Oil & Fuel Opinions on fuel additives

[RoyJackson]

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...-fuel-additives-diesel_fuel_additive_test.pdf


We all should take a look at this link from a couple posts earlier. Fact is, lubricity has been--and is being-- removed from diesel fuel and we need to do something about it to prevent our older machinery from gradually being ruined. It's not so much of an issue with a new truck but an entirely different matter with older engines. And the vast majority of what's out there is older.
Just my two cents.

The bolded sentence is most important. Newer engines (regardless of what they're installed in) should be designed to accomodate the ULSD. Older engines are not...so, if you have a 8-10 year old diesel truck or tractor, you should consider an additive.

 

[kuboman]

This is a debate that will never be resolved. What convinced me was back in the early 90's when they really started removing the sulfur Stanadyne came out with their performance formula specifically for their rotory fuel injection systems because they were having a large number of failures due to lubricity problems.
I always figure that if the manufacturer thinks it is needed then maybe I should listen. I have been using it for 20 years now and have had no fuel injection related problems.

 

[dodge man]

In my area, unless we buy offroad diesel, its all bio-diesel. That pretty much takes care of a lubricity problems. The only problems I've had is two plugged up fuel filters on my Bx in the winter. I never did figure out if it was gelling or dirty fuel, and I cut the filters open. I also work with someone that left his tractor outside with summer fuel in it, and it gelled up big time. Thats the only reason I can think of to add an additive is for gelling.

 

[sixdogs]

This is a debate that will never be resolved. ...


.

Actually, it's already been resolved. Lubricity additiives in fuel have been and are further being removed. On older engines you have to 100% make sure your injector pump can handle the reduced lubricity of the fuel or use an additive. Some can and some can't.

Worse, the anti-wear properties of motor oil (ZDDP) have, and are continuing to be removed as well. Again, we must make 100% sure what goes in the engine will protect it. If not, you likely will ruin your valve train and engine that was dependent on the wear additives now removed. The bad actions don't occur overnight so don't think you beat the grim reaper just yet.

If I didn't know better, I'd guess the secondary plan was to remove all these older vehicles from use via ruin so we could all use and drive the new and improved socially responsible machinery that adheres to the new emission standards.

 

[kuboman]

Actually, it's already been resolved. Lubricity additiives in fuel have been ane are further being removed. On older engines you have to 100% make sure your injector pump can handle the reduced lubricity of the fuel or use an additive. Some can and some can't.

Worse, the anti-wear properties of motor oil (ZDDP) have, and are continuing to be removed as well. Again, we must make 100% sure what goes in the engine will protect it. If not, you likely will ruin your valve train and engine that was dependent on the wear additives now removed. The bad actions don't occur overnight so don't think you beat the grim reaper just yet.

If I didn't know better, I'd guess the secondary plan was to remove all these older vehicles from use via ruin so we could all use and drive the new and improved socially responsible machinery that adheres to the new emission standards.

Oh you have so little faith in big business and big government.:laughing:
And I thought I was the only one that thought this.

 

[Gizmo2]

I had not used additives for 20 years then in 2008 I had this problem...


Now I use this...

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

Advance Auto currently has on sale 2 for $10 White Bottle Power Service Diesel Additive 16oz bottles thru Jan 25. Picked up an order there yesterday and picked up one of their sale flyers. There is usually a discount coupon for Advance Auto on Fatwallet.com. http://www.fatwallet.com/forums/hot-deals/

 

[jonyyuma]

Well Non-believers are everywhere here. I get to look down into a lot of fuel tanks on gen-sets. Some of that" STUFF growing" in the tank is unbelievable....not to mention IT is doing its best to get into the pump and injectors..Injector work is really not any fun or cheap..

 

[Soundguy]

This is a debate that will never be resolved. What convinced me was back in the early 90's when they really started removing the sulfur Stanadyne came out with their performance formula specifically for their rotory fuel injection systems because they were having a large number of failures due to lubricity problems.
I always figure that if the manufacturer thinks it is needed then maybe I should listen. I have been using it for 20 years now and have had no fuel injection related problems.

snowcone anyone!

 

[Haywire]

I run Opti-Lube XPD in my BX. (After I read that report above) That gallon I bought will last me a long long (long) time so I gave my buddy enough to treat a tankful in his dodge diesel. It's older, but not ancient. He normally used Lucas. After that tankful, he ditched the Lucas and ordered himself a jug of XPD. He said he got the same the improvement above and beyond the Lucas as the Lucas was above untreated diesel. By improvement, he said it ran smoother and quieter. That was good enough for me. When this jug runs out, I will get another.

Ian

 

[sixdogs]

Where do you do buy this Opti-Lube XPD ?

 

[Haywire]

Diesel Fuel Improver

 

[sixdogs]

Diesel Fuel Improver

Parts store? Walmart? Dealer? Direct?
Where do you get yours?

 

[smfcpacfp]

Parts store? Walmart? Dealer? Direct?
Where do you get yours?

You buy it direct, or I did. There is a link on the main page.

In the winter I run #1 diesel which doesn't begin gelling until -40. The reason it doesn't gel is because it doesn't have much lubrication thus I use OptiLube when running a lot of #1 diesel.

 

[sweep]

My best friend through high school and college got a job as an internal combustion engineer at Ford in 1976, where he works to this day.

Over the years we have talked about fuel and oil additives, and there is one universal truth. They are useless.
.

My 30+ year New Holland technician who works down in the trenches so to speak says he sees a significant difference in engines and pumps that run additives.......I'm listening to him versus some "book smart" engineer with no real world experience who probably does not even change the oil in his own car.

 

[shownuff]

Danner, your location is not posted but , if there is a truckstop nearby your location pick up your engineer friend from ford and stop by the truckstop during the cold weather or snow and ask the drivers why they are buying diesel fuel treatment...LOL

 

[sixdogs]

Diesel Fuel Improver

I wish this Opti-Lube were available at a retail location like a parts store or WalMart as opposed to mail order. It would be so much easier.
The Stanadyne I use is listed at #8 on the list so maybe I'll just stay with that. I use the "performance Formula" but think I'll add some "Lubricity additive as well". It's not going to break the bank and the penalty for non-use can be so dramatic and permanant. This has been a very interesting thread and while I already knew to add something, thanks to the OP for getting the ball rolling again. There is a very real risk to fuel and oil systems we need to be aware of.

 

[Haywire]

How much easier could it be? You can get it delivered right to your doorstep without ever looking for the car keys, getting out of your PJs, or leaving your comfy computer chair. :thumbsup: