Foretravel Owners' Forum For owners and Fans of Foretravel Motorcoaches September 13, 2025 ...

Fuel supplements

December 28, 2017, 12:28:08 pm

There is a thread going on about water in fuel, and rather than hijacking that, I will ask the question here.
What additives are commonly used, how much/often and why?  I've read about people who use biocides and cleaners, what else is out there?
On my motorcycle forum, asking about oil leads to "vigorously" debating your position.  Wonder if that will happen here?

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Re: Fuel supplements

Reply #1 – December 28, 2017, 12:49:33 pm

I used some additives when I first got my MH in 2008, but quit and have not had any problems.  Water tends to mix with diesel when the coach is in motion and get used.  I do keep the tank full to minimize condensation due to temperature swings.  I read that biodiesel helps lube the fuel pump, but only a very small amount is needed to do that.  A lot of diesel now has some biodiesel in it.

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Re: Fuel supplements

Reply #2 – December 28, 2017, 01:00:35 pm

Search turns up 4 pages of prior discussion; here's one of the most recent 

Fuel additives?

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Re: Fuel supplements

Reply #3 – December 28, 2017, 01:03:29 pm

I find Sta-bil to be useful in gas treatment now that gasoline is a conglomerate of things that get stale quickly. I've used diesels for decades and never found an additive necessary although totally believe in polishing the fuel if it has been sitting for a long period to remove water and goop.



Wantabe

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Re: Fuel supplements

Reply #4 – December 28, 2017, 02:07:03 pm

I use opti-lube XPD  as a cetane booster and fuel injectors lube.  Engine and gen are smoother and quieter.

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Reply #5 – December 28, 2017, 02:11:43 pm

Have been using Diesel Kleen since we got the coach.

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Re: Fuel supplements

Reply #6 – December 28, 2017, 02:23:48 pm

OK, the ones recommended by Caterpillar and Cummins (yes, others are OPTIONAL):

If fuel is to be stored over 2 months in the summer or 3 months in the winter, add a BIOCIDE. Biobor JF is a common one and been around for many decades.

If you fill up in the fall (before below freezing temperatures) and live where the temperature will get below freezing, add an anti-gel.  PS brand is common and found in most Walmarts.

Also, fill up the tank before storing to reduce condensation.

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