Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Fuel Additives

[GAmes]

You may be right, time runs together now that I'm a "Senior Citizen":-laf I do know a little about the switch to LSD long ago. It wasn't a lubrication problem, it was a seal shrinking problem in rotary injection pumps. Just like replacing new valves in old engines, replacing seals with LSD compatible seals erased the leakage problems. You notice that the rotary pumps in 1st gens work just fine, right?

 

[BIGNASTY]

The wifes truck is a Chevy conversion with the 1st gen motor but I did not do the work and I bought the motor from a Cummings re-builder to say that I know ANYTHING about it would be a lie. I change the oil and service the truck and thats about it. It only been running for about 3 years and has yet to have a problem with ANY KIND of fuel we choose to run in it. During the warmer months when we are sure that fuel gelling in not an issue we run our home made BIO and it more than the others seems to LIKE IT.

BIG

 

[GAmes]

If you havent used it dont knock it

I do use additives sometimes in the winter for anti-gel if I am buying fuel in the south and going north. The few times I have used them I saw absolutely no gains in mileage or performance. I saw the decrease in my profit margin though.

 

[DeezelDood]

My last post in this thread, been fun. The CR and older engines are apples and oranges. Higher pressures, tighter clearances, and multiple injection events per stroke lead me to believe there is no such thing as too much lubricity. I'll run a 2-5% bio blend as long as I own my truck and feel better for it. I recommend everyone visit the Stanadyne website, some good info in there including MSDS on all of their products. Take everything like this with a grain of salt but Stanadyne does appear to be the real deal.

 

[LNaugle]

I previously ran lucas in my 12 valve because the ulsd made my pump have a slightly sticky spot in it, stanadyne rep came around and gave me a bottle to run in my truck. the sticky spot went away immediatly AND i gained 100 more miles out of a full tank of fuel. Now my truck regullarly gets about 150 miles more per tank and costs less than $5... where is the major expense in that?

 

[BIGNASTY]

Kind of the same thing with the Amalgamated that I use. I gave some to BIL to give a try he put it in his AUX tank and filled it up. He has a fuel gauge and it never worked. But he noticed about halfway thru a 1 hundred gal tank the fuel gauge was working our thinking was that it did some cleaning on the level indicator in the tank.

 

[HBarlow]

I told you on the other forum and I'll tell you again. Over 935,000 miles, thousands of gallons of ULSD and absolutely no need for a fuel additive. I had an engine oil leak on my injection pump at about 750,000 miles. The repair was a new oil seal, a new shaft and a gasket set for reassembly. NOT ONE fuel lubed part needed replacement! I am currently running the first replacement set of injectors. The old ones didn't fail, the holes had become enlarged due to the quantity of fuel that had been pumped thru them. They had 470k on them. Use an additive if it makes you feel good. It won't make your engine last any longer, any mileage gain will cost your more than straight #2 will (cost per mile), you won't see any performance gains and your wallet will be lighter.

If this testimony is not sufficient proof for the folks who preach fuel additives I don't know what anyone could tell you. I know Gary personally, know his truck, and can state that his mileage claims and truck history are as he said it is.

I've never owned a 12 valve but the owner's manual of my '06 and now '08 Ram states very clearly, no fuel additive required or recommended.

 

[GAmes]

I previously ran lucas in my 12 valve because the ulsd made my pump have a slightly sticky spot in it, stanadyne rep came around and gave me a bottle to run in my truck. the sticky spot went away immediatly AND i gained 100 more miles out of a full tank of fuel. Now my truck regullarly gets about 150 miles more per tank and costs less than $5... where is the major expense in that?

Really? You haven't changed your driving habits, changed you fueling, nothing. Just poured a bottle of stuff into your tank and it added 3mpg? How much were you getting from a tank of fuel previously? Have you run a couple of tanks without it to verify the increase?



If I drive 60mph, unloaded, all highway, I can get 22mpg. So you are saying that if I add $5 worth of Stanadyne to a tank of fuel I can go more than 850 miles on a tank of fuel, and not run out? How about if I add $10 worth. Will I get 28 mpg?



BTW, do you fish?

 

[HBarlow]

Fuel additives are a religion here among some TDR members. It's a matter of "faith. " Imaginary benefits of using fuel additives cannot be proven, members of the religion just believe because that is their chosen religion.

Not worth discussing with them.

 

[GHarman]

GAmes,
I really believe your humor is OUTSTANDING!
However, being a first Gen, 12 valve operator for 21 years, I can tell you that lubricant additive in the fuel works from a certainly subjective point of view.
My story is long and I wont waste my time trying to convince you of anything. Your fuel may have already been treated? Or not?
Dont know. I can tell you that those 12 valve rotary pump engines run very quiet and smooth with a good additive. It doesnt take much, either, In my case about 4 ounces for summer driving and a little more with winter additive. .
Mileage differences are dependent on the quality of fuel purchased. I can see considerable difference between fuel when comparing Conoco/Sinclair to Diamond Shamrock/Valero alone!
The additive sarcasm you provided above does not consider the concept of diminishing returns. Of course, I am sure you know that. Presently, I use the Walmart blue jug 2 Stroke oil and Stanadyne for Winter operation, totaling 6 ounces at a fill up.
I would like to try the Amalgamated, and will when I run out of Stanadyne. I do not put a lot of mileage on my truck and am still using the first of two bottles of Stanadyne that I bought in 2009!
So, looking at the bottom line? I havent broken the bank and the Cummins runs great, with no banging, pinging or other assorted noises associated with using untreated fuel!
I say, enjoy your high mileage and your truck. A Dodge, Ford or Chevy wont last that long around here unless you are an over the road hauler!
The year around use of mag chloride will eat the truck body and frame away from the motor, PDQ! Rough dirt and muddy roads make short work of vehicles around here! Thats another reason I will not buy a new truck.
It would be nice to see a real Scientific study completed by a disinterested party. However, I will continue to use fuel additives. I also use an additive in my fuel injected gasoline engines.
How about 234,000 miles on a Subaru gas engine on the original injectors? I'd say I am doing the right thing!
Respectfully,
GregH

 

[GAmes]

Greg, I believe that there are possible benefits to additives, but not 3 to 5 mpg increases. I take my cue from professional truckers. If additives really gave a mileage gain that was cost effective the trash cans in the big truck lanes would be overflowing with empty jugs. After all, I buy all my fuel, 50 to 60 gallons a day when I am hard at it. If additives were really worth it I would be there.



I too would like to see a difinitive, disinterested party study, including; How much power does a slight cetane boost give you? What is the decibal level decrease with 2-cycle. Is it enough for the human ear to discern? Is there any benefit to the fuel system with lubricity additves? I'm talking test stand, no variable, with a control engine.

 

[GHarman]

GAmes,

Fair enough for me!

When I picked up the '93, back in 2009, I drove it home from Montana to Colorado with no additives, what-so-ever. It was March and there was still Winter mix fuel in the Pumps in Billings. I filled up again, North of Sheridan, Wyoming and then in Cheyenne! That thing rattled all the way home! After I got down to where I needed more fuel, I filled up at a Conoco(That is my preferred fuel, around here!) with straight #2 and added some fuel/lube Winter treatment additive I had left over from the 91. 5. (We normally do not have Winter Mix fuel at the Pumps in the Denver Metro Area). That engine noticeably quieted down and sounded more like a tuned sewing machine, when running in its sweet spot RPM's. Course, this '93 is a far cry from the 91. 5 as it is tweeked up and a little over fueled. 30# gov. springs 40hp injectors +++. It is really a squeeze to get 20MPG with these mods, however I mostly operate it in 4X4 so mileage is really not top priority. The 91. 5 would do the 21-22 MPG with the hubs unlocked. It had no mods other than the timing bumped up.

GregH

 

[BIGNASTY]

I dont know about any mileage gains or power boost I have never checked mileage but a few times BEFORE I started to use the Amalgamated. I fill up the tank when it needs it, the power I dont hot rod my truck just pull a trailer and if it goes thats good enough for me. BUT I HAVE NOTICED THE DIFFERENCE IN QUIET when using Amalgamated or when I run on B100 in warm months.

 

[LNaugle]

GAmes... instead of talking trash, maybe you should try it, would look up the details on their site, it will tell you that adding more does not help and i have a LONG list of customers who will back up what i say. I am not a beleiver in snake oils and wouldnt sell it if it did not work. NO,my 12valve is not stock, and is probably why i gained so much in mileage, but i have customers that have used it in their vw tdi's and went from 48 mpg to 52 mpg average... they are getting over 900 miles per tank on these cars. AND no i dont fish, or lie.

 

[GAmes]

GAmes... instead of talking trash, maybe you should try it, would look up the details on their site, it will tell you that adding more does not help and i have a LONG list of customers who will back up what i say. I am not a beleiver in snake oils and wouldnt sell it if it did not work. NO,my 12valve is not stock, and is probably why i gained so much in mileage, but i have customers that have used it in their vw tdi's and went from 48 mpg to 52 mpg average... they are getting over 900 miles per tank on these cars. AND no i dont fish, or lie.

Even though you never really answered any of my questions (why is that?) I'm willing to try it. Since you are so confident in the product you sell I'll make you a deal. Send me enough to treat 100 gallons of fuel and I'll pour it in. I keep copious notes on my mileage, so any increase will be easily determined. If I gain any mileage I'll post it. If I gain enough mileage to meet or exceed the cost of the additive I'll pay you for it, including shipping. Up for the challenge?



Too bad you don't fish. Did you know that every day fishing isn't counted against your total life span by God?

 

[BIGNASTY]

I thought that was everyday you ride a mule in the mountains isn't counted against your total life span.

 

[GAmes]

I thought that was everyday you ride a mule in the mountains isn't counted against your total life span.

OMG, now I need to learn to ride?:-laf I think I'll just double up the days I fish.

 

[BIGNASTY]

How about riding a mule into the mountains to go FISHING!!!!!!!!!!!! HELL THATS GOT TO BE LIFE FOR ETERNITY!!!! well I guess if ya think right ya do live for eternity Saddle up BOY'S

 

[GAmes]

I'm up for a trip, and a fish like that, anytime. Get mended and we'll do it next summer.

 

[BIGNASTY]

:-laf Do I have time to get use to my new leg :-laf



YOUR BUTT up to 17miles in a saddle? Most peoples A** are begging for mercy after about 3 hours and at 3mph 17 miles is a long long long day