Are Fuel Tank Additives Necessary

[MJWenrich]

Seems I have read before that diesel fuel additives are not necessary as long as you buy from high volume suppliers. But, I am having fuel pump issues on my 2004.5 and as part of the research on how to change the pump, it was mentioned that over time the pick up screen/sock can become clogged with what might be algae or some other diesel issue. Since I always use the high volume suppliers, I now wonder if I should be using an additive on both the new and older truck. Seems those that do add are saying they don't have a problem, but then maybe the problem is just a worn out pump. It's making a gurgling sound and does not shut off like it used to. No driving issue yet but I'm sure that's coming. About 127K on the odometer on the older truck. So if I should be adding something, any suggestions on what should go in and what maybe should not given we have different fuel filters on the newer trucks?

 

[Newsa]

Seems I have read before that diesel fuel additives are not necessary as long as you buy from high volume suppliers. But, I am having fuel pump issues on my 2004.5 and as part of the research on how to change the pump, it was mentioned that over time the pick up screen/sock can become clogged with what might be algae or some other diesel issue. Since I always use the high volume suppliers, I now wonder if I should be using an additive on both the new and older truck. Seems those that do add are saying they don't have a problem, but then maybe the problem is just a worn out pump. It's making a gurgling sound and does not shut off like it used to. No driving issue yet but I'm sure that's coming. About 127K on the odometer on the older truck. So if I should be adding something, any suggestions on what should go in and what maybe should not given we have different fuel filters on the newer trucks?

It's not necessary to add fuel additives. But every 6 months, i put some power service bioclean in to kill any bugs that may be lurking. I've seen what a mess a microbial bloom in ones's tank can make. It will fill up your fuel filters with biomass quickly. I also use opti lube XPD occasionally to lubricate the pump and injectors, and to help dissolve any gums that may build up (diesel byproduct of mild oxidation)

 

[MJWenrich]

Thanks for the info. I believe it was the "bugs" being referred to and that if you now have a problem, it's too late to use those cleaners. Has to be an ongoing treatment. Hopefully, others will weigh in on this as well and also where the products are available. The opti lube might be available locally.

 

[Newsa]

Using an anti bio can work as a preventative. If you use a "shock" concentration, it serves as a maintenance concentration for a few fills after. And it coats your fuel tank with anti buo that prevents a huge outbreak for several months. But those problems ate rare. You may never encounter them. But if you do encounter them, it will become a huge headache. You never know what you're pumping into your tank. 90+% of the time you are pumping clean quality fuel.

 

[Newsa]

Onevl bottle of PD buoclean will probably last me 5-8 years. I don't use much.

I haven't found optilube locally, so i buy it on ebay