Fuel conditioner in Common Rail?

[GMincher]

I don't usually post over here! Someday maybe... . Hey, little bro runs an '03. The mechanic (whom I don't hold in very high regard) at the dealership told him to NEVER EVER EVER add ANYTHING to his fuel. I contend that when his fuel gells he'll wish he didn't listen to him. Has anyone else had any experience with this, and is there a problem adding conditioner/ anti-gel in cold months? I know I always do in all the diesel machinery. Thanks, Greg

 

[tobaccogrower]

i try to add it every tank! warm or cold... ... james

 

[JPereira]

I have added additives since new. I started using Stanadyne Performance Formula and later switched to Amalgamated (Using the TDR formula). I am pushing 40k and have never been back to the dealer for anything. Truck runs great and I will continue using additives.

Jeff

 

[steved]

I use either howe's, power service, or marvel mystery oil in every tank... I have almost 60k on without issues.



steved

 

[RTillery]

Coming up on 90 thou using Stanadyne Performance Formula just about every tank. Running like new.

 

[Pawpaw]

I've experimented with several additives. My favorite is Howe's Meaner Power Cleaner. It quiets the engine and does seem to improve my fuel mileage a bit.



Lately I've been running Howe's regular conditioner, because it was given to me for free at the Howe's booth at the Great American Truck Show. I've been mixing it with MMO, just for a test. When this bottle is gone, I'm going back to the Meaner Power Cleaner.



I believe that any additive that quiets the engine and increases lubricity is a good thing.



Bob

 

[Buffalo]

The mechanic probably read the owners manual, page 226 FUEL REQUIREMENTS, "If you buy good quality fuel and follow the cold weather advice above, fuel conditioners should not be required in your vehicle". This is for a 2003 Dodge/Cummins.



I, however, do not agree (not that I'm an expert).



In '03, these trucks & engines were brand new with little over the road experience on the part of Dodge or Cummins. From listening to seminars at May Madness, given by the "Head Man" at Cummins, I know that they are still learning, upgrading & adjusting their thinking regarding these engines.



At another seminar given by the Las Vegas area Bosch Rep. , he said that it was a very good idea to use an additive that added lubricity, to your fuel. Especially, if you are getting fuel from refineries producing ULSD. As an example, CA is producing ULSD. If you are living in a surrounding state that gets fuel from CA, you are, most likely, getting ULSD & not know it. Bosch has, apparently, seen a pattern of damage caused by the use of "low lubricity" diesel fuels & has warned their repair facilities of the problem.



In my personal experience, I've had an ongoing problem with an injector knocking, for a year, now. DC would not fix it because it did not show "as a problem" according to "there" testing. Out of frustration, & after listening to the Bosch Rep. , I tried Primrose Power Master 405. It took awhile but, the problem is gone. Others here have had similar experiences with other products, also.

It seems that if you don't run the "crap" out of the engine, carbon can build-up on & in the injectors causing them not to function properly. Some of the additives seem to eliminate the carbon build-up. I have now started running Marvel Mystery Oil on top of the Primrose 405 for additional protection. That may be overkill but, I don't want anymore injector problems & a bit of extra lubricity in the fuel should help preserve the HPCR & injectors.



In my opinion, I believe running an additive is a wise move.



Joe F. (Buffalo)

 

[coobie]

The mechanic probably read the owners manual, page 226 FUEL REQUIREMENTS, "If you buy good quality fuel and follow the cold weather advice above, fuel conditioners should not be required in your vehicle". This is for a 2003 Dodge/Cummins.



I, however, do not agree (not that I'm an expert).



In '03, these trucks & engines were brand new with little over the road experience on the part of Dodge or Cummins. From listening to seminars at May Madness, given by the "Head Man" at Cummins, I know that they are still learning, upgrading & adjusting their thinking regarding these engines.



At another seminar given by the Las Vegas area Bosch Rep. , he said that it was a very good idea to use an additive that added lubricity, to your fuel. Especially, if you are getting fuel from refineries producing ULSD. As an example, CA is producing ULSD. If you are living in a surrounding state that gets fuel from CA, you are, most likely, getting ULSD & not know it. Bosch has, apparently, seen a pattern of damage caused by the use of "low lubricity" diesel fuels & has warned their repair facilities of the problem.



In my personal experience, I've had an ongoing problem with an injector knocking, for a year, now. DC would not fix it because it did not show "as a problem" according to "there" testing. Out of frustration, & after listening to the Bosch Rep. , I tried Primrose Power Master 405. It took awhile but, the problem is gone. Others here have had similar experiences with other products, also.

It seems that if you don't run the "crap" out of the engine, carbon can build-up on & in the injectors causing them not to function properly. Some of the additives seem to eliminate the carbon build-up. I have now started running Marvel Mystery Oil on top of the Primrose 405 for additional protection. That may be overkill but, I don't want anymore injector problems & a bit of extra lubricity in the fuel should help preserve the HPCR & injectors.



In my opinion, I believe running an additive is a wise move.



Joe F. (Buffalo)

Buffalo,good write up. I have been useing the stanadyne performance formula in my 2004 since day one with good results. I have been doing some research and reading on the primrose products they seem like they have a good product. I ordered the primrose flowmaster 409(winter formula) and the power master 405 from Av lubericants. I will keep you posted on how they work. What mixture do you use with the primrose and marvel mystery oil?coobie

 

[Edgemann55]

16 ozs Power Service with 8 ozs MMO every tank since new. 20,000 trouble free miles. I am with Joe F it is cheap insurance with the low sulfer fuel. Here in Northern Nevada we get that wonderfull California fuel.

 

[amsoilman]

I don't usually post over here! Someday maybe... . Hey, little bro runs an '03. The mechanic (whom I don't hold in very high regard) at the dealership told him to NEVER EVER EVER add ANYTHING to his fuel. I contend that when his fuel gells he'll wish he didn't listen to him. Has anyone else had any experience with this, and is there a problem adding conditioner/ anti-gel in cold months? I know I always do in all the diesel machinery. Thanks, Greg

I've used the Amsoil brand fuel concentrate since my 03' truck was new, and I now have 55,000 miles with NO TROUBLES at all! This past week we have had temps in the single digits, and there have been many Diesel trucks that gelled up, and would not run, my Grandson's was one of them. I think it's a good idea to run conditioner in the fuel, and I run it in every tank.







Wayne

amsoilman

 

[PKnoerzer]

amsoilman - which Amsoil conditioner is best for lubricity?

 

[amsoilman]

amsoilman - which Amsoil conditioner is best for lubricity?

I feel it is the "Diesel Fuel Concentrate" 16 ounces will treat 100 gallons.





Wayne

amsoilman

 

[Buffalo]

Hi Coobie,



With the Primrose 405, the recommendation is 12 oz. to 187 gals.

MMO recommends 4 oz. to 10 gals.



Previously, I just guessed at how much I was putting in. This last time, I used a measuring cup & dosed according to how many gallons of fuel I put in.



I liked the Primrose because of the heavy concentration of additive in the product. Because of the heavy concentration, they can offer a 12 oz. to 187 gal. ratio. They have very little "carrier" (which is usually kerosene or diesel) in the bottle & lots of what you are paying for.



Coobie, where is Jerome, MI. ? I'm originally from the NW Detroit, area, Redford Twsp. Been in Phoenix since 1976.



Joe F. (Buffalo)

 

[MMeier]

Hi Joe, where do you get the Primrose additive, never heard of it. Been running Stanadyne, MMO, and now Lucas, even throw my waste oil in there too, 12 qts to 100 gallons. The "Tank" just hit 100k this past week and no problems..... (yet). And Joe, you know how i use this thing too! Going to be getting into the intermodal container hauling busisness here real soon also , on top of my trailer hauling escapades!!

 

[coobie]

Hi Coobie,



With the Primrose 405, the recommendation is 12 oz. to 187 gals.

MMO recommends 4 oz. to 10 gals.



Previously, I just guessed at how much I was putting in. This last time, I used a measuring cup & dosed according to how many gallons of fuel I put in.



I liked the Primrose because of the heavy concentration of additive in the product. Because of the heavy concentration, they can offer a 12 oz. to 187 gal. ratio. They have very little "carrier" (which is usually kerosene or diesel) in the bottle & lots of what you are paying for.



Coobie, where is Jerome, MI. ? I'm originally from the NW Detroit, area, Redford Twsp. Been in Phoenix since 1976.



Joe F. (Buffalo)

Joe,Jerome is just south of Jackson MI about 25 miles. Thanks the info on the primrose and MM oil. coobie

 

[jcarey]

It seems that if you don't run the "crap" out of the engine, carbon can build-up on & in the injectors causing them not to function properly. Some of the additives seem to eliminate the carbon build-up.



Amen to that. I had a severe problem last Fall/Winter with rough idle/white smoke on startup, even at 40 to 50 degrees. We're talking clouds... And loss of mileage.



After posting on TDR about the problem, I started using Redline and Power Service. After about two tankfuls, fuel mileage was back to normal - maybe picked up a mile or so per gallon. This winter I've had no smoke problems and no idle problems.



Jim

 

[DaveHess]

I have been running Stanadyne Performance Formula since day one in my '03. My brother works for Freightliner in Buffalo, NY, and he says they sell a bunch of the Stanadyne. That's what he tells me at least but he turned me on to it. I've got 28,000 on the clock and in the last week here in No Dak-Land it got below zero for an extended period of time. The last time I filled the truck was the beginning of November and I put #2 in. I ran the truck about 5 days ago with the ambient temperature around 3* above zero. No gelling problem. I was sweating it I'll tell you that but everything ran as advertised. I'll stick with the Stanadyne.

 

[GMincher]

WOO HOO, Man did I get more info than I bargained for or what! Thanks for all of it. I printed out every post and will give it to Junior in the morning! Thanks again, Greg

 

[Buffalo]

Hi MMeier,



I bought the Primrose directly from the factory:



Primrose Oil Co.

Dallas, TX.

800-275-2772

www.primroxe.com

email: -- email address removed --

Primrose Power Master 405



Primrose is an old company. My understanding is that they manufacture additives used in fuels. Many fuel distributors buy their products to fortify their fuel products & make Premium Diesel out of regular diesel. They have sold to the military, for years. Usually sell in large, industrial use, quantities but, recently started selling to the general public mostly because of the extraordinary interest in diesel pick-ups & demand for their products, by those owners.

There are a couple of companies back in IN & OH that sell & use it, also.

George Morrison

AV Lubrication

avlube.com

&

-- email address removed --

888-306-4255



Both of these places seemed to be well informed about the Primrose products.



Hope this helps.



Joe F. (Buffalo)

 

[Dieselhed]

Stanadyne PF for me. Every tank.