Favorite Diesel Fuel Additives

[IslandTractor]

In the engineering world we don't call it anecdotal evidence, we call it "anecdotal waste of my time" because we can't do a flippin thing with it...

Couldn't agree more.

 

[IslandTractor]

The manual for my car recommends no additives and no bio above B5. However my own feeling is that recommendation stems from BMW not controlling the additives or who puts them into the tank, of which they would be on the receiving end of damage caused by incompetence, through the warranty. HS.

I believe BMW studied the fuel issue carefully as the engines were originally designed and tested for European fuel. They seem to have concluded however that US fuel out of the pump was preferred over any particular additive. Not sure if they tested any of the additives carefully but simply concluded ordinary fuel was fine.

 

[houstonscott]

I believe BMW studied the fuel issue carefully as the engines were originally designed and tested for European fuel. They seem to have concluded however that US fuel out of the pump was preferred over any particular additive. Not sure if they tested any of the additives carefully but simply concluded ordinary fuel was fine.

Rather than go through all that they just elected to not make any decision, hence no additives. I also think if you interrupt that as a conclusion that additives can't improve your performance and longevity of your engine you have made a mistake. HS

 

[IslandTractor]

Rather than go through all that they just elected to not make any decision, hence no additives. I also think if you interrupt that as a conclusion that additives can't improve your performance and longevity of your engine you have made a mistake. HS

Agree but you still need positive evidence that additives either prolong life or increase power/mpg.

 

[houstonscott]

Agree but you still need positive evidence that additives either prolong life or increase power/mpg.

I think that has been the case for PS, and why it's so popular. Are cetane values on the pumps there? HS

 

[MH8675309]

To answer the original question 911 white jug

 

[sweep]

Agree but you still need positive evidence that additives either prolong life or increase power/mpg.

I have been running Stanadyne Performance/Lubricity for along time.. sometimes I run out and run the tractor w/o it..

I can tell the difference..Not sure about power or mpg but less smoke and the tractor does run quieter.

 

[IslandTractor]

I have been running Stanadyne Performance/Lubricity for along time.. sometimes I run out and run the tractor w/o it.. I can tell the difference..Not sure about power or mpg but less smoke and the tractor does run quieter.

You are not alone in noticing such changes but again the real issue is longevity and/or efficiency and those issues cannot be determined through anecdote or single engine study.

Giving a man corticosteroid injections will make him feel good almost immediately but it doesn't do much positive for his life in the long run. We all buy into certain things simply because we want to believe they help. Experience teaches however that it is best to look for objective controlled data rather than enthusiastic endorsements. I'm just surprised there is so little data out there. And, when big companies like BMW basically turn away from additives it gives pause.

 

[big bubba]

the input here is way beyond my expertise & experience. i see many references to gelling in low temps, and lubricity issues. however, my main concern would be algae...see very little reference to that in this thread. to what extent do the additives listed above address that issue? i use howes but cannot honestly recommend that over other alternatives,who's to say. it's what's readily avail. to me..... but interested if that particular product inhibits algae in my particular climate (southern/southwest) thx in advance

 

[Wolfy]

I think the algae could be regional. I don't know anyone that has dealt with it near me.