Fuel Additives

[SteveInMD]

I am now in the "additives are a waste of money" camp. I'll use a stabilizer like PRI-D only if I'm going to be storing the fuel for a long time, but that's it.

 

[alvanko]

I generally use Power Service in the winter to prevent gelling. Rarely use an additive in the summer. I do add a splash of ATF every once in a while. I heard it acts at a cleaner for the injectors. (Fact or fiction?)

 

[frank_miller]

I do not use PS anymore due to testing house comments. Use only Fp3000 or zero.

 

[Noland]

That study is interesting and informative but I wish they would have tested the regular Power Service additive instead of the Diesel Kleen. It is probably the most widely available additive in the U.S. and they left it off the list.

 

[Sniggle]

I was having some hesitation/stumbling problems with my Kubota G1900 (had 1100 hours), and the local dealer recommended adding a deisel fuel additive. After a tank the problem was gone and has not returned.

I now put deisel fuel additive in all my deisel.

 

[DieselPower]

Having been a diesel mechanic and now working in the lubricants industry I'm a firm beliver in using additives. I use them in everything I own from my diesel trucks and tractors to gas powered cars and even my mowers. As long as it keeps my fuel economy up about 1 1/2 to 2 percent it's a no cost product and get all the other benefit's for free. I have had to replace to many injectors and injection pumps on other peoples equipment over the years, I would rather not have to replace my own.

 

[Solo]

I started using Power Sevice in my TC18 this spring. I have noticed the operating temperature seems to be lower. My dealer recommends Stanadyne.

Solo

 

[frank_miller]

I know I would NOT used Power Service ever again. Now Stanadyne was noted since they made the pumps back in the day on the Powerchokes...Now, Again I only use FP3000 or nothing since they cause too much issue with UOA's.

 

[RichZ]

DieselPower, could you tell us what additives you use in what, and what benefits you get? I've read lots of your posts, and respect your opinions and observations.

 

[DieselPower]

I use what I sell. Either TRC's (Texas Refinery Corp.) Dzl-Pep or Dzl-Pep Arctic in my diesel equipment and Dzlene XL/10 in my gas powered equipment and my home heating oil tank for the furnace.

Benefits for pretty much anything with a fuel pump is added lubricity and therefore longevity (even gas engines with in tank lift pumps), continued use keeps the fuel system clean (ie. the injector internals, combustion chamber) thereby helping to maintain original fuel economy. There's no magic bullet in a bottle that's going to get you super fuel economy but a properly formulated additive will keep the fuel system clean which is important in high pressure diesel injectors where a dirty injector fowls up the spray pattern. Dirty injectors lead to incomplete combustion since the fuel isn't fully atomized and therefore the engine is less efficient, lower fuel economy. Keep it clean and it maintains it's like new economy.

It also helps to remove water from fuel systems and in the winter with the correct additive prevents fuel gelling. With the often irregular quality of diesel fuel these day's regarding lubricity properties the addition of lubrication to the fuel system in a diesel engine is reduced wear in the injection pump and injector nozzles. With all the regulations we have in this country the one thing we are lacking in is high standards for fuel. We have some of the worst lubricity standards for diesel fuel in the world not to mention deposit standards.

A good fuel additive in a diesel engine should pay for itself by maintaining better efficiency/fuel economy. In my case if I get a 2% increase in fuel economy as compared to a broken in engine with some time on it and no additive the additive doesn't cost anything, it pays for it itself.