Diesel Fuel Conditioner

[gdbontly]

I searched the forums and read all about using fuel additives in our engines. My question relates specifically to the new (starting in 2003) common rail diesel. I realize the owner's manual says that you "shouldn't need to use a fuel conditioner" vs. "you absolutely better not use them". Several of the posts I read stated that so-and-so has used such-and-such conditioner for the past 10 years. Well not in the new common rail they didn't. Has anyone tried to get a definitive answer from Cummins?

 

[ThomasCook]

I used Power Service 911 fuel treatment for a water in fuel problem back in the winter, and have not had any problems. I have since run Dielel Kleen in a few tankfuls. I have not seen any performance benefits, other than dispersing the goop that somehow always gets in our fuel systems.

 

[Buzzer]

Nothing from Cummins, but I use it every other tankfill just to ensure I keep the crud out of the tank and hopefully it does what it says and keeps the injectors clean. I've been using Power Service because its easy for me to get.

 

[Bertram65]

I have used Power Service Diesel Kleen + Cetane Boost for the last 4 tanks, I used the amount to boost the cetane 3 points, I have not noticed any difference in performance or mileage. I got it at Wal-Mart, figured it was worth a try.

 

[klenger]

I use Power Service from Wal Mart also. When I first got my 04. 5, there was a pinging noise from the engine that many others have commented on. After a while, the noise went away. Some members have speculated that fuel conditioner may be responsible for eliminating the noise. I don't know if that's good or bad.

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

I use PS Diesel Kleen and an equal amount of ashless 2-stroke oil in EVERY drop of fuel that goes thru my engine, plus nearly a fanatical degree of fuel filtering - if I have any pump problems, it dern sure shouldn't be connected with fuel issues!

 

[Gauthier]

Gary - KJ6Q:



What two-stroke oil do you use?

 

[jelag]

Our engines are designed by pros... the only fuel additive that should be needed is something to prevent gelling in the winter when your fuel isn't ready for the colder climates... . there were several good threads on this last winter.....



There are chemicals in these can's that might damage seals, and other related items... ...



Do these 2 things..... go to a fuel distributor... . not a station and learn about diesel fuel... ... . 2- go to a Cummins factory store... . (cummins owned) and listen to them..... these engines will work just fine by following the suggestions in their maintance program...



I own 6 trucks... all diesels... . all but the 04 has over 150K and the 04 has 50K... .



We blend the fuel only when its not protected..... and replace the fuel filter about every 30K miles. and drain the filter for water once a month... ... and just drive the tar out of them.....



Jim

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

"these engines will work just fine by following the suggestions in their maintance program... "



I'm sure you mean well. and are happy with the results of your chosen maintenance program - but a person would have to be blind and ignorant to not see DAILY evidence here of folks not so fortunate in the operation of their trucks... I personally prefer to take the route of the informed and concerned, and take what I consider reasonable precautions so as to not fall into the same expensive failures and repairs as those others who decided to simply "drive the tar out of them" - especially since other mods I have made force me to be my own warranty station... Bosch themselves have documented as recently as 2002 before the California CARB in Sacramento that 80% of fuel they sampled in California stations did NOT meet minimum Bosch standards for lubricity in fuels to be used in their injection pumps - *I* cvertainly don't need any more info than THAT to motivate me to add lubricity additives to my fuel...



As to the question about the brand of 2-stroke oil I use, it's a semi synthetic ashless by Penzoil, and sold at Walmart...

 

[msimmons]

I have used a DFA in my '03 since the very first tankful and since I have never had a tank of pure fuel I can't relate to any performance benefits from the DFA. I can tell you that at each oil change (7500 miles) I have drained and sampled the fuel and have not found a single drop of water in it, EVER, in 22K miles, sooooo either I am buying pristine diesel fuel (highly unlikely!) or the DFA is doing its job with respect to elimination of moisture.



Hope this helps!



Mike

 

[gdbontly]

Thanks for all the input. The only "negative" comments below seem to follow the owner's manual; in that you engine "shouldn't need" additives, and "should do just fine" without them. I haven't come across many, if any, that said I "better not" add anything to my fuel. I'll just keep on using the Stanadyne. Thanks again for your help!