Fuel additives ???

[MOConnor]

I would like to know if I should be using a fuel additive in my 03 HO. When I got fuel tonight there was an empty can of additive on the pump it said it was to keep the fuel from waxing and gelling up. If I don't use additives will this happen to my fuel So if I need to use additives what kind do I use... ... ... . Thanks Mike

 

[FPoitra]

Some people say use them, so say dont. Personally, I like to use them to boost the cetane rating in my fuel and to prevent gelling. The engine just seems to like it more. Also is suppose to condition the pump, which cant hurt. I use "Power Service" brand (white bottle) every 3rd tank.

 

[barbwire]

Additives

I only use it only in cold weather, to keep from freezing up the fuel. But I guess that some brands have an extra lubricant in them.

I am not loyal to any brand in particular, however, I use Power Service myself. Mainly because any other brand is hard to come by in my area. The people that use Stanadyne products really swear by it, and run it year around. just my $. 02. Hope it helps.

 

[Dean Upson]

This subject has been pretty well beaten up in previous posts and it seems to be a matter of personal preference. I have used it in the past and do not use it now, I can tell no difference.



Personally, I think the source of your fuel is more important, and you should have no problem with gelling because additives have already been put in the fuel you get at the pump. I THINK that additives are not recommended by D/C or Cummins. There seems to be a lot of folks that adhere to old habits with the diesels, some swear by plugging in at 35*(you would get no arguement from me that plugging in is beneficial in freezing temps, both for operator comfort and kindness to the Cummins), front covers fuel additives, etc, some even swear by putting ATF in the fuel.



I personally think that there have been many improvements in regard to both the engines and the fuel in our modern diesels that make them more "user friendly" in cold weather than in the past. This is by personal observation over the past 40 years or so. I know they used to be a heck of a lot harder to live with in the winter than they are now.

Dean

 

[rrl989]

MOConnor,



I have been using Stanadyne Performance since I bought the truck. I'm sure it is not necessary but I use it anyway. Find a good Diesel station and you will be fine, I use Hess 100% @ 42 cetane. I due notice that with the additive, I get less soot out of the exhaust, not sure if I get any other improvement as you know our winters are generally pretty mild. Where are you on LI?



Ron

 

[nickleinonen]

i have some diesel fuel additive floating around somewhere [need to find it] made by valvoline. it says it promotes fuel/water separation, increase cetane, anti gel,. pretty strong consentrate mix for 1 liter treats 1000 liter diesel [i'll run it a little stronger]



now if i can find the 3 bottles i have in the basement somewhere...

 

[RankRam]

Originally posted by nickleinonen

i have some diesel fuel additive floating around somewhere [need to find it] made by valvoline. it says it promotes fuel/water separation, increase cetane, anti gel,. pretty strong consentrate mix for 1 liter treats 1000 liter diesel [i'll run it a little stronger]



now if i can find the 3 bottles i have in the basement somewhere...

I could be wrong but the additives that separate water and fuel are said to be bad, something about having alcohol and this is not good for our fuel systems.



Please correct me if I'm wrong.

 

[fritzimax]

Mike, I use the Stanadyne Performance Formula too, about 8oz with every fill up. I have done it since tank #1, 14,000 miles later everything is working fine. I go to an OK Petroleum station by my house, they claim their Diesel has a 45 cetane rating. I know they pump alot of diesel since one guys bill was over $3,300 for 1 month for his carting company and @ $1. 73 9/10 per gal thats almost 1900 gallons for one month just for his fleet.

Like Dean said the source of your fuel is the most important, you get a crappy tank full of fuel and all the additive in the world won't help.

 

[JSHAW]

Mike,



I use stanadyne blue. It's like night and day. The more you lube the VP44 the longer it will run. I've used amsoil cetane boost and conditioner before switching over and they both do a really good job(stanadyne is easier to get) If you want call Danny at precision Diesel and talk to him about anything diesel he will probably have the answer and he's an easy guy to talk to. His phone number is 631756 2020. My pump wire has been tapped for 65,000 miles with no problem at all. I swear by my additives.



Jim Shaw

 

[pwr2tow]

Just wanted to point out to the ones that don't know. Do not ever use anything with alcohol or ATF fluid in the fuel system of the Bosch VP44. The additives in ATF will kill the VP44. Alcohol is too dry.



Ron

 

[Dennis Garrett]

My 97 got stolen last spring, and I almost ordered a new 03-HO. Luckily, mine turned up, & I cancelled the order. Anyway I was doing my home work on the new engine, and someplace, (maybe here) I read a post on additives for the new engine. It said not use any additives because of the high fuel pressures developed in the common rail. I don't know if the additives broke down somehow under high pressure, or what. Since I no longer had an interest after my truck was returned, I never wondered about it any more.

 

[slo-ryde]

The best advice I can give is to go to the source for answers. Point your browser at www.cummins.com and find the nearest service center to you. Call or visit and ask for tech support, these guys know their stuff!



They (Cummins) do endorse the Valvoline SynPower Diesel Injector Cleaner, it even says so right on the bottle. You pour a bottle in at every oil change. I'll be trying it at my next change.