fuel additives

[NH TC25D]

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.

Service stations eventually switch over to a winter blend. Years ago they just went from #2 to #1. Back then the advice I got from a friend who drove long haul and the dealer was to use Power Service. The mix that boosts cetane and reduces the chance of jelling. I also have been using a better quality filter specifically designed to not only filter out particulates but also water. So far, over 24 years have never have had any fuel related issues. Fuel filter replacement schedule hours were more than doubled and when I look at the bowl and filter I think maybe even longer use. But then.... I smarten up a bit.

 

[tjstractors]

all my fillups are with a

AF3CB Fuel Filter,Black​

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

I use this same filter when filling up and change the tractor inline filters in about 1/2 the recommended time. Had issues once with contamination and the work required to clean it up is worth avoiding.

 

[NH TC25D]

I use this same filter when filling up and change the tractor inline filters in about 1/2 the recommended time. Had issues once with contamination and the work required to clean it up is worth avoiding.

Looks similar to the filter I've been using since day one of owning the NH. Will continue to use with the SCUT.

 

[mark in portugal]

The engine is designed to run an a grade of fuel that is the same as is sold as fuel; so unless you have some particular need (low temperature for instance) I don't see the point in throwing more money into the tank.

My cars are 25 and 27 years old, my tractor is 40 years old, and they just keep on going without additives or synthetic oil.
Every diesel engine has a water separator and filter adequate for it's injection system.

In my opinion, fuel additives and synthetic oil are placebo engineering.

 

[NH TC25D]

BX has a couple inline fuel filters. One is a pita to access. Design is minimalist. The NH has a fuel filter housing and valve system to view any particulates and the filter. Easy access and easy change. More than doubled the hours over recommended fuel filter change. Even then the filter looks fine and zilch for particulate. Hope is the BX filter life can be extended like on the NH. The above noted filter more than paid for itself in less fuel filters need over the almost 25 years of use.

One issue we have is cold winters. Night time temps can drop below 0F/~-18C. Winter and the blended diesel supposedly doesn't jell at those temps, but the cetane rating is lower than summer diesel. Never have run the tractors without. So unsure if the lower cetane of winter fuel is an issue. PowerService isn't very expensive. Available most places for less than $40usd for 250 gallons of diesel.

 

[Jeff Lary]

I bought my tractor used in 2009 its a 95 L2950.
In every 5 gallon can I add 5 oz of --911 Power Service Diesel for anti-gelling and Fungi Growth / Microbial Contamination (aka) the diesel bug
50z Sea Foam for Injector cleaning,
5oz of Marvel Mystery Oil for added lubricity.
Call me a nut if you want snake oil and all that. Weather it is 100* or -25 she never fails to start and run like a Swiss watch. At least so far... Knock on wood.

 

[big bubba]

Amazon.com

Amazon.com

 

[Jeff Lary]

I've had a Mister Funnel for a very long time they work well.

 

[big bubba]

diesel fuel additives address one or all of these issues:
1) moisture removal 2) anti gelling 3) lubricity 4) anti fungal/bacterial growth

haven't seen a single additive addressing all 4. a lot of the specific issues of course depend on your location & storage method. & obviously, purchase fuel from a high volume dealer.

 

[Jeff Lary]

I had a neighbor come to see me last year while I was working in the woods cutting firewood. He asked me if I had ever had fungus or bacterial growth in my fuel tank. I told him no never had a problem. He had a bad issue with it in his Kubota, his is like a 2010 40 something hp nice new tractor. He also bought his fuel at the same truck and farm refueling station where I buy my fuel. Said after a lot of problem he was advised to remove his tractor fuel tank and clean it out. I cannot even imaging what fresh hell that must have been to get the tank out but i bet it sucked. Said he had 2 or 3 cups of black brown sludge in the bottom of his tank. I asked what additives he was using to help prevent such happening, he just looked at me like I had 3 heads and said I never heard of adding anything to my fuel...

As far as fuel storage as mentioned above, I have never done anything fancy. Every November and every May? maybe, I go to my fueling station and fill 4 or 5, 5-gallon plastic fuel cans with dyed off road fuel that have my added fuel additives already in the can. Then I store them under cover in unheated 3-sided lean-to where I keep my tractor.