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Generator Fuel Additives

June 21, 2013, 12:29:04 pm

Several times we have discussed Cummins's position and our own experiences or philosophies on using additives in the diesel fuel.  The discussions have focused on the Cummins diesel engine in particular but may have also included the Cat and Detroits.

I do not recall however thinking of additives in terms of needs of the diesel fueled generators.  A friend's recent experience with having to rebuild a generator engine is a report unto itself that I hope he posts but in my getting to talk to the repair folks with Dr. C I began to think more about the treatment of the diesel fuel regarding the needs of my Kubota diesel generator engine.  The mechanic thought it important or even vital to use an additive in the diesel fuel because of this engine and said that he did not think it could harm the main engine in any way.  He happens to like Marvel treatment product for the fuel.

What are your ideas?  Do you consider generator fuel treatment?  Do you add anything just because of that engine, and if so, what? 

Mike

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Re: Generator Fuel Additives

Reply #1 – June 21, 2013, 12:39:46 pm

Mike,  IF you feel better for buying the whiz-bang additives, then go for it, Me, Not needed, unless you are concerned about fuel jelling or you have a load of alge.
I think your better off replacing filters if you have a concern about the quality of the fuel.

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Re: Generator Fuel Additives

Reply #2 – June 21, 2013, 02:41:16 pm

The diesel engines that power our generators are good for thousands of hours. Overheating is probably the main cause of premature failure caused by belt failure, thermostat plus coolant leaks and are generally the culprits here. Does not help if the oil is never changed either. Failures usually translate into owner neglect.

Our 300SD has over 440K on the clock and other than a couple of glow plugs and fan belts has never been touched. 3000 mile oil changes mean it still starts in 5 seconds in sub freezing temps and uses no oil. The small generator diesels are just as heavy duty and will last just as long but you can't expect not to have to a little more than occasionally glance in the compartment.

Probably should read the reviews on Marvel Oil before adding it.

Pierce

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Re: Generator Fuel Additives

Reply #3 – June 21, 2013, 04:09:09 pm

Thanks so much.....I really thought that I could just ask Dave M, he really knows generators.  Then I got help too from Pierce.  I will leave it alone, which was my original inclination.

My question came from a repair shop that believe strongly that the change in sulfur content impacts engines greatly, especially those not made to handle that change.  Some of the stories on the wonder of the Marvel ability and treatment seemed more than reasonable but the man is clearly honest and means well.

I hope Dr. C puts on the forum his experience with the generator engine failure in case there is something in there that I, we, could use to prevent such a mess as he had.  If he does not have the time, maybe I will try but I think need it directly from him as the repair shop gave quite a story of a domino effect to cause the failure.  I had just simply thought it due to low coolant.

THANKS to both of you!  <Mike

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Re: Generator Fuel Additives

Reply #4 – June 21, 2013, 04:41:47 pm

Mike,

Here is an good article and test of different fuel additives: Lubricity Additive Study Results - Diesel Place : Chevrolet and GMC Diesel Truck

According to the article, Marvel is ranked 17th which is why I mentioned it. I do add Opti-Lube XPD to a tank quite often. It is their #1 ranked additive. Since we are in the mountains with nothing but up and down for a long way, I always arrive home and leave home with about 12 gallons in the fuel tank. Like to have something in the tank to kill any bugs that might grow on any water/fuel interface the large amount of air may have introduced from condensation.

Anytime the main engine filters are changed because of algae, the generator needs to have it's filter changed.

I thought your friend's generator engine failure might be heat related. This is one of the reasons I added the temp gauge to the engine. Much better still would be having a sender installed and wired to a cabin/instrument panel gauge. A lot of generators have an automatic shut-down for low oil pressure, low coolant or high temp. Cheap insurance.

The 10Kw generator has a couple of hoses that have very tight bends. Seems as if a better hose or path could have been designed in the installation.

Pierce

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Re: Generator Fuel Additives

Reply #5 – June 21, 2013, 11:08:50 pm

I like to use Power Service for a bit of cetane boost

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