Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Fuel additive

[Paulsdodge]

I use the Shell Rotella DFA available at Walmart. What are your opinions on this brand of fuel conditioner ? I use this primarily in the winter and use Marvel Mystery oil in the summer. Also I have noticed that when I use the DFA additive and full throttle I have what appears to be white smoke (not black) whats up with that?

 

[KBalzuweit]

I use Howes. Its supposed to be the best. You can get it almost any truck stop. $9. 99 and does 300 gal.



Karl

 

[stownsend]

I was using a fuel additive for a while, but I found this FAQ on the Cummins web site, so I'm saving my money for bigger and better things now.



"Are fuel or oil additives recommended for use with the Cummins 24-Valve Turbo Diesel?





Fuel or oil additives are not necessary on the 24-valve engine, provided factory recommended oil and fuel specifications are followed. Consult your owner's manual for proper guidelines. "

 

[OL RATLR]

I have been using it from Day one and will continue. 61000 miles

 

[sfritts]

I have used Stanadyne Performance Formula all season fuel conditioner for about the last 20,000 mi. since my vp44 took a hike one winter day at 60,000 . The seals were bad around the input shaft and the pump would loose it's prime after the truck would set for a period of time. My injection pump rebuilder ( a authorized Bosch rebuilder) told me that it would help the life span of the less than perfect lift pump set-up and the VP44

 

[mberry]

I have used the Shell DFA for a few tanks. Seems to work ok. I try to stick with the Red Line fuel additive for winter since it does get cold at night here from time to time and the Red Line has been the best I have found for cold starts in the mornings.

 

[Fueler]

Originally posted by stownsend

I was using a fuel additive for a while, but I found this FAQ on the Cummins web site, so I'm saving my money for bigger and better things now.



"Are fuel or oil additives recommended for use with the Cummins 24-Valve Turbo Diesel?





Fuel or oil additives are not necessary on the 24-valve engine, provided factory recommended oil and fuel specifications are followed. Consult your owner's manual for proper guidelines. "

i think that before the introduction of low-sulfer fuel that would be correct. the vp44 was designed before the change in fuel quality.

 

[stownsend]

So the additives help with this change in fuel mix? I did'nt know this. If this is true, maybe I'll start using it again. (So much for the injectors I was saving for. ) Actually, the additives are cheap. It's an easy way to protect the fuel components if it works.



Steve

 

[b737jets]

I have Used DFA since my truck was new 02 HO I have 61k and not a moment of trouble with my truck. With DFA I avg about 20. 4 mpg without DFA 19. 1 mpg I love this stuff... ... I drive 182 miles roundtrip, 4 days a week to work all highway I run my truck about 68 mph so I can trend real well, the only time I hit the brakes is to pull into the driveway at my work I mix a little on the heavy side about . 50 ounces per gallon but that seems to be the best... ... ... ... .....

 

[RowJ]

Fuel Additives

You want to use a brand that has a chemical Lubricity additive in it to replace the lubricity lost when low sulfur fuel was put into effect.

It's not the missing sulfur that caused the problem, it's the loss of "aromatics" that takes place when they remove sulfur at the refinery.

Most brands also have a Cetane Improver which helps greatly in cold weather starting.

Lastly, an anti-gelling additive is great if you can get #2 diesel in the winter. (more HP & better mileage). #2 diesel is sold in my area from Tulsa south.

I would only use a brand that has all three ingredients. Many truckers use these products year round and find they pay for themselves with more power & increases in mileage.

Phumerick - I would strongly advise against Mystery oil mixed in with your diesel fuel. Been done for years by truckers in older diesel engines but todays engines will build up soot that may effect performance down the road.

 

[Paulsdodge]

RowJ,

Thanks for the advice, I will find an alternative to MMO after I finish the final part of the remaining gallon on the shelf.