours per year, I just add the PS to every 5 gallon container.

 

[part-time-Farmer-NC]

Forgive my ignorance... Just gotta ask is that a cold weather add in? I use my tractor year round but a lot less in winter minor tasks etc. Never in sub 20's temps.

I hadn't thought about adding any additives to the fuel. Is that why ya'll run it? Are modern tractors (>2010) needing this?

 

[RjCorazza]

In Vermont I would agree that an anti gel product is a good idea. My climate is borderline for needing anti gel additive, but I use Power Service white all winter for the rare cold spell. I also use PS silver the rest of the time for its lubrication qualities.

 

[Eagle1]

Forgive my ignorance... Just gotta ask is that a cold weather add in? I use my tractor year round but a lot less in winter minor tasks etc. Never in sub 20's temps.

I hadn't thought about adding any additives to the fuel. Is that why ya'll run it? Are modern tractors (>2010) needing this?

I do use a anti gel here in southern Missouri, cows need hay in the middle of winter. I may get to -20 at night and we normally have a week with no positive numbers. It might also be 80 in Jan. Much rather use the tractor to move round bales than carry ATV and yard trailer load up the hill to the winter pasture.
Some times I even have to move enough snow to get around. Not often but we can a few feet at times.

 

[dodge man]

Newer tractors, say 25 years old or newer, are designed to run on pump diesel. I view additives as something to make your wallet lighter. There are exceptions, say anti gel for the winter, fuel stabilizer for long term gas storage, and biocides for if you are getting growth in your diesel.