Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Trans. Fluid added to Fuel

[Simon]

Does adding transmission fluid to the fuel gives you the added lubrication missing in todays fuels? What I understand is, that to meet todays emission standards some from of the lubricating elements had to be removed. Is this true? If it is, will this screw something up? If it's a good idea, how much do you add and how often? Living in the NW I use Power Service Diesel Additive? Is this enough?

 

[keimmmo]

ATF is not a very good lubricant. It has been used for years as an injector cleaner. The biggest problem today is the color... the same as off-road diesel. The color could cause problems if your fuel is checked.



There are many good additives on the market that address the lubrication issue and won't cause trouble with a fuel check. They would be the safest bet.



Another option is filtered used motor oil in the fuel. This is even approved by Cummins. However, you can again get into emissions issues. I use it all the time personally, but south of the border where I drive most of the time there is no law against using it... just as long as you don't make too much smoke. They WILL complain about that!



Steve

 

[illflem]

ATF isn't designed to burn and will leave damaging ash deposits in engines. It's use is a leftover from the days when ATF didn't have the anti-burn and foaming additives it does today and additives designed for diesel weren't widely available.



Burning used motor oil isn't the greatest thing for your fuel filters either, I highly doubt the fuel savings or added lubricity will balance out early filter replacement. Main reason used oil is added is that it's just an easy way to get rid of the used oil.



You really don't need to use any additives on your 12 valve except for anti-gel in the winter, but it also won't hurt anything. The lubricity that is lost in process of removing sulfur in low emission diesel fuel is added back in the form of light oil.



If you do use anything only use an additive designed specifically for diesel fuel.

 

[HeberRam]

Crap???

Simon... . If you haven't already, read the latest TDR concerning adding "crap", like gas , oil etc. to your diesel...



I agree 100% with illflem... Did you buy your truck for a blast furnance?



I don't think so...



Steve

 

[JohnE]

Adding trany fluid was a coverup excuse for having red dyed fuel in your tank if you got dipped.

Don't do it.



Now in the days of highly refined fuels, additive are a good thing.



Use any good fuel commercially produced additive.

 

[bmoeller]

I use Lucas Fuel Additive. Get mine at Flying J. Works great. Helps mileage a little too.

 

[Reb.B]

transmission fluid is not a good thing to run in your diesel fuel because the ATF has friction mofiliers that will wear your pump. Now adding motor oil isn't that bad of an idea. There's a lot of BTU's in motor oil and it will add more power, heat and lubricity

 

[Texas Diesel]

Originally posted by keimmmo

Another option is filtered used motor oil in the fuel. This is even approved by Cummins. However, you can again get into emissions issues. I use it all the time personally, but south of the border where I drive most of the time there is no law against using it... just as long as you don't make too much smoke. They WILL complain about that!



Steve

Can you explain the procedure for doing this? I'd like to try it.



Thanks

 

[keimmmo]

Sorry for the delay in answering. I have been out of town.



Price is a concern when filtering used oil. It just doesn't make sense to spend a lot of money on the project. Why spend more money to filter used oil than it costs to buy new??? I have personally used two methods.



If you have access to a good supply of used oil filters, you can rig a filter manifold and filter the oil through them. I ran through 4 filters in parallel... series plugs the first filter and everything stops! I stress used because they are free and a used, partially plugged filter will actually filter out smaller particles than a new one. Keep everything nice and warm and the oil will flow faster. I gravity fed the system from a can about shoulder high through the filters near the floor and into a catch can on the floor. When the system got too slow, I would change at least one filter... all four if I had them.



The first method took time and work, so I have gone to plan "B". I let the used oil set in jugs for several weeks so everything heavy settles out. Again, keeping the oil warm speeds the process. I use the oil off the top and dispose of the dirtier oil off the bottom.



As added insurance, I run a pusher pump and extra fuel filter on my trucks. I use a 1 1/2 quart filter that is common as a first stage filter on big trucks. I can buy them down here for $3-4. It has a slightly bigger micron rating than the factory filter. I change it and the factory filter about every 20-25k. (Must not be getting TOO much dirt into the system!)



I have done this since the '92 was almost new. That thing has swallowed BARRELS of used oil!!! I have had no problems.



If anyone wants more specific information, I will be glad to give more details.



Steve

 

[JohnE]

ALL my used and flammable fluids go to friend to burn and heat his shop.

He gets engine oils, trany fluids, brake fluids, and cooking oils.



Many of you have NO idea how to appreciate a heated shop, especially when the outside temps are below 0°F.

 

[keimmmo]

Hey, I UNDERSTAND the need to heat a shop in the winter! When I still lived in Illinois I would save burnable liquids and even cut wood during warm weather to heat my shop during the winter. I didn't own a diesel back then either.



Now, I spend most of my time in Central Mexico. There is NO need to heat my shop down here! I now use my waste oil as diesel fuel.



Steve