Diesel additives/treatments

[Freeheel4life]

So I'm just trying to take care of the "new" old truck. Ive heard a claim before that the Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel that we get from the pump is hard on components due to lack of lubricity and that to extend the life of the pump and injectors you should run an additive.

Just thought I would get everyones thought on this claim and try to find out if any of you guys are religiously treating your tank to this stuff?? If so what product do you prefer?? Also, our truck will sit in the driveway a lot. Is anyone treating with a biocide type enzyme??

Thanks in advance. Always seem to learn something when I ask a question around here. Looking forward to finding something out today :):bow:

[1jeep]

about every 2 weeks I treat my fuel with Power Service, been using this brand one the last 3 diesel engines and never had an issue. During winter my truck is my daily driver and I go through 1.5 tanks a week, during real cold I might treat it more as I switch to the anti gel formula then. I will also treat it when I know we are going to tow.

I also change my fuel filters every 10k miles, this is way ahead of the ford recommendation, but its my $$.

Your truck being a 7.3 shouldn't be as finicky as the newer trucks/pumps.

[chuckster57]

I have used Power Service Diesel Kleen in every tank. Bought my truck in ‘08 with 52,000 original miles, and now have 77,000.

[Pull Toy]

Plus one more Power Service user. Silver jug all summer, white jug (anti gel), all winter.

Good Luck with the new truck k,:)

[travelin texans]

Most companies add lubricity to their fuels, but adding more won't hurt a thing. I also use te Power Kleen as well as Howes about every 3rd or 4th tank full. Most additives have the biocide which is recommended especially if not driven regularly.

[mikz86ta]

I use Howe's in the transfer tank since it helps with resisting water as well as anti-gel.
I use Hot Shot Secret as prescribed every 6mos. That bottle will last you a long time.
And I use the Power Service silver on the regular use. Sometimes I miss a tank here and there, but generally keep it on hand.
Our new to is 142k, now 151k '11 Duramax has CP4 pump issues as some report. So we are trying whatever nessesary to avoid that costly repair

[Freeheel4life]

As usual a veritable treasure trove of information.
Good to find out that the additive already contains biocide. I've had the unfortunate pleasure of dealing with a snowcat that got bad fuel that sat in untreated underground tanks. Literally plugged the pickup line to the low pressure pump and stopped the cat dead in its tracks. Nasty stuff. Last thing I need with the trailer in tow.
That is wild that you are keeping your mileage so so low on your rig Chuckster. One of the reasons I put my eggs into the "old truck" basket was that the half ton was only doing 6k a year in miles, but almost all of those miles were either boats, campers, or firewood miles.
Steve, been dailying the truck for a bit with the radio off. Knew there would be issues with a 21 yo truck. Took care of tires last paycheck. They had lots of tread depth but were checked and from 05. Got dealer to give me a $500 credit and I made up the difference a set of Coopers. Carrier bearing and U joints are end of the month. With so much focus on engine and running gear when I looked it over I missed some basic "no brainers". Tailgate wouldn't open. Quick fix after work. My WDH hitch won't fit my receiver, and long and short after a thread post here a Curt class 5 and a some quality time with the grinder and thin cuts to (unfortunately) cut all the 1-2" welds off the crummy aftermarket hitch are in my future. Last one that needs checked off is I'm hearing and squeak noise and occasional clunk in the column. Haven't disassembled column yet but REALLY hoping it's just the U joints in the column. The noise is in cab so fingers crossed. Otherwise it's great so far. Have towed a handful of 5000-8000lb boats and its a marked improvement over the f150.
As always, thanks for schooling the young guy. Appreciate the feedback.

[chuckster57]

To my knowledge PS Diesel Kleen in silver bottle does not contain any biocide. I did get a batch of bad diesel a few years ago and bought their specific biocide.

[Freeheel4life]

Good to know Chuckster. I will have to dig into it for sure. Sounds like between the votes for Diesel Kleen and Howe's I've got some great options to treat fuel. Cant hurt anything but the wallet and not like running octane/cetane booster looking for more power(mininmal gains) Open wallet and remove bills.

[Ken / Claudia]

This question came up a year or so ago on here, maybe look it up. I would use Kleen before a all day road trip.
Some on that post mentioned opi lube XPD it says lubrication, centane and anti gel. Someone posted testing and it was near the top or the the top as best.
I cannot remember what a case cost was, as I got it last year, after the only long road trip and since I only put about 3,000 miles on the truck so, I cannot say anything about good or bad about opi lube. Ordered it on Amazon as I recall. Kleen seened to work fine and is available around here at every store. My 7.3 now has 180,000 on the odometer and still runs strong. I have always put something in the tank yearly when on a road trip.
If you change the gas filter yourself, next time after pulling the filter, use a turkey baster and suck out all the fuel from the filter holder, I did and removed a lot of stuff I am glad never got into the engine.

[Tinner12002]

Not sure about the Fords or Chevys, but Cummins recommends not using any fuel additives other than an anti-gel in the winter.

[rhagfo]

Opti-Lube XPD 1/4 oz. per gallon of fuel!

[Canonman]

So I'm just trying to take care of the "new" old truck. Ive heard a claim before that the Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel that we get from the pump is hard on components due to lack of lubricity and that to extend the life of the pump and injectors you should run an additive.

Just thought I would get everyones thought on this claim and try to find out if any of you guys are religiously treating your tank to this stuff?? If so what product do you prefer?? Also, our truck will sit in the driveway a lot. Is anyone treating with a biocide type enzyme??

Thanks in advance. Always seem to learn something when I ask a question around here. Looking forward to finding something out today :):bow:

Here is an interesting study, while a bit dated, provides an objective test of the lubricating capabilities of several products.
Here is the link: http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/76-speciality-forums/64-maintenance-fluids/177728-lubricity-additive-study-results.html
Here are the results:
THE RESULTS:

These results are listed in the order of performance in the HFRR test. The baseline fuel used in every test started at an HFRR score of 636. The score shown is the tested HFRR score of the baseline fuel/additive blend.
Also included is the wear scar improvement provided by the additive as well as other claimed benefits of the additive. Each additive is also categorized as a Multi-purpose additive, Multi-purpose + anti-gel, Lubricity only, non-conventional, or as an additive capable of treating both gasoline and diesel fuel.
As a convenience to the reader there is also information on price per treated tank of diesel fuel (using a 26 gallon tank), and dosage per 26 gallon tank provided as “ounces of additive per 26 gallon tank”.

In Order Of Performance:

1) 2% REG SoyPower biodiesel
HFRR 221, 415 micron improvement.
50:1 ratio of baseline fuel to 100% biodiesel
66.56 oz. of 100% biodiesel per 26 gallons of diesel fuel
Price: market value

2)Opti-Lube XPD
Multi-purpose + anti-gel
cetane improver, demulsifier
HFRR 317, 319 micron improvement.
256:1 ratio
13 oz/tank
$4.35/tank

3)FPPF RV, Bus, SUV Diesel/Gas fuel treatment
Gas and Diesel
cetane improver, emulsifier
HFRR 439, 197 micron improvement
640:1 ratio
5.2 oz/tank
$2.60/tank

4)Opti-Lube Summer Blend
Multi-purpose
demulsifier
HFRR 447, 189 micron improvement
3000:1 ratio
1.11 oz/tank
$0.68/tank

5)Opti-Lube Winter Blend
Muti-purpose + anti-gel
cetane improver
HFRR 461, 175 micron improvement
512:1 ratio
6.5 oz/tank
$3.65/tank

6)Schaeffer Diesel Treat 2000
Multi-purpose + anti-gel
cetane improver, emulsifier, bio-diesel compatible
HFRR 470, 166 micron improvement
1000:1 ratio
3.32 oz/tank
$1.87/tank

7)Super Tech Outboard 2-cycle TC-W3 engine oil
Unconventional (Not ULSD compliant, may damage 2007 or newer systems)
HFRR 474, 162 micron improvement
200:1 ratio
16.64 oz/tank
$1.09/tank

8)Stanadyne Lubricity Formula
Lubricity Only
demulsifier, 5% bio-diesel compatible, alcohol free
HFRR 479, 157 micron improvement
1000:1 ratio
3.32 oz/tank
$1.00/tank

9)Amsoil Diesel Concentrate
Multi-purpose
demulsifier, bio-diesel compatible, alcohol free
HFRR 488, 148 micron improvement
640:1 ratio
5.2 oz/tank
$2.16/tank

10)Power Service Diesel Kleen + Cetane Boost
Multi-purpose
Cetane improver, bio-diesel compatible, alcohol free
HFRR 575, 61 micron improvement
400:1 ratio
8.32 oz/tank
$1.58/tank

11)Howe’s Meaner Power Kleaner
Multi-purpose
Alcohol free
HFRR 586, 50 micron improvement
1000:1 ratio
3.32 oz/tank
$1.36/tank

12)Stanadyne Performance Formula
Multi-purpose + anti-gel
cetane improver, demulsifier, 5% bio-diesel compatible, alcohol free
HFRR 603, 33 micron improvement
480:1 ratio
6.9 oz/tank
$4.35/tank

13)Used Motor Oil, Shell Rotella T 15w40, 5,000 miles used.
Unconventional (Not ULSD compliant, may damage systems)
HFRR 634, 2 micron improvement
200:1 ratio
16.64 oz/tank
price: market value

14)Lucas Upper Cylinder Lubricant
Gas or diesel
HFRR 641, 5 microns worse than baseline (statistically insignificant change)
427:1 ratio
7.8 oz/tank
$2.65/tank

15)B1000 Diesel Fuel Conditioner by Milligan Biotech
Multi-purpose, canola oil based additive
HFRR 644, 8 microns worse than baseline (statistically insignificant change)
1000:1 ratio
3.32 oz/tank
$2.67/tank

16)FPPF Lubricity Plus Fuel Power
Multi-purpose + anti-gel
Emulsifier, alcohol free
HFRR 675, 39 microns worse than baseline fuel
1000:1 ratio
3.32 oz/tank
$1.12/tank

17)Marvel Mystery Oil
Gas, oil and Diesel fuel additive (NOT ULSD compliant, may damage 2007 and newer systems)
HFRR 678, 42 microns worse than baseline fuel.
320:1 ratio
10.4 oz/tank
$3.22/tank

18)ValvTect Diesel Guard Heavy Duty/Marine Diesel Fuel Additive
Multi-purpose
Cetane improver, emulsifier, alcohol free
HFRR 696, 60 microns worse than baseline fuel
1000:1 ratio
3.32 oz/tank
$2.38/tank

19)Primrose Power Blend 2003
Multi-purpose
Cetane boost, bio-diesel compatible, emulsifier
HFRR 711, 75 microns worse than baseline
1066:1 ratio
3.12 oz/tank
$1.39/tank

CONCLUSIONS:

Products 1 through 4 were able to improve the unadditized fuel to an HFRR score of 460 or better. This meets the most strict requirements requested by the Engine Manufacturers Association.
Products 1 through 9 were able to improve the unadditized fuel to an HFRR score of 520 or better, meeting the U.S. diesel fuel requirements for maximum wear scar in a commercially available diesel fuel.
Products 16 through 19 were found to cause the fuel/additive blend to perform worse than the baseline fuel. The cause for this is speculative. This is not unprecedented in HFRR testing and can be caused by alcohol or other components in the additives. Further investigation into the possibilities behind these poor results will investigated.
Any additive testing within +/- 20 microns of the baseline fuel could be considered to have no significant change. The repeatability of this test allows for a +/- 20 micron variability to be considered insignificant.

CREDITS:

[Ken / Claudia]

It was mentioned about the truck manufacturer not recommending additives.
In my Ford booklet, which I have not read in years. As I recall said do not use any unless it is a Ford product. But, here's the problem. My engine was made when fuel for it was not the fuel we must use today. In this truck I really did not use anything but, anti gel until after about 40,000 miles. Next truck will be about a 2015 or newer and I might not use anything in it depends on what I get and what is advised.

[Freeheel4life]

WOW Cannon man. Thank you so much for the info. When I get home tonight I will have to nerd out on all of that. A lot to chew on and digest (it's lunchtime).
Ken, I share the same concern as you as far as the fuel blends which is what got me going down this path.

So far it seems like the Power Kleen and opti lube are at the top of the list as far as anecdotal evidence/end user review around here.

[Canonman]

"Cannon man. Thank you so much for the info. When I get home tonight I will have to nerd out on all of that."

You're welcome. Lots of info there and even more back up detail on the link. Bottom line, 1/2 a gallon of biodiesel at each fill up does the trick. Around here that's less than $2. Measuring does not need to be exact since it's all fuel. Simple and cheap:)

[travelin texans]

The majority of diesel fuel today is up to 15% biodiesel, especially at truck stops, which in most cases is the problem rather than the cure. That's why a additive with cetane/biocide is not a bad idea! Who knows what the bio part is derived from, soy beans, French fry grease, hog lard, who knows for sure.

[Canonman]

The majority of diesel fuel today is up to 15% biodiesel, especially at truck stops, which in most cases is the problem rather than the cure. That's why a additive with cetane/biocide is not a bad idea! Who knows what the bio part is derived from, soy beans, French fry grease, hog lard, who knows for sure.

Are the retailers required to state what % is used in their individual blends?? Would be good information to have at the pump.
Would agree a Cetane booster is a good idea but when we are traveling the fuel doesn't sit in the tank long enough:lol: to worry about a biocide.

[Nlambert]

I've been running Power Service Diesel Kleen + Cetane Booster (gray bottle in summer, white in winter) for about 30k miles now. I noticed back in my Powerstroke days that my injectors would get noisy if I went a few tanks without it and would quieten up after the second tank using PSDK. I've continued that in my Cummins. Whether or not it helps on the Cummins, I don't know but it's cheap enough for me to justify using if it helps prolong the injector life.

[Frank G]

If you frequent the Diesel Forums where transporters and independent owners exceed 500K on a vehicle, you might be surprised with the conversation. It is not unanimous but most find no value in additives. The exception being COLD weather treatment. If you dig deep you can find studies from major fleet operations, again most find no value in additives.

Personally sometimes I run Power Service, I always run the Anti-Gel stuff when running south to north in the winter. My local station switches to winter blend about the 1st of October, so when running known winter blend I do not add anything. Time to head south!

[mikz86ta]

Speaking of filter.....i got a new one but not yet got to swap it. Bought a strap wrench in the way, a aluminum bleeder screw to replace the fragile plastic stock one and a special wrench for the sensor. Our Duramax dash indicator has stayed on 75% to 60% life left since we bought it. So I am skeptical on trust and not sure last time it was changed. It's a Delco brand and I bought another stock Delco one.

And didn't the 7.3L Ford's have stiction issues Ken/Claudia ?

[BamaRam]

I run 4 oz of Schaeffer's every other tank to clean the injectors (102k). It quietens them to a small degree and that's the only tangible evidence that it does any good.

[travelin texans]

Are the retailers required to state what % is used in their individual blends?? Would be good information to have at the pump.
Would agree a Cetane booster is a good idea but when we are traveling the fuel doesn't sit in the tank long enough:lol: to worry about a biocide.

Only that it may contain "up to 15%" not actual percentage as that may change between each truck load delivered to a given location which could come from various refiners in the area.
Regardless of what any brand of a station is branded their fuels can/does come from any refiner in any given area that's offering the best wholesale price today. Example; there are 3 refiners within a 100 miles of here, today Valero is the best price so most every station, Chevron, Texaco, Mobil, today is receiving Valero fuel, tomorrow maybe it's Mobil has the best price.

[Canonman]

Thanks! Appreciate the follow up. WE have a 1/2 dozen refineries here and Lord knows whose truck is filling the tanks at the local station

[Ken / Claudia]

Mike, I am not aware of the issue you mention, could you explain it.

[mikz86ta]

Mike, I am not aware of the issue you mention, could you explain it.
Here is a link that explains it in detail :

https://dieselpowerup.com/best-way-fix-stiction/

[Ken / Claudia]

I just got back from a 1,000 mile trip all freeway about 900 miles towing the RV.
Using the Opi lube XPD and really did not see a change in starting, running, mpgs. Last year same trip I got 9.2 mpg to there. 9.7 back home. This year 9.2 to there, 9.6 back home, this time fighting a headwind, real strong at times for around 150 miles.
I will still use it as it gets high marks.

I looked up stiction. I have not had that problem. I always use Delo 400LE, since day 1 and change at 5,000. Using the Opi Lube should also help. The article said doing those helps, not doing those causes the problem. Maybe someday I will change out injectors but, only when they need it. Now at 182,000 miles and going strong.

[mikz86ta]

Awesome, glad your truck is doing well and doesn't have that issue. I'm sure alot of issues are a result of prior or current abuse and lack of maintenance. So that may be a know issue, but as a result of poor treatment.
Glad to hear your trip was safe and successful. Nice MPG feedback as well.