O/T diesel fuel additive

Nancy Howell · Aug 10, 2009

Since the new low-sulfur diesel doesn"t have enough lubrication in it, what additives do ya"ll use to compensate?

I noticed that Lucas has an additive for diesel fuel. Any opinions?

Also, does anyone add Lucas to their diesel oil. We"ve always use the Valvoline premium blue which Cummins recommends and was rated as one of the best in independent studies.

kyhayman · Aug 10, 2009

I depend on my fuel supplier for input on those types of things. As to adding Lucas to my oil, absolutely!!!. Three years ago I blew an oil cooler line on a tractor where I couldnt see it. Lucas saved the engine.

As to fuel additives, I dont put anything in. The ULSD as sold is supposed to already have them in. I do know that my supplier adds Power Service to his fuel in storage so I"m getting some of it in the fuel.

Michael Soldan · Aug 10, 2009

Add a quart of ATF to your fuel..it lubes the pump and removes moisture from the system

RodinNS · Aug 10, 2009

I don't use any oil additives. I seldom use fuel conditioner, but if I do, it's generally Howes Power Cleaner.
I'm more worried about having a water dispersant in the conditioner than anything else.
In the truck, I don't use anything because I'm not worried about water in the tanks. My storage tank on the otehr hand... I know has some water.

Rod

IaGary · Aug 10, 2009

I add 5-10% soydiesel.

It keeps everything clean and lubracated. Plus it helps out the US FARMER.

guido · Aug 10, 2009

Hello Nancy Howell,
Fuel additives are mostly used for winter operations, at 20 degrees F. and below. They protect the fuel system with antigelling properties.
Summer operation, using the new low sulfer fuels, should not need any additives.
No snake oil needed.
Guido.

Traditional Farmer · Aug 10, 2009

Two cycle oil added at the rate of 1 oz per gal of fuel has been proven to give the best and most economical lubrication protection to older diesels.

dcarp · Aug 10, 2009

Ditto the 2 cycle oil in the fuel. I use it in my Cummins. I don't think it really needs it but makes me feel better about it. I did read a study that said it would add a slight amount of power and a certain degree of lubrication.
I don't think that lubrication is the issue with ULSD as they add lots to it. I think the issue is with the lack of sulfur which provided a sort of cushion to prevent valve wear on the older engines. Most newer engines have harder valve facings and seats thus not an issue.

For the oil I use Rotella synthetic don't need to add anything to it.
Both above statement are MHO for what its worth.

Anonymous-0 · Aug 10, 2009

Adding ATF to the fuel does the job,,,,,

Anonymous-0 · Aug 10, 2009

Everyone has covered the options but a few considerations. Tests show which have been reported that added biofuel gives excellent protection. I don't use it because of long term storage concerns. We typically store fuel for at least 6-12 months. Lucas, Stanadyne or one of the other additives would also be fine. The tests also showed that no ash 2 cycle oil was very good, just not quite as good as biodiesel. If it becomes necessary, I intend to use the 2 cycle oil option. Our supplier has been able to provide the standard "high" sulfur fuel, but expect this will soon not be an option. This supplier also adds an additive package to all fuel that is designed to "solve" the problem and also improve cetane and lower gell point etc. Wouldn't be surprised if it a Lucas additive.

Jeff in TX · Aug 10, 2009

Put the lucas in everything. If you dont want to spent that much every time you fill up, just dump in a quart of cheap ATF when you fill up.

VADAVE · Aug 10, 2009

Justmuse Bio-diesel. There is enough lube ricate in the soy-oil to get the job done.
That's what i use.

Anonymous-0 · Aug 10, 2009

ohio · Aug 10, 2009

I run 1 pint sae30wtnd to 30 gal. of fuel for the protection of my pos vp44 pump.

Nancy Howell · Aug 10, 2009

I've never seen anything on the pumps at the gas stations around here about biodiesel like they post a notice about fuel containing ethanol.

So I don't think that's an option.

INCase · Aug 10, 2009

Around northern Indiana you can find bio-diesel mostly at the Co-Ops but not many other places. Check your local co-op type fuel supplier. I've never seen good tests for any Lucas products. I'd suggest Stanadyne or AMSOIL as they are tops in lubricating the system. Good luck.

onefarmer · Aug 10, 2009

A guy over on fordtrucks.com ran various oils and additives and checked fuel mileage with each. He found 2cycle oil to work the best.

John M · Aug 10, 2009

The newer ULSD is fine by itself.(Additives have been added at the refinery now.) BUTTT.......if it will make you feel better, 2 cycle oil will work fine. I use to use the Wally World brand in my 01, even before ULSD.

TomTex · Aug 10, 2009

I buy diesel by the 55 gallon drum at the wholesaler in Weatherford. I add Power Service at the heavy rate, and Lucas brand semi-synthetic 2-cycle oil that I buy at ORiellys in the quart bottles. Treat everything in the barrel, when filling with new diesel, then it is always ready to go. NEVER had to rebuild a pump, NEVER had to rebuild an injector, NEVER had to clean a tank, NEVER had a fuel filter blocked. I treat in advance, I know others will scoff, but I have no time for troubleshooting later. Tom

k6zrx · Aug 10, 2009

I run Red Line catalyst in my Mercedes. The injectors lasted 240,000 miles before starting got hard and the car smoked a bit too much. I have replaced injectors at around 150,000 miles on several other cars that had the same problems. It has been run with the Red Line since new.
I use Stanadyne (sp?) in my 2003 VW TDI. it is recommended by VW. Car only has 65,000 miles, but I put in bigger injectors at around 40,000 so not long enough to see how it works.
ATF is not really a good additive. It can foul the injectors. One Mercedes I worked on had a lot of ATF through it and it needed injectors at under 100,000 miles. It smoked a lot and was hard starting. Poor spray pattern from the nozzle.
This is just what I have noticed on the cars I have worked on. I have become known as a Mercedes "expert" among my friends....
Josh

DJM75 · Aug 11, 2009

biodiesel is your best and safest bet. It will also do an excellent job of cleaning the system just don"t get it on the paint.

barn E · Aug 11, 2009

Nancy, Ford says use no additive. What do they know? I sold my diesel last week. Scared to death it would cost more to keep running than its worth. I did use power service diesel. Dave

Jiles · Aug 11, 2009

I have been a mechanic for more the 50 years.
I consider nearly all oil and fuel additives to be snake oil. One exception is LUCAS.
Lucas is the only additive to fuel, oil, automatic transmission, power steering, etc. that has proven to me to be beneficial.
Lucas fuel additive is a FUEL CONDITIONER and injector cleaner.
I also agree with the ATF added to an occasional tank of diesel.

O/T diesel fuel additive

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