Fuel Additives, To add or not to add???

[Macadoo]

Living in a southern state, I am not sure the quality of our diesel fuel is up to par. What are some views on using fuel additives to help improve the quality? And what are some names of a good additive to use??

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2001, SLT Plus,2500,4x4 LWB, camp pack, tow pack, RinoLiner, nerf bar, K&N airfilter, modified airbox.

 

[Chad Sheets]

Howles/Howels (sp) is good stuff. Stanadyne (sp) is real good stuff. John Deere has some additive that is exactly the same as Stanadyne because they use to be in bed with each other with fuel additives years ago.

A little goes a long way. A quart of Howels last a month easy. The other stuff goes pretty far as well.

Whatever you get, buy something formulated to do the job you want. Alot of people want to throw anything oily or alchohol based in their tank. All this does is create problems. Do it right, or dont do it. Your fuel system is far too critical to be experimenting with.

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Always ready to help!
2000 2500 Red Sport quad cab, 4x4, K&N, DDI's, straight piped, boost, pyro and fuel pressure gages, Hot Power Edge, mean looking set of 33. 5" tires, Snap On diamond tool box, Marine Corps window sticker, Semper Fi!

1972 340 Cuda'. Original tripple Black, 340 car w/air. Good clean car, super stock springs, Weld Prostars, shaker hood, strong 340 with a 727/4000 stahl, 4. 56... . Bombs away!
NRA Life Member. http://www.geocities.com/chadsheets

[This message has been edited by Chad Sheets (edited 12-26-2000). ]

 

[Cooker]

Being in Texas you most likely don't need to be too concerned with the fuel gelling. Things to be concerned with are increasing the lubricity of the fuel, increasing the ceatne of the fuel, and also keeping the injectors clean. I prefer to use the LE DCI+ and second choice would be Stanadyne/John Deere (as JD performance formula is the same as the Stanadyne).

If you look in issue #30 there was a recap of many additives and the benefits of each. Then you can make an informed decision on your own.

In any case, I think using a fuel additive, particularly to increase lubricity, is a wise thing regardless of where you live.

Ryan

 

[Oil Man]

LE DCI+ is the one for me. Mag-Hytec 1-818-786-8225 sells it for about $7. 00 per pint and it treats 125 gallons. It adds lubricity and promotes a more complete fuel burn which leaves less soot to get into your oil.

Kevin

 

[1tuffram]

Originally posted by Oil Man:
LE DCI+ is the one for me. Mag-Hytec 1-818-786-8225 sells it for about $7. 00 per pint and it treats 125 gallons. It adds lubricity and promotes a more complete fuel burn which leaves less soot to get into your oil.

Kevin

Does the LE have cetane or a catylist added to help with a more complete burn?

 

[_Bill]

I started using additives after I removed and replaced my stock injectors for DD III's. I was amazed at how dirty the stock injectors were looking with only 5000 miles. I have used Stanadyne on the last two tanks and the truck seems to run smoother and quieter. I just hope the additive is keeping the inside clean.

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2001. 5 2500 QC 4x4
Cummins ETH 6 Speed
RAMPAGE!

 

[Steve G]

I also replaced my injectors and was surprised by the carbon buildup. I started using Pyroil(sp) recommended by the local Cummins shop and the truck has run alot smoother. I've also heard good things about Siloo additive. One question I have is how often should I put it in?

Steve

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Y2K 3500 SLT+ 4X2,auto,3. 55,VA,275s,PS mod/elb,K&N,DTT TC&VB,SPA Boost/ETG&Tran Temp/Pres,JRE 4" exhaust,Roadmaster Susp,Rhino-liner,Eagle Series 58 Wheels

 

[GeneA]

I used Stanadyne every tankful from the start. After 150,000 miles changed out the oem injectors for DD1's and the originals were clean as a whistle and could still be used indefinitely.

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98. 5 24v 3500 2wd 3. 54 lsd pyro & boost in A pillar DD1's E-brake by Jacob U. S. Gear over/direct O'Reilly Air Horns 105 gal aux tank 35' Prowler 5th wheel with three slides Firestone air helper springs

 

[BV]

The rental company I worked for used Stanadyne for years so that's what I use now.

 

[Hawk22]

I used Stanadyne performance formula. Before I added it I was making around 14-15 mpg in town. With the formula in it I was getting 12-13 mpg. Now that I completely cycled it out I am getting 15-16 mpg in town. I'm sort of confused too. Don't know if I should add it again right now?

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1999 3500 QC Auto,SLT loaded. 2000 34'Terry 5th Wheel. 1999 350 Big Bear and plenty other toys.

 

[Turbo Thom]

I have used Stanadyne for 68,000 miles. I use the Jr. . With what it says on the bottle I put in each fillup, 1 line on the bottle per 7 gals. My Bosch dealer said it was the best so that's what I use. It does seem to have a little funny order whan it burns, but thats all. I'll be pulling the injectors soon so we'll see how clean.
My thoughts.
Preston

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96 3500 Black 5 speed turbo diesel, SLT, with US Gear overdrive, Rhino liner, Reese 15,000 lb. fifth wheel hitch, US Gear de-celarator exhaust brake, muffler elimination kit, Amsoil lub. , with other goodys on the way.

 

[Oil Man]

1tuffram,
The DCI+ does not have a Cetane improver, it used a catalyst that promotes more complete burn. The DCI+ stands for Diesel Combustion Improver + the other things like lubricity etc.

Kevin

 

[Switca]

I dump a few ounces of Power Service or Redline everytime I fill up either vehicle.

It's cheap insurance for the pumps and injectors.

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Gregor Switca
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96 2500 4x4 auto SLT.
99. 5 VW Jetta TDI
Nothing but diesel in my driveway.

 

[illflem]

From the Petroleum Institute;
"Aftermarket Additives:It would be convenient for the user if a finished diesel fuel could satisfy all his or her requirements without the use of supplemental additives. Although this is often the case, some users must use additives because the low temperature conditions in their region are more severe than those for which the fuel was designed, or because of other special circumstances. Other users feel that they need a higher quality diesel than regular diesel. And, finally, there are users who regard the cost of an additive as cheap insurance for their big investment in equipment.

A large number of aftermarket additive products are available to meet these real or perceived needs. Some are aggressively marketed with testimonials and bold performance claims that seem "too good to be true. " So, as with any purchase, it is wise to remember the advice, caveat emptor – let the buyer beware.

It may be helpful to regard additives as medicine for fuel. Like medicine, they should be prescribed by an expert who has made an effort to diagnose the problem. And they should be used in accordance with the recommendations of the engine manufacturer and the instructions of the additive supplier. Sometimes indiscriminant use of additives can do more harm than good because of unexpected interactions. "

I have used Stanadine for many years,while all I can say is that my fuel hasn't gelled,it doesn't seemed to have hurt anything either.

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95' 25004X4,AT,Driftwood,Banks Stinger,Warn fender flairs and running boards(work truck)
95 3500,5 speed 3:54,Driftwood,Banks&Psycotty,34,000 GCVW apple and tractor hauler(works harder truck)

 

[tschwab]

Currently using Stanadyne, which also has a cetane booster in it, every other tank, mileage and power seem to be up slightly.

Previously I was using Cummins cleaner & lubricity which costs more and does less than the Stanadyne.

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'98. 4 Bright White Quad Cab SLT, 2WD, 12 Valves & the BIG "P" Pump! 3. 54, AT, Trailer Tow PKG, Camper PKG, OEM Cab Lights, TST #8, Three pod A pillar gauge mount, EGT pre-turbo, 4" Exhaust Turndown, K&N Air Filter, 5th W. Hitch, Pace Edwards Roll-Top, Tint, 265 Michelins and turbo silencer ring AWOL!

23,800 miles - 12/28/00

 

[Hawk22]

Don't get me wrong, I'm satisfied with what it did. Just woundering if it had to clean out before improving. Going to add in next tank again.

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1999 3500 QC Auto,SLT loaded. 2000 34'Terry 5th Wheel. 1999 350 Big Bear and plenty other toys.

 

[ftb87]

I just purchased "lucas additive". This is what they sold at Flying J truck stop.

My question is "since my father-in-law" has my latest tdr book. Is this as good as stayadine?

thanks
Frank

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01 White, Quad Cab,Short Box ,Sport SLT+,5 speed,4X4,line-x ,Nerf bars,fiberglass tonneau cover

 

[drawson]

ftb87, I have used Lucas #ad
in my truck since it was new about every third tank and it seems to work really well. There most impressive product is there Power Steering additive, it saved many rack and pinion systems.

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EAT'M UP
97 2500 Club 4X4 3. 54, Forrest Green/Driftwood, LSD 5 speed, & Psychotty Air System, TST #11, 370 HP injectors, timing at 16 deg. , 16CM2 housing, AFC spring kit, Geno's Exhaust Blanket, TST EGT gauge & 0-60 boost gauge in A Pillar, Cat-be-gone, 4" Dynomax Bullet muffler, Crome 4" turn down, Rad fan removed, AmsOil Through out, Geno's trans filter kit, AmsOil Bypass system, Lund Winter front, Leer Cab Level Shell Driftwood , 255/85R16, Dyno'd 342 HP pre injectors & turbo housing *NRA/USPSA member and proud of it*



[This message has been edited by drawson (edited 12-30-2000). ]

 

[ftb87]

Thanks! It seemed to make it run smoother and per the computer (I know its not correct) I have increased my mpg about 1 mpg.

thanks
frank

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01 White, Quad Cab,Short Box ,Sport SLT+,5 speed,4X4,line-x ,Nerf bars,fiberglass tonneau cover

 

[Cooker]

The problem I have with the Lucas additive is that it is the same additive used in gas and diesel engines. This doesn't seem right to me. I personally don't want to put an additive in my fuel tank that is designed to work in a gasser. My $. 02.