Fuel Additives for Kubotas

[rScotty]

It's that time of year again; time to mix some cold weather protection into the diesel fuel. Anyone got any favorites?
rScotty

 

[amigauser]

This is going to be like a favorite oil thread. I found this product via TBN a few years ago.
Opti-Lube Diesel Fuel Improver | Grease | Oil Fortifier

 

[JRobyn]

Tried, trusted, proven - PowerService.

 

[TMGT]

I use PowerService, most of the major brands out there are good, PS seems to be the most encompassing coverage wise

 

[Paystar]

I used to use Power Service until I tried Howes. Now it goes in everything including my furnace oil tank.

 

[TMGT]

What did you like better about Howse over PS?

 

[Looking4new]

Tried, trusted, proven - PowerServe.

In the white bottle.

 

[mikesee]

I second the Howes.

 

[carlhwv]

This thread made the rounds a few days ago. PS and Howse were both advocated.

 

[94BULLITT]

Powerservice is snake oil.

 

[oosik]

I use Power Serve(snake oil) year round.

 

[TMGT]

Powerservice is snake oil.

What leads you to say that?

I always hear claims like this about addatives but rarely any data behind it.

 

[radioman]

Powerservice is snake oil.

i dont see why it is. for those who live in colder climates we have to be concerned about the wax out points. its no fun having a tractor or truck not starting due to filters plugging up.

also for those who wax their tractors , what about the insides of your fuel tanks? rust?corrosion? algae? water? how do you "take care" of this insides before the stuff becomes a problem?

Sorry--- i dont wax my tractor but i DO take care of the insides. this is what i believe keep it running. the last thing i want to do is take care of a fuel related problem in 10 degree weather.

 

[Deere Dude]

Very recently I had my fuel pump go out on my truck and had the BIG diesel repair shop change my injectors right away also because in my year of truck injectors were noted to go out at the 150,000 mile mark quite often.

At the cash register I saw probably 100 cases of fuel additive so I asked the question we are contemplating here; what to use?

He said to use to use Standyne Lubricity Formula for my fuel. He said the fuel is so dry now that lubricity helps the injectors last longer. I asked about Power Service in the white bottle because I have a couple bottles. He told me that just makes everything drier and harder on the injectors. It if doing just the opposite of what should be done.

But I theorize that my tractors fuel tank is outside and may get some moisture in so I use Standyne Lubricity Formula for the lubricity formula but may put a little Power Service in for any water. And to change the fuel filters more often, like every 2 oil changes, especially in my truck.

For me the lubricity area is what I would be more concerned with..

 

[ovrszd]

Powerservice is snake oil.

Yeah, that's why I've never had a fuel gel problem at temps below zero using it. Definitely isn't worth the 4 cents per gallon cost.....

 

[ovrszd]

Very recently I had my fuel pump go out on my truck and had the BIG diesel repair shop change my injectors right away also because in my year of truck injectors were noted to go out at the 150,000 mile mark quite often.

At the cash register I saw probably 100 cases of fuel additive so I asked the question we are contemplating here; what to use?

He said to use to use Standyne Lubricity Formula for my fuel. He said the fuel is so dry now that lubricity helps the injectors last longer. I asked about Power Service in the white bottle because I have a couple bottles. He told me that just makes everything drier and harder on the injectors. It if doing just the opposite of what should be done.

But I theorize that my tractors fuel tank is outside and may get some moisture in so I use Standyne Lubricity Formula for the lubricity formula but may put a little Power Service in for any water. And to change the fuel filters more often, like every 2 oil changes, especially in my truck.

For me the lubricity area is what I would be more concerned with..

I've read a lot of discussion about lubricity. I don't doubt it's a concern. What I don't know is how much of a concern. My powerstroke has 200,000 miles on it and has never had an additive for lubricity.

Does the Standyne Lubricity Formula have an Anti-Gel??

 

[carlhwv]

I did a bunch of researching when I got my latest two diesels...one new super duty the other my kubota. Lubricity has become an issue with the removal of the sulfur from the fuel. Anyone remember playing with sulfur powder in chemistry class? I definitely remember how slippery it was. For older engines this was a factor that was taken into account in the design. Now that it's not there in fuel any more there could be a potential problem for older engines. If you have one adding something to counteract this might be something to consider. For newer machines that are built to spec taking the low sulfur fuel into account, using certain additives can be detrimental. Word is that Ford is starting to deny warranty claims if fuel is found to have additives other than those approved for the new engines...6.7s only are approved for mother craft 22 and 23. I can see how products could be interfering with all the emissions stuff and their position on this.

I've always been concerned about gelling in the winter. Most of the stations I use claim to have 'winterized' fuel but I don't take the chance. If you live where it is below 15-20 degrees frequently and have not paid attention you have most likely had a gelling issue. Most only experience it once.

I've run various products in my fuel....in my boats it was always a biocide and cetane boost. Water was a given and the racers took care of it.. In my 7.3 fords I ran PS in the Winter and nothing in the summer. In my tractors we would buy no 1 fuel in the winter and no 2 in the summer. Now I put a glug of ps in each 5 gallons and with the recent cold didn't have a problem. We will see how she does with the cold that is coming tonight. Will be a good test.

For my new truck it's only the Ford approved motor craft 23 to prevent gelling. In theory I shouldn't need it but I had my gelling experience in Alaska in 1985. It was the first and last and I hope to keep it that way.

 

[Deere Dude]

I've read a lot of discussion about lubricity. I don't doubt it's a concern. What I don't know is how much of a concern. My powerstroke has 200,000 miles on it and has never had an additive for lubricity.

Does the Standyne Lubricity Formula have an Anti-Gel??

I never used anything regularly, was told I didn't need anything by the dealerships. Once in a while I would get a bottle of PowerService just because, but would forget to put it in most of the time anyway.

I can only say what the service manager explained to me, because of my doubts about adding anything. He told me the tips of the injectors need at least a little lubrication that dry fuel oil don't provide. I didn't ask but I am sure the pump needs lubrication also. I told him I have some PowerService is for water mostly and he told me that just makes it more dry and more harmful.

At $300 a pop for injectors I am going with what he recommends. It takes 1 oz. every 8 gallons, so a gallon will go a long way.

I was impressed at how many pick up trucks they work on as I was expecting it to be a couple guys in a garage but it was pretty hi tech and had a big business.

 

[JWR]

They are ALL snakeoil in a sense -- just like tiger repellent, mine really works well because I have not seen a single tiger. My feeling has been for more than 30 years that if you know it is going to be below 10 degrees mix in 50/50 kerosene (e.g. half #1 and half #2 fuel oil.) That is what dozer operators in northern VT do on a routine basis. Beyond that, use Seafoam or any of the well-known additives if you feel like it and want some tiger repellent in your tank.
One possible exception: newer machines with hypersensitivity of some kind meeting Tier 4, etc. I have no such machines, hope I never do, and do not know what they may or may not tolerate.

 

[ovrszd]

They are ALL snakeoil in a sense -- just like tiger repellent, mine really works well because I have not seen a single tiger. My feeling has been for more than 30 years that if you know it is going to be below 10 degrees mix in 50/50 kerosene (e.g. half #1 and half #2 fuel oil.) That is what dozer operators in northern VT do on a routine basis. Beyond that, use Seafoam or any of the well-known additives if you feel like it and want some tiger repellent in your tank.
One possible exception: newer machines with hypersensitivity of some kind meeting Tier 4, etc. I have no such machines, hope I never do, and do not know what they may or may not tolerate.

Yep, blending #1 and #2 will prevent gelling. Just like adding PowerService. Blending is much more expensive. Blending also creates a fuel that produces less power. It's very noticeable in our Road Grader. So we treat rather than blend.