I have been using Optilube recently only because it was a gift. In looking at the cost of it I am having a hard time justifying buying more of it.
On their website , and this seems to be the only outlet for it, the cost, exclusive of shipping per gallon is $51.33. With a suggested add rate of 1/4 Oz per gallon of fuel this comes to $0.20 per gallon added cost. In order to reclaim this cost I would have to have a mileage improvement of better than 40% to break even. That would mean that my mileage would have to improve by 3 mpg. I don't think this is realistic.
Worth it ? I don't know. I have read all the testimonials and if they are to be believed then any cost would be justified.
What am I missing that would make this cost worth while ?
Gary B
Gary,
If you are using fuel that is within specs for your engine I do not see any advantage cost-wise of using it. Your engine will outlast the coach.
Keith
I calculate $.10 per gallon based on your information. Or just over a penny per mile. Or about $90 for a 7500 mile year.
With a cost of .20 per gallon that adds about 5% to the cost of fuel. a MPG increase of .5 MPG will cover the cost. I have been using Opti Lube it adds about $15.00 to the cost of a fill up. So an increase of .2 MPG covers the cost. Why I use it I don't really know. I get what I think is great Mpg , but it travel lite. Few spares-tools-a small car four down with aluminum tow bar-gray and black MT fresh only what I need-fuel tank between 3/4 and 1/4 full .Gam
I calculated a cost of 80 cents an ounce based on 51.33 a gallon, at an add rate of 1/4 oz per gallon I get 20 cents a gallon added fuel cost. At an average MPG of 8.3 that adds 2 cents a mile if I figure right. So a trip of 8500 miles such as we took this summer would add 170 bucks.
A gallon of Optilube will treat 256 gallon of fuel so maybe the cost is not as great as I thought. I guess the initial 51.33 per gallon cost is what puts me off. I'll think on it further.
Gary B
Gary, there's 128 oz in a gallon. That's 40 cents an oz. So that's 10 cents per gallon.
Dave's calculations are correct (I think).
Gary, if you are adding Optilube at 1/4 oz per gallon, you will treat 128 x 4 = 512 gallons of diesel (at $0.11/gallon).
I also use Optilube and pay about $57 per gallon including shipping. I add Optilube at the minimum recommended so treat over 500 gallons of diesel with one gallon of Optilube ($0.11 / gallon).
I use Optilube because it was the second highest rated fuel additive in a report by an independant laboratory and much more cost effective than the number one additive. I also use it because the lubricity of ULSD is very low compared to diesel from 20 years ago. The fuel manufacturers claim to add sufficient biodiesel (5%) to obtain adequate lubricity with ULSD, however, when studying this independant laboratory report, I became convinced that 5% biodiesel does not have adequate lubricity. Having more then 5% biodiesel provides more lubricity but also provides other unpleasant issues (leaking seals). Adding Optilube raises the lubricity of the diesel without other unpleasant issues (I believe).
I am not expert at anything to do with oil . Had tractor trailers in business for 27 years . Not a trucking company , but just to haul product to my place of business . Never added anything to oil . Don't know of A large trucking company that does . Go to A truck stop, ask any driver [of] a large trucking company about it most likly he won't know . Go to the service center of this company and ask management about it [ not the shop guys ] and the answer will be " it is not cost effective " and if our oil isn't doing the job , we will switch oil brands .If you ask a independent driver , you'll get some of the same answers you see here . Some of the difference between a trucking company and us Foretravel owners is that our units stay parked for most of the time , and trucks had better run all the time since they are all about making money . Brad Metzger
Y'all are right, 128 oz in a gallon, remember when I was in school they taught math different. Sorry Guys.
Gary B :facepalm:
I read, with some interest, the posts on biocides. Here in the frozen north with -30 temps last week is it a concern. I've always used Howse fuel additive in my light trucks but mostly as a lubricity additive since low sulfur fuels have less inherent lubrication than the good old kind. Is this something I need to think about when we roll to the south to the warm country.
the study on additives here: Lubricity Additive Study Results - Diesel Place : Chevrolet and GMC Diesel Truck (http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/showthread.php?t=177728)