Power Service and Fleet Charge

[cowboydoc]

Yea I'm confused there too Shady. We've run powerservice in our diesels for years and never had even one injector problem.

 

[gsxr1100]

Nope, not starting WW3 here. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

I asked (2) Ford Dealers (and a local International dealer) when I had my 1997 Powerstroke (PS) about Power Service and they said no since it is not good for the PS injection system. It was/is start of the art and they said no in the Power Service. All Power Service had the cetane and the Water Demulsifier which was bad. I think that Stanadyne made a no cetane formula. But them again I wonder if Stanadyne and Ford were “in bed” together since the early 7.3 days.

A few close friends that have Freightliners and Peterbilts say only use a clean fuel (maybe add a cleaner (1) per year). The manufacture will put all the additives in there they say. They just said to buy fuel at places that “move” the stuff. I agree….

A co-worker gave me a spec from Stanadyne (last employment place) and all diesel fuels must pass certain requirements etc. Also pass Military specs too.

I do not think I would run Power Service in my BX22 since I have never had a problem with gell, bad fuel, etc since 1996 (fall).

It is like the ATF in diesel. Some say it is great… and some say know. But do what makes you smile!

If you are going to use it just follow the directions. I have seen people just pour the gallon..opps 96 OZ into there tank and say, “that is good” (1) minute later.

 

[gsxr1100]

Old diesels areok but the new stuff I would get writing from the dealer since todays diesels are complex.

I know the injection system for the Ford Powerstoke is around $3,000 /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

 

[cowboydoc]

This is completely contrary to how a diesel works. YOu want a higher cetane #. That is the problem with alot of fuel that you get is that the cetane rating is lower. It even specifically states in the manual to run a high cetane fuel. Also water will kill an injector faster than anything. Back in the 80's and early 90's water was always a problem in fuel. It's not as bad anymore. The mfg. also only puts in the minimum required additives. You also don't know what you get from tank to tank either if you are on the road. I'm not saying it's absolutely necessary but p/s is a proven product.

 

[gsxr1100]

Richard. I agree with you but when I had my Powerstroke Ford is a bit higher then any customer or any aftermarket product out there. It is their automobile and they make the requirements, not some additive people.

Water will kill a injector but again in regular diesels or older ones it is fine (along with tractors I think). I know for a fact that Power Service is a no no in the Ford Powerstroke, period. You can say I am wrong but I had one for 6-years and I know what the dealers said, along with International (people who manufacture the 7.3L).

Also I know the manufacture MIGHT put in the minimum additives. But you have no proof of that. If you use good, clean fuel you do not need any addititives. They are a waste of money in the long run. If you get good fuel you do not need it.


Living in Massachusetts I have seen temps down to alomst -20 degrees and never had a fuel gell problem with NO Power Service etc. You do not need it.

 

[pruntyc]

I've had diesel gell, and it wasnt' 20 below either. And I'm sure some of the other guys on here has to. I had to put a little gas in to get it started and run. Which you can do, if you are careful, wouldn't want to do it all the time. But if its gelled and you need to get moving, it will work, only a little bit of gas though. I agree that power servise is a needed additive in most diesels. You wait till you know you need it, you may have to take it to a shop and get it worked on.

 

[MikePA]

For most of us, the situation with our tractors is different than with diesels that get daily use. The statement that refiners add the proper additives, based upon the season, is true for diesel (and gasoline) fuel. The problem arises when you buy diesel in the summer and winter rolls around before you have a chance to use it. Hence, the value of additives such as PowerService.

 

[cowboydoc]

Well you do need it if you keep fuel and you got the fuel before they switched over to anti-gel. Or if you are traveling and go from one climate to the next. Had this happen more than once and don't care to ever again, fuel gelling that is. Also if you get water in your fuel it will happen as well. In our situation at the ranches and traveling alot it most certainly is 100% needed. It's not just something to throw in there. Maybe being in the city and buying all your fuel at the same place everytime and not keeping more than a fill-up at a time your are right in your situation.

As far as owning Ford diesels we've owned every model year from 82' and owned probably more than 100 trucks in the family. It's the only trucks we've ever bought for the most part. I've had every problem you can have with a diesel engine and I will tell you point blank that adding power service all the time has eliminated alot of those problems. You can't tell us that it isn't needed.

You know Ford used to never mention the cavitation issue either. Well tell that to all the guys that had their engines go because of it. They also say to never use ether or WD-40 to start the engines but we've used it for years with trucks with over 400k on them and still have the original injectors. Ford also says to not tow over a certain weight either but we have lots of trucks that have hauled over the max. weight all their lives and are no worse for wear.

 

[gsxr1100]

The odds of fuel gelling is really quite low. Unless you are at the bottom of Mt. Washington in the Summer (100 degrees) and only 20 at top.

Usually in the Northeast they switch over VERY soon in Oct and never had a problem. [censored] never heard of people having problems unless they leave fuel in there in July and never use it till December. If you do not use it for that long you will need to do the proper techniques for storage. If you are traveling from one climate to another you will run out the old fuel WAY before you get gelling. The changes are slim to zero.

If you have water in fuel it means you are being junk fuel. Never had bad fuel since the early 90’s. Never in my truck nor tractors had a water/fuel problem. Again, buy fuel at places that “move it”. Not at a local mom and pop station that re-fuel every month. The station I use refills the diesel tanks with (2) trucks per day! Busiest Mobil in MA.

Richard. You will not have a problem in the old diesels since they are not that complex, per say. But in 1994 or newer the additives is not needed because of complex injector & electronics. [censored], even in the Powerstroke book it says it in black in white.


Ford did not tell the diesel owners because they copied parts International manual 100%; but, Ford forgot to mention that International used coolant filters that had the SCA in it.

Ether is bad for a diesel also. I had heard of the WD-40 but again if you use a good fuel, glow plugs are kept up (TPM=total preventive maintenance) you will not need it. I would not try that on a Powerstoke, Duramax or Dodge Cummins. The old ones yes, but the electronics on the newer ones are very touchy and should not have anything sprayed into them. Cause sensor problems etc. I know a guy at work that did that and caused a complete mess on his 1995 Stroke. Ford did not cover the damage since the manual said not to do it. Touch luck for him.

As far as towing, that is another issue. It comes down to undue stress on frame, motor, a fatigue over time & safety issues. Never mind break wear, heat on engine (turbo on newer models)….Just because you think it is not wearing it, it is.

 

[MikePA]

Well, Gary, you got your original questions answered...plus a whole bunch more. Two camps; those who swear by it and those who don't believe it's needed. While you've been around TBN for 411 posts, for those newbies out there...remember there's a difference between an opinion and a fact. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif