Here I am

Additives?

Attention: TDR Forum Junkies
To the point: Click this link and check out the Front Page News story(ies) where we are tracking the introduction of the 2025 Ram HD trucks.

Thanks, TDR Staff

Service Manuals

HELP! Need torque spec for AT to engine bolts...

Status
Not open for further replies.
Just wondering what you all are using for diesel additives, there are so many on the market... is the stuff they sell at WalMart for $4. $$ ok or is the stuff at the Cummins Shop for $18. a better deal... Thanks
 
This has been hashed over many times. You might try a search for "fuel additives. "



Basically I think the #1 additive that users of this board recommned is Stanadyne. It's about $5 for 60 gallons worth or you can buy in quantity. Check www.dieselpage.com for more info on Stanadyne.



I've been using the LE DCI+ additive and have been very happy with it. I do think that I get a bit better mileage with it, maybe . 5 MPG on the highway. 1/2 MPG is so small it may alot of other variables. I noticed the truck runs smoother in the winter months. It's about $8 for 125 gallons worth.



Power Service, the stuff at WalMart is a good product too, but I don't think it's in the same league as the above two.



The Cummins is overpriced, IMO, and probably isn't as good of a performer as the better Power Service additive.



IMO it's a very good idea to use an additive, especially in the winter months. Increased lubricity of fuel is the #1 reason I use an additive, aside form the obvious winter weather reasons.



My $. 02

Ryan
 
I'll put in my $. 02 worth. I own a truck stop and sell 3 or 4 different brands of additive. The one I sell WAY more than the others is Howes, second would be Power Service, I don't even remember the names of the others, pretty insignificant, the supplier brought them in to try. I use the Howes myself on every fillup. One $11 half gallon bottle will treat 8 tankfulls in the summer, I run a little bit more in the winter when it drops below zero. I run #2 diesel all year long (even at 20 below) and have never had a gelling problem when using Howes. If you do gell up, Howes will pay your tow, if the other companies have the same policy, I'm not aware of it.



Jerry
 
I use Red Line 85+ and Cummins Injector cleaner, alternating between them with every tank full. Print issue #30 I think of TDR had a great writeup on fuel additives, and Redline was one of the top two in terms of the number of things it does for fuel. The Cummins cleaner was listed as the very best at keeping the injectors clean, which is why I also use it.



The Standyne and PowerService does seem to be the very most commonly used on the boards though.



Tom
 
Originally posted by Powder Extreme

I'll put in my $. 02 worth. I own a truck stop and sell 3 or 4 different brands of additive. The one I sell WAY more than the others is Howes, second would be Power Service, I don't even remember the names of the others, pretty insignificant, the supplier brought them in to try. I use the Howes myself on every fillup. One $11 half gallon bottle will treat 8 tankfulls in the summer, I run a little bit more in the winter when it drops below zero. I run #2 diesel all year long (even at 20 below) and have never had a gelling problem when using Howes. If you do gell up, Howes will pay your tow, if the other companies have the same policy, I'm not aware of it.



Jerry



I run the Howes too, but so far only in the winter. It is about all that is sold in the truck stops, and it can only be obtained at truck stops, at least around here. May not be too scientific of a reason, but I figure if the guys making a living with their Cummins (or other diesel) pretty much exclusively use Howes, it is probably going to be good enough for me.



Jerry, have you ever heard of "Super Diesel" from Knox Oil of Texas ? I fill at the local CFN, and they treat their fuel in bulk with this additive. Just wondering if that might alleviate the need for additional additives.



Shelby
 
There is a thread around here, or there used to be a thread here with a national survey and the number 1 seller was Power Service... ... ... ... . Pete
 
Skyjacked



I've used Howes sisnce I've owned the truck. Granted I have to stop at a Flying J or other truck stop to get it, but I've had zero problems. I run the stuff at every fillup winter and summer. Truck seems to run better, smoother and quieter. :D
 
I thought Howes was all right but LE DCI+ is better. I won a case of Stanadyne and will try it next. I'm going to Canada next week and will check mpg with each. Craig
 
The case of quarts of POWERSERVICE I bought last winter had info about Their warranty. You gell Up and They pay the tow too.

DENNY... ... ... ... ... ... ... .....
 
I've used both Redline 85+ and LE DCI+. Both quieted the engine and it ran "smoother". No mileage improvement... not that I had high hopes, but some say they do see better mileage. A friend uses Howes Diesel Treat, so I've just finished a quart of that. Quieter motor and smoother, and, I've been getting . 5 improved mileage, but since I've only got 8. 5K I'm not able to directly attribute to the Howes, or just the natural improved mileage with break-in.



Howes also makes a more expensive additive called Meaner Power Cleaner. Factory rep said I'd like it even more. So, next fill-up will be with that. Found a non-truck stop source in Portland and they sell it for $7. 95 qt. They sell Diesel Treat for $5. 65 qt. Both of these prices are much lower than the truck stops.

I put 3-4 oz. with each fill-up. If nothing else, I'm convinced that additives provide better lubricity for the pump, so I'll use it for that reason alone.
 
I did a test during a long trip last winter, two tanks in a row of four different treatments separated by an untreated tank in-between each, all fuel was Flying J. All was at the label rates on the interstate. The only one that improved my mpgs (by 2) was Howe's. I no longer use Stanadyne.
 
Last edited:
Howe's

I use Howe's Lubricator Anti Gel in the winter and Howe's Leaner Meaner in the summer. If it gels they will pay the tow.
 
illflem,



Did you move from Chelan to the Bitterroot? I grew up in Quincy area ( George actually ) and recently moved from Missoula
 
Ryan, I use Howe's Cetane Booster. 1tuffram, couldn't take the depressed economy around Chelan anymore, now living in Corvallis MT, 40 miles south of Missoula working for MT State University.
 
Bill,



On Howes site I didn't see a cetane improver??? Only Meaner Power Kleaner and Diesel Treat Anti Gel. Is the product you are using different from these?



Thanks,

Ryan
 
Ryan you made me have to go find the jug. It's called Howe's Power Boost. I bought a one gallon jug for $11 at a Flying J station in So. Idaho.
 
illflem; I hate you!!!!!!!

But love that country, I have hunted Elk out of Wisdom. But as long as Wife's Doc. says clean, moist air of the coast, what can I say.

Hope the country is good to you.



Vaughn
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top