Fuel Additive - Optilube Comparison Chart

[DeereMann]

The winter that won't end led me to create a comparison chart for Optilube's diesel fuel additives. I got an advertisement in my e-mail, so thought I'd see what the differences are in one document. I didn't include shipping costs ($4.95 per gallon, not bad).

Here's a link to for those that use, or are considering using these --> Diesel Fuel Lube ? Save Money on Your Opti-lube Order

Sorry to the Canada gang for not converting to metric & loonies - maybe I'll do that if winter carries on. Depends what the ground hog sez........

View attachment Optilube Diesel Fuel Improver Comparisons.pdf

Updated 12:49 CST..noticed a math error due to Opti-Lube different dosing measures of products.

 

[Gary Fowler]

The winter that won't end led me to create a comparison chart for Optilube's diesel fuel additives. I got an advertisement in my e-mail, so thought I'd see what the differences are in one document. I didn't include shipping costs ($4.95 per gallon, not bad).

Here's a link to for those that use, or are considering using these --> Diesel Fuel Lube ? Save Money on Your Opti-lube Order

Sorry to the Canada gang for not converting to metric & loonies - maybe I'll do that if winter carries on. Depends what the ground hog sez........

View attachment 357472

Updated 12:49 CST..noticed a math error due to Opti-Lube different dosing measures of products.

No matter the cost, you are wasting your money on a fuel conditioner. They aren't needed. Anti-gel agents are all you need in the winter, summer you don't need anything if you keep your fuel dry and clean. A biocide might be good if you want to add something. Folks claim that they use xxxxx and never had a problem with injectors, well I don't use anything and never had a problem with injectors, fuel pump or algae in the fuel.
Do what ever makes you sleep well at night but mostly all the additives other than anti-gel for cold weather use is not needed.

 

[mikehaugen]

No matter the cost, you are wasting your money on a fuel conditioner. They aren't needed. Anti-gel agents are all you need in the winter, summer you don't need anything if you keep your fuel dry and clean. A biocide might be good if you want to add something. Folks claim that they use xxxxx and never had a problem with injectors, well I don't use anything and never had a problem with injectors, fuel pump or algae in the fuel.
Do what ever makes you sleep well at night but mostly all the additives other than anti-gel for cold weather use is not needed.

I use regular power service only because I have an older tractor that was made back in the higher sulfur days. I've never used the winter blend and have yet to have a gelling problem... so whatever is in the white bottle is enough for temps around here. Tractor lives outside and we have seen temps over the last few weeks in the negative digits on and off.

 

[mikehaugen]

Forgot to mention that I use it year round. If I had a newer tractor I would probably only use it in the winter.

 

[PoorMansCat]

No matter the cost, you are wasting your money on a fuel conditioner. They aren't needed. Anti-gel agents are all you need in the winter, summer you don't need anything if you keep your fuel dry and clean. A biocide might be good if you want to add something. Folks claim that they use xxxxx and never had a problem with injectors, well I don't use anything and never had a problem with injectors, fuel pump or algae in the fuel.
Do what ever makes you sleep well at night but mostly all the additives other than anti-gel for cold weather use is not needed.

Agreed! If you need some lubricity for older injection systems, dump some 2 stroke oil in the tank. For todays modern fuel systems, just a good filtration system and anti gel for you yankees.

 

[s219]

I'd suggest adding biocide if you plan to store the fuel for a long time in a humid/warm environment.

 

[Industrial Toys]

I have stored and used many thousands of litres for decades. Never ever had a problem with algie, except one summer on my JD 770 and man what a mess. Every last part of the fuel system had to be thoroughly cleaned out. The only thing I can think of is that the 770 fuel tank was exposed to engine heat, everything else I have has the tank elsewhere.

Some additive manufacturers imply that cetane boost will increase your power and/or fuel economy beyond recovering the cost of the product. Can't believe that!

 

[newbury]

Agreed! If you need some lubricity for older injection systems, dump some 2 stroke oil in the tank. For todays modern fuel systems, just a good filtration system and anti gel for you yankees.

Do you guys own anything with a Bosch Fuel injector?

http://www.globaldenso.com/en/topics/files/120730common_position_paper.pdf

US lubricity standards of 520 are way to high for the injectors.
But it's your engine, I don't care.

 

[DeereMann]

Folks,

It is factually incorrect to state that these additives are 'a waste of money'. Opinions are free, experiences vary. But it is factually incorrect. There are a number of tests that have been conducted that show factual improvements in engine durability and performance.

Whether or not that translates into value for your personal application is the subject of debate, and properly so. But it most definitely is not 'a waste of money'.

For little IDI mechanical engines, additives provide the most benefit. For larger DI FAE HPCR engines they have the least benefit. Since this is a tractor forum, with many members having the smaller IDI mechanical engines, there is distinct benefit. Maybe not enough to extend life if we don't put enough hours on them, but clearly lowering fuel consumption & keeping the engine cleaner.

Even for those with larger, more modern engines, there is a demonstrated real-world substantial fuel economy benefit. This can only be attributed to the lubricity additive because the Summer additive contains no cetane booster.

Here is a link to one of them ---> Real-World comparison test: Optilube - Page 17 - TDIClub Forums, post #244. A well-respected & well known enthusiast club.

I know that I use less fuel per hour of run time with the additive. It is NOT 'a waste of money'.

P.S. - if anyone cares, I use XPD in winter, Boost in summer. we have crappy low cetane diesel up here - engine mfg recommends 50 min. I hope somebody finds this post useful - I meant it to be, not start a debate. :confused3:

 

[oldballs]

Personally, I like the threads with debates. And thanks to DeereMann for passing on his information. Debating a subject seems helpful to me and even more informative than just the single presentation. Even when the "debate" gets hot there is a service to the subject. Heck, it's the Internet. Nobody is going to get hurt here. BTW, I use Power Service year 'round. The pump where I purchase states that the cetane rating is 40. Kubota states a recommendation of 45 in the owner's manual. And since there is no predictability of fuel turn over vs storage, I'm covered summer and winter.....e.g. this winter it often has been at or below zero F, and in 5 months it could be above 100 deg F.
Cheers, Mike