Which PowerService

Jay4200 · Dec 6, 2005

I bought some PS additive for my first foray into the diesel world, but I wasn't sure which one to get. I got the stuff in the silver can since it seemed the better cleaner (and my new-to-me tractor has been poorly maintained for the last ~300 hours). I need stablizer and probably need anti-gel qualities too (though maybe not - I couldn't find any #1 or #2 designation on the pump). Evidently the white bottle stuff is a better anti-gel, but from what I read on the PS website, it seems that way only because you have to add twice as much as the silver. Please clue me in on what is the 'good stuff'.

Incidentally, the PS bottle sucks to pour from - pretty much impossible to not make a mess. Also - don't buy the slim plastic "5 gallon" gas can from Walmart - it actually overflows at 4.25 gallons.

Thanks - Jay

MadReferee · Dec 6, 2005

I use the stuff in the white bottle all year around for both my tractor and dozer. VIP auto currently has it on sale.

The easiest method for measuring (I use 3 oz per 5 gallons) is to buy a plastic baby bottle at the drug store and use it. It is graduated in ounces and cubic centimeters. The one I use I have had for over 25 years.

Soundguy · Dec 6, 2005

Here in fl, I use the PS white bottle.

I havn't found them hard to pour from.. what are you trying to pour them into? i add it right to the tank on my diesel tractors.

Soundguy

Jay4200 · Dec 7, 2005

( Here in fl, I use the PS white bottle.

I havn't found them hard to pour from.. what are you trying to pour them into? i add it right to the tank on my diesel tractors.)

I picked the silver bottle for the better cleaning qualities, but I definately need to worry about the anti-gel qualities too (14F last night).

I pour the additive into my fuel can, then fill up the can with fuel - all done at a gas station. The PS bottle has a wide-mouth, which is stupid, IMHO. They should use the same long and narrow opening that 1qt oil bottles use. You can't pour out of a wide mouth slow, since the stuff will simply wrap the lip and run down the edge of the bottle (completely full bottle), so you have to dump it out quickly. Now, try dumping out only 2-3oz, and having that 2-3oz blop hit the relatively small target of a gas can fill opening. A challenge to say the least. Needless to say it went all over the place, though most went in the fill hole. That spill quickly became moot, however, when my new 5 gallon can overflowed with the pump only reading 4.25 gallons (I wasn't even watching yet). Grrrrr.

Jay

coveredbridge · Dec 7, 2005

I also use the PS in the white bottle. I transfer it as needed to a sta-bil bottle I saved and I labelled it for diesel fuel treatment. Before I fill my 5-gal diesel cans I measure the PS in the sta-bil bottle (I think 3 oz per 5-gal) and add it to the fuel cans before filling with fuel. I use the sta-bil in all my small gas engines (mower, trimmer, chain saw, etc.)

Birdman · Dec 7, 2005

Are you keeping the spout of the PS bottle on the top as you pour from it? I have much better control if I remember to keep the spout on top. Plus I don't worry too much about being exact with the measurement, I just give it a good dose and as long as it is close to the recommended amount I am happy. I use the white bottle in the winter and the gray bottle the rest of the time.

California · Dec 7, 2005

It's easy to pour from the PS bottle into a quarter cup (2 oz, 59 ml) stainless steel measuring cup like shown here then pour that into the tractor's tank before pouring the diesel in. This way you don't have to take the PS bottle to the gas station.

Power Service recommends maximum 32 oz to 50 gallons fuel which is

3.2 oz per 5 gallons.

So if the tractor's 5 gallon tank is 1/3 full before fueling, then one 2 oz measure is the right proportion.

Soundguy · Dec 7, 2005

( I pour the additive into my fuel can, then fill up the can with fuel )

That's the issue. i addmy PS directly to my tractor fuel tank before i add diesel. My tank holds 20 gal.. so i guestimate 4-6 oz based on bottle size and level. Tractor fuel opening is as wide or wider than the PS bottle, so it is good to go.

Soundguy

jimainiac · Dec 7, 2005

I use the white Power Service. I hadn't realized there was more than one kind, but I was reading the labels at WallyMart today, and there's not a lot of difference between them. The silver says it boosts the cetane by 6 and the white says by 4. I use 3 ounce Dixie cups to pour it into the 5 gallon cans, then throw 'em.