Skip to main content ↑ ↓
Topic: Fuel Additives (Read 1994 times) previous topic - next topic

Re: Fuel Additives

Reply #25 –
Quote from: fkjohns6083 –
I use a quart of ATF for every 100 gallons of diesel, which compensates for the low sulpher in the diesel (lubricity issue).  Fritz
just returned from the Grandvention and the Cummins technical rep stated that there is no need for additives in the fuel due to low lubricity. He stated that today's fuel has all the lubricity needed for all Diesel engines.
Peter & Beth Martin
No Forrest? What have you done?
MC# 15890 until Dec 2016; FMCA #F329677
Cincinnati, OH

Re: Fuel Additives

Reply #26 –
 Another topic that Cummins covered during their presentation was the need to change oil per the recommended interval not necessarily the mileage  when operating a motorhome ss opposed to an over the road commercial rig.  This due to the deterioration of the oil additives as time passes.

That's a tough one for me as I don't drive that many miles but do exercise the coach every 30 days weather permitting.
Peter & Beth Martin
No Forrest? What have you done?
MC# 15890 until Dec 2016; FMCA #F329677
Cincinnati, OH

Re: Fuel Additives

Reply #27 –
I'm confused about the fuel additive part from the Cummins guy.  They said they do not recommend fuel additives, so why does Fleetguard sell their Asphaltene Conditioner for diesel fuel.  They are part of Cummins Filtration right?  They also sell a Diesel Fuel Injector Cleaner. Maybe he meant it is only needed if a Fleetguard product??

I just want to know what we need to keep our engines running well with the new fuels today.  Obviously a lot of us have engines that were designed for different fuel, so how do we compensate for that?
Ted & Karen
2001 U270 36' - sold after 12 years full timing

Re: Fuel Additives

Reply #28 –
I asked Triana at the Ladies Class, said add nothing unless for algae prevention if need.  I asked Cummins two years ago, they said add none.  I said, as you, they sell chemicals for such.  The answer was a gentle laugh, well our chemical division does (implied I as I heard it, the engine side of the business does not)


mike
Mike
2001 U320 4010 Build 5878 (Gus)
Wrangle Unlimited Toad
Nacogdoches

Re: Fuel Additives

Reply #29 –
Thanks Mike- I guess its better to spend a few $ now on chemicals than big $$$$ on an engine later.      ^.^d
Ted & Karen
2001 U270 36' - sold after 12 years full timing

Re: Fuel Additives

Reply #30 –
That is what the Cummins Engine guy said at the GV as well.  I add biocide to a full tank when stored for more than a couple of months (even though the coach gets out for exercise once a month) and fill with #1 diesel before winter storage plus some anti gel additive for whatever #2 was in the tank.  All of this is about the cost of one set of filters.  If you have had a black algae attack you won't hesitate with the biocide.
Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
Hastings, MN

Re: Fuel Additives

Reply #31 –
My 2 cents worth is,a 94 engine was designed for the fuel available at that time,the fuel now is different.I have read many of the
ads for fuel additives and one thing they all state is extra lubricant for the injection pump. We just had a member fork out $5800.00
for a new injection pump.Would an additive have helped,who knows.You would have to take 2 brand new foretravels and find 2
identical drivers and run one with an additive and one without and keep a record over the years to really know for sure.
For the price of the fuel additive I'm going to use it.
96 U270 BUILD 4810
85 380SL
Drummonds TN.

Re: Fuel Additives

Reply #32 –
John44,  we were just reporting what the Cummins guy said.  He didn't differentiate between older and newer engines.  He said Cummins has no opinion pro or con on any additives just that they weren't needed.  He suggested checking if the additive manufacturer covers any engine damage attributable to the additive.  Any that say they are approved by Cummins are not.

But if using an additive seems to be effective for your use then go for it.  I know several classic aircraft owners who swear by putting some Marvel Mystery Oil in their av gas.  A friend bought a 2003 FT about a year ago.  It had a couple cases of fuel additive in the basement.  Somebody thought it was a good idea.
Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
Hastings, MN

Re: Fuel Additives

Reply #33 –
In a perfect world there would be no need for any type of additive. I don't want to alarm anyone but the world isn't perfect. Moisture, algae,crap fuel from stations that sell 100 gals a month. Not perfect. As said here before I look for high volume truck stops to buy fuel at. If the coach sits for a length of time, I try to park it full of fuel and add a good algaecide.I usually follow the directions and add a pinch. Every few tanks I add some power service additive to disperse water.
Over a million miles as a semi owner operator I would say that fuel additives are a good thing if you look at the big picture. In my trucks that ran 100K+ a year they weren't as necessary as they are in my coach that sits more then it runs...
Andy 1989 U300 40'

Re: Fuel Additives

Reply #34 –
A lot of information on 2 stroke oil in diesel at "fuel expert.co.za
JD
John Duld
1995 U320C SE 40'

Re: Fuel Additives

Reply #35 –
Looked at the above posts website,it does not recommend 2 cycle oil in a diesel.There was nothing about ATF in diesels.
My observations are,if you want to add any additive ,add one that is made for diesel fuel,the price may even be cheaper for
the diesel additive.We would not put a diesel additive in a 2 stroke gas tank.
96 U270 BUILD 4810
85 380SL
Drummonds TN.

Re: Fuel Additives

Reply #36 –
I thought  some, maybe one, of you would enjoy this testing and discussion of Biobor JF.  I continue to research, watch, the biocide options......I add some at times.


Diesel Additives - Practical Sailor Print Edition Article

Mike
2001 U320 4010 Build 5878 (Gus)
Wrangle Unlimited Toad
Nacogdoches

Re: Fuel Additives

Reply #37 –
I second the Power Service additives they work good. I use the grey bottle in my Semi and the RV.
91 GV U300 Unihome 40' Build 3811
6V92TA Detroit

Re: Fuel Additives

Reply #38 –
While nice to protect from corrosion, the biggest challenge is keeping the bugs from reproducing and killing any that may have been introduced. In winter, a gel fighting additive is also good to incorporate into the additive. With more and more biodiesel being used today, it's even more important to frequently use an additive as biodiesel absorbs much more water than 100% petro diesel. Service stations are usually years behind necessary changes for fuel storage. When traveling to a region using biodiesel, it's good to carry extra fuel filters as a high B number may cause existing fuel system deposits to loosen and travel to the filters.

Map showing high biodiesel location with info on the percentage (B number) of biodiesel below the map. Retail Map - Biodiesel.org

Pierce
Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
SBFD (ret)

Re: Fuel Additives

Reply #39 –
Has anyone got any opinions of Lucas products?
1995 U320 40', 2013 chevy sonic toad, my real love are corvettes have owned 30
 

Re: Fuel Additives

Reply #40 –
Let's look specifically at what you want to achieve:

1.  If storing diesel fuel over two months in summer or three months in winter, absolutely use a BIOCIDE (Biobor JF is a popular one) AND make sure the tank if totally full to reduce condensation.

2.  If storing diesel you purchased in summer or fall into winter, absolutely, add an ANTI-GEL.  Walmart carries the PS brand.

Other than that, you get into "snake oil".  Are the good/needed, etc becomes a very "emotional" decision.

If the diesel you buy will result in broken or worn injection parts, there would be trucks all over the side of the road.  They drive enough miles, the vast majority with no additives that were the "regular diesel fuel" not good enough we would sure know about it.

Also, in writing, neither Cat nor Cummins recommend an additive.  Do both offer one-- absolutely! Nothing wrong with an additional profit center.
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020