Diesel Fuel Additives

[scarlo101]

Well I am sure this has been beaten to death here, but since I am relatively new here, and the cold weather is here I thought I would ask about diesel fuel conditioners and additives. I don't generally put on many hours (NH-TN75) in the cold weather. My first question is are they really necessary? I see advertisements with - Low Sulphur Diesel Fuel Conditioner and Diesel Fuel Conditioner - Is there a difference in the two? Should they only be used in the winter?
Any help is appreciated.

 

[newbury]

Some diesel fuel pumps and injectors used to rely on sulphur in the fuel for lubrication. The Bosch in my VW did so. Many people had failures with low sulphur fuel. See if you can find out if your fuel system needs sulphur.

 

[Bearsixty7]

Stanadyne and Amsoil make several diesel fuel treatments for cold weather so that the diesel doesn't start to gel and they make ones that just help lubricate year round.

Here is the Amsoil lineup, what's nice about them is they ship.
Diesel Fuel Additives: Shop Diesel Fuel Additives - AMSOIL

 

[sixdogs]

I've used Stanadyne Performance Formula for around 25 years and have had zeros issues in lots of hours and different tractors. Never had an injector off. There were times I started at way below zero when I lived in the north but never a problem, even with the old dino oil.

 

[Tinhack]

...I started at way below zero when I lived in the north...

Ummmm. You still do according to your location.

 

[jaydee325]

I've never used any additives. All of the necessary additives are already in the winter blend fuel I buy at the pumps.

 

[sixdogs]

Ummmm. You still do according to your location.

Ha, ha.
It rarely gets below 20's here. Some years there's below zero but that's usually at 3:00 AM when I'm not paying attention.

In another life I saw a lot of 20-25 below when I woke up. Not that I ran out to start a machine but with a plug-in heater and some coaxing, I've started at 5 or 6 below and no fuel gelling. Never doing that again. In fact, I could warm up to Texas.

 

[nybirdman]

Yes they do change the blend around Nov.1 up North;I still add PowerService ,white bottle year round.Can't hurt and doesn't cost a lot.
Never had a problem starting;my tractors have set out doors for ten years until this year.

 

[PILOON]

I've never used any additives. All of the necessary additives are already in the winter blend fuel I buy at the pumps.

That's fine at a very high volume outlet but even in fall can U be sure it is all winter blend?
OK, truck stops on major arteries would be OK but in rural areas can U be sure.
I've iced up twice and don't with to repeat that exercise, thank U.

An occasional addition of 'juice' is a small price to pay for peace of mind.

 

[JJT]

Piloon hit the nail on the head, it's cheap insurance. I've used Howes for 25+ years, year round, and have never had a fuel related issue. I also use it to condition my fuel oil, used for heating.