Just got my first diesel P/U and since I don't have any experience with diesel engines, I was wondering what kind of diesel additive you guys are using. I heard that some use transmission fluid as well as two stroke engine oil.
Posted 2010-10-20 10:13 PM (#126082 - in reply to #126080) Subject: RE: Diesel additive
Expert
Posts: 1351 Location: Decatur, Texas
Originally written by sidelock on 2010-10-20 9:40 PM
Just got my first diesel P/U and since I don't have any experience with diesel engines, I was wondering what kind of diesel additive you guys are using. I heard that some use transmission fluid as well as two stroke engine oil.
All depend on what year model you are talking about..... Any truck with the DPF crap you CAN NOT use tranny fluid or 2 stroke oil at all!
Opti-lube is a good one but kind of HIGH in price
Power Service is not bad and will work with the DPF system (I still like tranny fluid or 2 stroke better)
Posted 2010-10-21 7:15 AM (#126103 - in reply to #126100) Subject: RE: Diesel additive
Expert
Posts: 3853 Location: Vermont
Originally written by sidelock on 2010-10-21 7:51 AM
It's a 2003 Dodge Ram. Is tranny fluid and two stroke oil ok ?
Be aware of the color of the ATF when you use it for a fuel additive, it has the same dye as off highway fuel and could get you a wee bit of a fine if they dip your tank and the fuel is pink.
Posted 2010-10-21 8:17 AM (#126105 - in reply to #126080) Subject: RE: Diesel additive
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 342 Location: Ohio
I wouldn't recommend the ATF for Paul's reason. When it gets harvesting time, the troopers like to dip tanks around here. If you use 2 stroke oil, make sure you get "ashless" oil. It's usually for marine applications. Sold at the local Wally World for not much money. I'm not exactly sure on the mix ratio. I think it's a quart per fill up, but if this were the route you wanted to take, I'd do some research before jumping in.
I use Power Service which is readily availabale at any Wal-Mart. Silver bottle when it's warm, white bottle when it's cold. Easy enough. This would be my suggestion. I've never used anything else, so I couldn't recommend anything else.
Posted 2010-10-21 8:32 AM (#126107 - in reply to #126080) Subject: RE: Diesel additive
Expert
Posts: 2453 Location: Northern Utah
What are you trying to solve with the additive?
Stop Gelling in cold weather?
Improve Cetane rating"
Improve lubricity?
A biocide to stop alge growth?
You may not need an additive. I've put a lot of miles on 4 different diesels and rarely use an additive.
If you are in a cold climate and park outside. Yep! probably need something for gelling.
Standyne, Power Service, Optilube, and most other all do that.
Since you have a truck designed to run on low Sulfer and you can only buy Ultra Low Sulfur fuels today. Maybe you want something that will add lubricity. Opti-lube is the best at that.
Decide WHY you want to add an additive, then consider the choices.
Posted 2010-10-21 10:46 AM (#126115 - in reply to #126080) Subject: RE: Diesel additive
Veteran
Posts: 229
LUCAS. I use Lucas in every tank in both my diesels (old 6.5 Chevy and newer 2001 Duramax). I use this on the advice of my mechanics at the local Peterbuilt/GMC truck shop. Most of these mechanics run Fords. My main concern is lubricity. I've seen what Jet A can do to an older jet engine's fuel control unit when run without a lubricity additive. However, that being said, I see that you are in cold territory. So, for winter, I might go with the guy who said Power Service white. We don't have much for cold here, so I run the Lucas year round. Also, check out the other threads on this topic. I remember that there have been several.
Posted 2010-10-21 4:59 PM (#126124 - in reply to #126100) Subject: RE: Diesel additive
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 379 Location: Missouri
I use Power Service as well on every tank to make up for lubricity. Diesel used to have sulfur in it for lubrication. EPA made them take that out and while the fuel companies say something for lubrication was added to replace the sulfur, I lean to the safe side and add my one. After all, it's not their engine burning the fuel so what do they care. I would steer away from 2cycle and tranny oil, I've read on diesel forums bad experiences with doing that and not just from new 2007 and up models but older trucks also.
Posted 2010-10-21 6:08 PM (#126128 - in reply to #126124) Subject: RE: Diesel additive
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Posts: 5870 Location: western PA
Originally written by hornet on 2010-10-21 5:59 PM
I would steer away from 2cycle and tranny oil, I've read on diesel forums bad experiences with doing that and not just from new 2007 and up models but older trucks also.[/QUOTE]
Not an argument, just want to know why? I've read just the opposite in comparison testing, and beause of that, for the last couple of years have added oil for each tankfull of fuel.
In spite of being on a tractor forum, I still have not been able to discern the suitability of additional lubrication for lower HP farm tractors while using the newer fuels. I have three Kubotas with what appears to have the older Bosch type of mechanically injected fuel pumps/systems. All I get from the forum members and Kubota, is that it SHOULD be fine without additional lubricants. I can't afford SHOULD, from people who THINK it will work a certain way. I would like accurate answers that indicate the best maintenance I can provide. So as with my truck, 2 cycle oil is added at every fill up.
We have sub freezing weather, and a product called Sea Foam has kept any hint of fuel gelling at bay. With each diesel engine using synthetic lubricants and Sea Foam additives, we always have had easy starts while using no auxiliairy heaters.
Posted 2010-10-21 9:50 PM (#126133 - in reply to #126100) Subject: RE: Diesel additive
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 544 Location: Claxton, Ga.
Originally written by sidelock on 2010-10-21 10:51 AM
It's a 2003 Dodge Ram. Is tranny fluid and two stroke oil ok ?
2 stroke oil is fine but do not put tranny fluid in it. It is too abrasive for HPCR diesel fuel injection systems and can cause issues. I would not recommend Sea Foam either. It has alchohol in it and is not recommended by Cummins at all. I used Howes, Power Service, but nothing has beaten good quality fresh diesel.
Posted 2010-10-22 8:05 AM (#126141 - in reply to #126080) Subject: RE: Diesel additive
Expert
Posts: 2453 Location: Northern Utah
Why not just use a product that is designed for the job? Why guess if a product designed for another job (such as trany fluid) would be superior? In todays world the new tranny fluids are way more expensive than products like Power Service. Plus having a product designed to be an additive may solve 2-3 problems, such as adding Cetane, inhibiting gelling, adding lubricity and a biocide.
The Opti-Lube which was referenced as being one of the more expensive, cost $0.08 per gallon of diesel fuel treated for it's winter blend and $0.04 per gallon treated for summer blend. I bet there are days when you pay that much more at the pump just because you selected one fueling stop vs another. My truck has a 37 gallon tank. That equates to $3.00 per tank for one of the most expensive. Or about 1/2 cent per mile driven. Other products like the Optilube summer blend, Power Service and Stanadyne are all around a $1 per tankfull of fuel.
If you are using a product not specificed specifically for diesel additive because it's cheaper than a additive, you are chasing pennies at the risk of large dollars in repair bills. Why risk it?
BTW here is a test of additives. I think Gard posted this long time ago. But it's still an informative read on what different products do.
Posted 2010-10-22 9:02 AM (#126144 - in reply to #126080) Subject: RE: Diesel additive
Regular
Posts: 56 Location: Shawnee, Oklahoma
I have a 2006 Dodge diesel....I follow Mr. Truck's advice, and back when I got this truck, he was recommending Marvel Mystery oil with each fill up. I use 1 ounce per gallon of fuel. I have about 88,000 miles and I have never had any problems at all with my truck. I also took his advice and use the Amsoil oil, filter etc. I get it from his site so he gets the credit for it. I hope this helps.
Posted 2010-10-22 8:31 PM (#126156 - in reply to #126080) Subject: RE: Diesel additive
Expert
Posts: 2453 Location: Northern Utah
Cindy, Question for you.
I'm not a chemist, so I don't profess to be an expert on this subject. Just asking the question, because your post is right above.
Marvel Mystery Oil cost you about $0.14 per ounce and you use 1 once per gallon. So about about $3.00 a fill up, give or take depending on your tank size and how empty you run it.
What are your expectations of this additive?
I see nothing on the label about it boosting the Cetane rating.
Nothing about anti gel
Nothing about being a Biocide.
It does mention on the label that it lubricates the fuel system. But the diesel place test shows that it's lubricity is actually worse than plain diesel fuel.
I'm all ears here. So if somebody has a good reason, let's hear it.
But I suggest there are better products that you could use for the same price.
Posted 2010-10-22 9:55 PM (#126159 - in reply to #126080) Subject: RE: Diesel additive
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 544 Location: Claxton, Ga.
Fuel up with B5..... That's the best lubricated fuel. Biodiesel does wonders and every diesel is approved for B5. I am starting to see it in more places. Shell sells it around here.
Posted 2010-10-22 10:06 PM (#126161 - in reply to #126128) Subject: RE: Diesel additive
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 379 Location: Missouri
Originally written by gard on 2010-10-21 6:08 PM
Originally written by hornet on 2010-10-21 5:59 PM
I would steer away from 2cycle and tranny oil, I've read on diesel forums bad experiences with doing that and not just from new 2007 and up models but older trucks also.[/QUOTE]
Not an argument, just want to know why? I've read just the opposite in comparison testing, and beause of that, for the last couple of years have added oil for each tankfull of fuel.
I can't say why, just what I've read on DieselPlace. But as you said I've heard others make the argument in favor of it. To me, injectors and pumps cost way too much to use a product not designed for that function.
Diesel additive
