Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Dextron in fuel?

[Top Cop]

Diesel and Dextron Transmission fluid mixed

Just bought a 2001 , 2500 SB Dodge Cummings Diesel 22224 miles on it . I was told by the orignal owner that he always added a quart of Dextron transmission fluid to a full tank of Diesel fuel,He said he has done this on every Diesel he has ever owned, and it caused no problems , I have been told by other diesel lovers that never add anything to the diesel fuel, for it may hurt the additives that are already added to the diesel fuel.

Any help would be greatful.

Thanks Top Cop

 

[moparguy]

TC, welcome aboard. On the transmission fluid in diesel, that's a old truckers trick, and on old over the road rigs, it likely did little harm and may have helped open up the holes in the injectors (an early extruded flow process,LOL), allowing more fuel and hense power.



Without getting into the additive issues, the main problem with this practice is the friction modifiers in all transmission fluids. Think about it, if transmission fluid was only oil, the clutchs would slip, to avoid this, friction producing material is added, not really, but kinda like very fine sand.



Don't know about you but I don't want that going through my pump and injectors.



At this point, I'd just stop the previous owners practice and enjoy your new ride. Use the search feature and you'll learn much about your new truck.



Good luck, RJR

 

[SnoKing]

Just bought a 2001 , 2500 SB Dodge Cummings Diesel 22224 miles on it . I was told by the orignal owner that he always added a quart of Dextron transmission fluid to a full tank of Diesel fuel,He said he has done this on every Diesel he has ever owned, and it caused no problems , I have been told by other diesel lovers that never add anything to the diesel fuel, for it may hurt the additives that are already added to the diesel fuel.

Any help would be greatful.

Thanks Top Cop

Welcome aboard. If it has rear disc brakes, we call them 2001. 5's, if it has rear drums, it is just a 2001. SNOKING

 

[fox]

There are much better additives to use. Don't do it.

When I had my 95, I would sometimes use some type "a " trans fluid and that truck would always show better mileage with it. But I was told by a diesel mechanic to Stop using it.

If you have to add something use motor oil.

 

[GregFisher]

never add trans fluid to diesel fuel, due to the fact that most trans fluids have their own additive packages to assist in prolonging clutch pack life, which in diesel fuel acts like an anti lubricant.

 

[tgee]

As a big rig mechanic, Ive seen some people get rid of thier used oil by dumping it in thier fuel tanks. Then they wonder why they are having to change out thier fuel injectors. Most diesel manufacturers dont recommend any fuel addives outside antigel stuff. Todays fuel injection systems are engineered to work just fine with todays fuel. Additives in trans oil and motor oil might not react too well with fuel delivery systems!

 

[Coyote556]

I personally think you located a good find (2001 w/ 22k) enjoy that new ride. Is she wondering all over the road yet. Mine started at about 30k. Get that warranty work done while you can.

 

[RobertMiller1]

much ado about nothing

really don't worry about it. Transmission oil is a fine lubricant. Many manual transmissions and our 4x4 transfer cases use it.



change the fuel filter if you are concerned.



Funny thing about the mechanics and manufacturers. They say no additives are needed, yet current diesel formulations do not meet their own minimum specificatons for Cetane and lubricity...

 

[Al Dahl]

Lube

With todays fuels being low sulfer some extra lube is a good idea. No to atf -Yes to Marvel Mystry oil my ct seems to run quieter since i started using it. Pump builder says its good lube for vp44

 

[Eric Lee]

I have to say I wouldn't trade my 2001 with 49K mi. straight up for a new 2004-5 with 0 mi. I have thought about it - very briefly.



I bought mine from one of my very best friends who owns Auburn Chrysler in IN and could sell me a new one relatively cheap. I'm really not interested. I love the 24 valve 2nd Gens - and you will too.



Once you modify her - your warranty is gone - I did and I'm cool with it. But I also watch the VP44 with guages and have replaced the lift pump with the FASS.



22,000 mi? Wow. Just a baby. Might as well be new.



- Eric

 

[boydo]

I run only redline diesel catalyst with every tank never had a fuel problem in 176000 km. However a friend of mine has a 01 eth 2500 4x4 with a diablo box he puts in ATF in every tank and offically at 105000 km his is proud to announce the installation of the 3rd VP44. This is by no means a controlled experiment, but some evidence worth considering.

 

[GKinney]

fuel additive

I have used Marvel mystery oil in mine too on several occasions. I swear I gain about 1-2mpg... . good stuff. The Winter months... I am using Stanadyne Performance formula... . great additive!!! I used to use Howes for years... trying the Stanadyne this Winter to see how it works. Never had a gel up once with howes... . and great lubricant. ATF would scare me. My two cents.

 

[bcallahan]

Off-road diesel is dyed red to be identified as fuel purchased exempt from road tax. The feds are kinda fussy about this. Therefore, I am very reluctant to put anything with a tinge of red (the color in Dexron) in my Cummins tank. Before the off-road fuel was tinted red. I would occasionally put Dexron in the Detroit diesels -- worked fine.

BCall

 

[PSavage]

If I were to add Marvel oil to a full tank, what qty? pint, 1/2 pint?

 

[Jeff H]

You had better be prepaired to explain to to the DOT, why you have red fuel if you use transmission or marvel oil in your fuel. Its only takes a few ounces to screw it up.

Think of some transmission fluids as a liquid sand paper. The thing to look for and stay away from is friction modifiers.

Some motor oil is not gonna hurt. In trucks with a p7100 injection pump. You can run as high about 15 percent motor oil. Motor oil has a higher btu when it burns. So in turn better efficiency.

I some times will add motor oil a quart or two to my fuel tank.

Years ago go. Cummins called there engines oil burners.

 

[Mokerz]

Thanks for giving me ideas on how to explain to the cops why my fuel is red.



..... well you see officer, i put ATF in it at every fuel up to lubricate my fuel system... . haha

 

[Turboman]

ATF is a great fuel system cleaner, it's like using sand paper in place of toilet paper! Rough n tough ya know!

 

[FourBarR]

I use howes meaner in every tank . now have 362000kms original vp44.

 

[Jeff H]

362000 kms = how many miles?

 

[HEMI®Dart]

Jeff,





I emailed MMO a couple of years ago about the possibility of getting fined for Red fuel on highway:



Dear TDR members,



Thank you for your interest and your question regarding Marvel Mystery Oil. You and the rest of your members can continue to use Marvel Mystery Oil in your diesel fuel. First, at the recommended ratio, Marvel Mystery Oil will not change the color of the diesel fuel because it is to dilute. Secondly, the government regulation that concerns dyeing off-road diesel fuel red, specifies both the concentration and the exact red dye to use. Marvel Mystery contains neither the specified red dye nor is it present in sufficient quantity.



We appreciate your continued use of Marvel Mystery Oil. If we can be of any further assistance, please let us know.



Sincerely,



Marvel Oil Company, Inc.



Richard P. Kelly

Technical Brand Manager

-- email address removed --