"Enhanced" Fuel

[DPelletier]

Since I just put my second tank of fuel in the new truck, I thought I would see what you guys thought of fuel additive packages like Husky/Mohawk's "Diesel Max". The information brochure claims that the fuel has "cetane enhancers", "corrosion inhibitors", a "stability additive" and a "lubricity improver". It also has a low sulpher sticker on the pump.

Claims like "increases torque by as much as 2. 5%, power by 2. 4% and fuel economy by 5. 6% compared to conventional diesel fuel".



I am a little leary of all this, considering they don't tell you exactly what these additives are.



I ran this fuel in my '01 (80% of the time) and had no problems with it, but now with a new truck, I'm trying to make sure I'm not hurting my baby! So, is this snake-oil or what?

Dave

 

[bighammer]

Could be snake oil claims, but I'm no expert. One big difference is the high pressure common rail design. All fuel is pressurized to injection pressure, then any excess is bled off. It's very different from previous designs that only pressurize the fuel that will be actually used. (I've heard of problems using bio-diesel in 03's, but haven't experienced it)



It would be nice to know what the differences are. (it's probably just fuel with some extra hype ) Maybe the supplier could provide some data.

 

[Peter Campbell]

It probably does have those features. If you do a search for DFA or stanadyne or amalgamated ??, you will get informative threads. When you pay extra for premium diesel at the pump you get ONE of a list 6 or so improvements.

The claims on the addative bottle are of course for the plainest diesel that could be found. Poorest cetane etc. A better fuel with some DFA's from the distiller would not be "improved" as much- some is already there and more doesnt make better.

 

[DPelletier]

I'm mainly looking for the down side. This diesel is no more expensive than reg diesel and if it really has "lubricity enhancers", I suppose I shouldn't be hurting anything unless I'm gumming up the fuel system over time.



Dave

 

[Prairie Dog]

If you call an injection pump rebuilder they'll tell you it's good to run an additive. Just about anything will increase the life of your fuel system.