fuel additives

[Skypuppy]

What do you guys recommend and do you use for every fill or every other fill, or what? I've have had very good success with a couple of the well known brands (about mid-price range) on a Cat 3208T over the decades but the new "lower sulphur/sulfur" stuff has me scratching my head.
NO <censored> pollution knick-nacks on the 25.5 hp BX2260 engine, thank the Lord!
Be nice to use a water-scavenger type.
And I think I'm getting contamination from the Wally World fuel pumps. Next closest diesel is quite far.

 

[ljgordon]

I won't go thru the whole story. Suffice it to say I had to buy 3 carburetors when 2 ATVs and a mower quit running. I found about 1/2 inch of dirt in the bottom of a gas can that ccould only have come from Kroger. $40-$55 & $268.00. I only refuel thru a funnel that has a micron filter and also filters out water.

 

[Ed ke6bnl]

I won't go thru the whole story. Suffice it to say I had to buy 3 carburetors when 2 ATVs and a mower quit running. I found about 1/2 inch of dirt in the bottom of a gas can that ccould only have come from Kroger. $40-$55 & $268.00. I only refuel thru a funnel that has a micron filter and also filters out water.

all my fillups are with a

AF3CB Fuel Filter,Black​

https://www.amazon.com/Mr-Funnel-AF3CB-Fuel-Filter/dp/B000SOIRCG?th=1​

 

[JWR]

What do you guys recommend and do you use for every fill or every other fill, or what? I've have had very good success with a couple of the well known brands (about mid-price range) on a Cat 3208T over the decades but the new "lower sulphur/sulfur" stuff has me scratching my head.
NO <censored> pollution knick-nacks on the 25.5 hp BX2260 engine, thank the Lord!
Be nice to use a water-scavenger type.
And I think I'm getting contamination from the Wally World fuel pumps. Next closest diesel is quite far.

I've said before -- I'm not a fan of additives in general. You are safe doing exactly what your manufacturer says, no more , no less. However, there are a some circumstances where additives can be worth using. I definitely do not make a habit of using fuels additives in my tractors. I do use them fairly often in small motors like the push lawn mower, machines that sit over the winter, etc. A few other examples seem worth mentioning. 1) The 1954 Massey Harris Pacer family heirloom I learned to drive at age 12 had a long history of the carb float sticking and loss of fuel = engine stopping. As a teen in the 1950s I would stand up, reach forward, bang the cast metal carb bowl with a wrench usually in time to dislodge the float and keep the motor running. The carb was rebuilt many times with no effect. Decades and several tractors later (but keeping the old Pacer in operable condition) I found that Seafoam additive in the gasoline got rid of the stuck float issue, apparently for good. Been working OK for last several years. 2) A less interesting comment relates to winter operation: I would NEVER depend on "treated fuel" at normal fuel sources, filling stations, etc. In Alaska or northern New England maybe. If you are in areas where temp goes below 10 deg F then I say use the "white can stuff" (Power Service brand) in diesels. But in those colder areas you surely know to mix #1 (kerosene) in with your #2 (normal diesel fuel) 50-50 if it is going to be below 10 deg much. That solves the gel issue. 3) Certainly drain your water separator once in a while and avoid moisture in the fuel any way you can. Infrequent use of the diesel additive will cleanse the system of water as much as needed. So would dry gas.

 

[Midniteoyl]

Use Hot Shot EDT in every tank during summer, and EDT + Winter Defense in winter. ~70hr regens and have started and ran at -5F no problems.

Have also used the Power Service anti-gel with no problems, but use Hot Shot exclusively now.

Everyday Diesel Treatment (EDT) | Top Diesel Fuel Additive

Boost diesel MPG & performance! Hot Shot's Everyday Diesel Treatment cleans injectors, prevents gelling, & protects your fuel system. Buy now!

www.hotshotsecret.com

EDT+ Winter Defense | Hot Shot's Secret

EDT+ WINTER DEFENSE is our EVERYDAY DIESEL TREATMENT with added anti-gel properties. Minimize the size of the wax crystals. Purchase here!

www.hotshotsecret.com

 

[RjCorazza]

... A less interesting comment relates to winter operation: I would NEVER depend on "treated fuel" at normal fuel sources, filling stations, etc. In Alaska or northern New England maybe. If you are in areas where temp goes below 10 deg F then I say use the "white can stuff" (Power Service brand) in diesels. But in those colder areas you surely know to mix #1 (kerosene) in with your #2 (normal diesel fuel) 50-50 if it is going to be below 10 deg much...

I also do not depend on fuel to be treated at the pump in the winter, and always treat my own. It's not really cold enough in my area to cut diesel with kerosene, but I did do that for a few years when I had the kero sitting around.

 

[greenie]

Stanadyne Performance Formula. Have used it for years. Got 250,000 miles out of the 7.3 IDI injection pump and injectors. It disperses water into microscopic droplets in suspension which passes through the fuel filter and injectors. I never need to drain water out of the fuel filter bowl. It lubricates and is safe for newer emissions engines.

 

[chim]

After hauling / lifting yellow 5-gallon cans since 1991 I settled on three 55 gallon drums with home delivery a few years ago. That gets algae and antigel treatment. A 12V pump pushes it through a Goldenrod waterblock filter when dispensed.

 

[diesel85]

I've been using PowerService grey bottle during the summer and white bottle during the winter in my 2002 BX2200 ever since the switch to ultra low sulfur diesel fuels. Got over 2,400 hours on it and never a problem with the injection pump or the injectors.

Here in upstate NY, we've got a lot of asphaltenes in our diesel fuels and I notice it keeps the fuel filters from turning grey/black color.

I also use PowerService or Hotshots EDT in my 2020 EcoDiesel because of the CP4.

I love diesels and I want to be sure I'm doing the best I can to keep them running happy.

 

[Skypuppy]

Use Hot Shot EDT in every tank during summer, and EDT + Winter Defense in winter. ~70hr regens and have started and ran at -5F no problems.

Have also used the Power Service anti-gel with no problems, but use Hot Shot exclusively now.

Everyday Diesel Treatment (EDT) | Top Diesel Fuel Additive

Boost diesel MPG & performance! Hot Shot's Everyday Diesel Treatment cleans injectors, prevents gelling, & protects your fuel system. Buy now!

www.hotshotsecret.com

EDT+ Winter Defense | Hot Shot's Secret

EDT+ WINTER DEFENSE is our EVERYDAY DIESEL TREATMENT with added anti-gel properties. Minimize the size of the wax crystals. Purchase here!

www.hotshotsecret.com

Would you suggest EDT for a BX2660? 25.5 hp, occasional (more than once!) trash in fuel filter.

 

[Skypuppy]

Stanadyne Performance Formula. Have used it for years. Got 250,000 miles out of the 7.3 IDI injection pump and injectors. It disperses water into microscopic droplets in suspension which passes through the fuel filter and injectors. I never need to drain water out of the fuel filter bowl. It lubricates and is safe for newer emissions engines.

Man, that is high dollar stuff! But worth it if it works.

 

[Midniteoyl]

Would you suggest EDT for a BX2660? 25.5 hp, occasional (more than once!) trash in fuel filter.

Yep. It also disburses water in fuel as well.. The squeeze bottle makes it easy to measure and pour, even if you are filling 5gal cans (1/4 oz per 5 gal is my rate)

 

[Midniteoyl]

A little fun:

 

[NH TC25D]

For 2+ decades on the NH used a speciality filter designed to not only filter particulate matter but prevent water from entering the fuel tank. Doing the same with the recently purchased new Kubota.

For the 2+ decades running the NH only time I use a fuel additive has been winter. Power Service. The cetane booster and jell preventer. Starting has never been an issue even on very cold mornings. Do have a block heater. Never had a jelling issue. Motor ran smooth with no apparent loss of power in cold conditions.

From what I understand our cold winter diesel has a lower cetane rating. Unsure of the actual number. Was told 48-50 results in quick ignition. The so called "Premium" grade diesel some gas station have vs. lower to mid 40s for normal #2 diesel. In the case of Power Service more is not necessarily better. Stick with the recommended amount/gal of diesel.

 

[RayIN]

What do you guys recommend and do you use for every fill or every other fill, or what? I've have had very good success with a couple of the well known brands (about mid-price range) on a Cat 3208T over the decades but the new "lower sulphur/sulfur" stuff has me scratching my head.
NO <censored> pollution knick-nacks on the 25.5 hp BX2260 engine, thank the Lord!
Be nice to use a water-scavenger type.
And I think I'm getting contamination from the Wally World fuel pumps. Next closest diesel is quite far.

You'll find this fuel additive test very informative and surprising.
A few people will say to pour ATF or motor oil in the fuel tank; look at the testing results.

 

[JWR]

For 2+ decades on the NH used a speciality filter designed to not only filter particulate matter but prevent water from entering the fuel tank. Doing the same with the recently purchased new Kubota.

For the 2+ decades running the NH only time I use a fuel additive has been winter. Power Service. The cetane booster and jell preventer. Starting has never been an issue even on very cold mornings. Do have a block heater. Never had a jelling issue. Motor ran smooth with no apparent loss of power in cold conditions.

From what I understand our cold winter diesel has a lower cetane rating. Unsure of the actual number. Was told 48-50 results in quick ignition. The so called "Premium" grade diesel some gas station have vs. lower to mid 40s for normal #2 diesel. In the case of Power Service more is not necessarily better. Stick with the recommended amount/gal of diesel.

I'm really surprised with you living in Wisconsin that you do not routinely mix #1 (kerosene) in with your #2 (normal diesel fuel) when it will be below 12 degrees F or so. That is the overwhelming common practice in northern states. A relevant note is that in some places you can depend on your fuel source treating the fuel in cold months. I would never depend on that myself unless I knew with absolute certainty it was being treated reliably and consistently. That's not easy to do.

 

[dodge man]

You'll find this fuel additive test very informative and surprising.
A few people will say to pour ATF or motor oil in the fuel tank; look at the testing results.

This an old study, some makers may or may not made changes. It’s still valid in a lot of ways. For example an old stand by, Marvels Mystery oil, not so good.

 

[SatchmoIsBack]

The only additive I would be interested in would be if I had a Diesel with a HPFP (highpressurefuelpump). In that case I would want to add an additive that helps lubricate the fuel pump. Some pumps are better than others but they all need lubricating these days. HPFPs are a different animal altogether. Forget all the Old-School stuff when it comes to them. Otherwise, it could cost you a LOT of money

Since the goobermint took all the lubricating qualities out of Diesel Fuel, it's a good idea to add some back in. Especially if you're running Winter Fuel or mixing in kerosene. I don't believe kerosene has much in the way of lubricating qualties. If any at all.

YMMV

 

[Too many Kubotas]

When my fuel supplier added Howes to the fuel delivered in early winter I felt that I was on the right track having used it myself for about five years prior, after having moved to a cooler climate.

It's not that I'm after the lubricity as much as needing some sort of anti-gel. While it doesn't get very cold here, it can dip to -20 every now and then.

So far I've never seen any traces of water, not in the tank's filter, not in the totes the fuel is stored in before being put in the 200-gallon tank, and not in any of the tractors' or other machineries' filters.

For controlling water (which can allow bacterial growth) it seems like Star Tron is also a good choice.

 

[JWR]

The only additive I would be interested in would be if I had a Diesel with a HPFP (highpressurefuelpump). In that case I would want to add an additive that helps lubricate the fuel pump. Some pumps are better than others but they all need lubricating these days. HPFPs are a different animal altogether. Forget all the Old-School stuff when it comes to them. Otherwise, it could cost you a LOT of money

Since the goobermint took all the lubricating qualities out of Diesel Fuel, it's a good idea to add some back in. Especially if you're running Winter Fuel or mixing in kerosene. I don't believe kerosene has much in the way of lubricating qualties. If any at all.

YMMV

All injection pumps are high pressure. Some of the lubricating qualities of diesel fuel #2 may have been reduced but there is an entire world full of equipment using it day in day out. The majority of heavy equipment operators in northern tier states run #1mixed with #2 in very cold weather. I would bet that a small minority of them ever bother with additives for any reason.