Fuel Additive - Optilube Comparison Chart

[PoorMansCat]

Its amazing that I allowed myself to get roped into another one of these conversations. I know better, shame on me.
Almost as bad as Amsoil vs the world, Ford owns CUMMINGS, and my diesel powered 4x4 gets a zillion miles per gallon!

 

[coobie]

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:

++1,Agree with this statement.I have used diesel additives in my diesel truck and all of my tractors for the last 10 plus years.To each his own I guess.

 

[DeereMann]

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

Thanks, Mike.

I appreciate debates too - I've learned a lot from this site & members, as well as other sites. I don't take difference of opinions personally.

However, when there are known facts that exist, and others make factually incorrect judgements, I feel somewhat compelled to provide corrections, being an engineer. That's the point of enthusiast sites, I hope. Sharing information & opinions.

Anyway, the cetane boost alone is worth it for small, indirect & mechanically-injected diesel engines like most of ours. Even if the additive cost is a wash with the savings from burning less fuel, burning less fuel under the same loads means the fuel is being burned more efficiently and completely. By definition, this means the injector tips and piston rings are much cleaner over time as well. Meaning they retain engine performance (power, torque) over time. It also means the engine lasts longer too, but usually not important to short hour users like most of us.

And - if any of the reduced fuel consumption is due to increased lubricity additive in the injection pump, then that maintains performance longer too. And the fuel injection system is the most expensive subsystem of any diesel engine.

I really don't see any debate for small engines. For large engines, sure - but the TDI DATA (facts) shows at least that the lubricity additive must have some impact on reducing fuel consumption for those engines as well, because the additive used had no cetane boost. Then it becomes important for engine longevity as these vehicles are more expensive than their gasoline counterparts.

:soapbox: