What is Howes Diesel Treatment and what does it do for the engine? Why use it? When to use it? Are there other brands of the same thing?
One of many brands of fuel treatments.
Many claims are made: More Power, cleans injectors, improves mpg, lubricates injecton pump, lowers temperature at which gelling might occur, reduces smoke, cleans dishes and mows lawn. You decide which ones to believe.
Biggest reason most use some type of treatment: Lubricity; that is, improves the lubricating quality of the diesel fuel, thus prolonging the life of the injection pump which is very expensive to replace. If you keep trucks less than 200k, I don't think I'd worry about it. Some just call it "cheap insurance" or "peace of mind". In extreme cold, anti-gelling becomes the bigger issue.
When? Your call. Some say every tank; others only when filling up at stations they don't trust, others only in extreme cold weather, others not at all.
Yes. Hands down, Standyne gets the "most" positive references. I'm talking "popularity contest" here, not stating a fact. Opinion: I think Stanadyne and LE DCI+ have best data on Lubricity. All make claims; few provide charts and test results. Use the "search" feature on this board and you'll find many posts and many opinions as to "best", "best value", etc.