Was talking with a couple guys last week, and they were talking about getting set up to filter out ATF and start running that in their trucks. Has anybody heard anything about this? Ive looked around the web and doesnt seem to be that popular of a alternative if at all. Looking to find out anything I can on the subject.

Thank You,
S

 

Well, if ATF stands for Automatic Trans fluid, and its the red stuff, don't do it.

The dye they use to make atf red is the same dye that is used to mark off road fuel.

If they test your fuel and find that dye signature, you get fined. Doesnt matter what your excuse is.

 

that woild be expensive alternative fuel.

 

well the whole idea behind it would be to use filtered recycled ATF from small shops around, they usually pay people to take it off their hands when it comes to a couple hundred gallons worth. I understand where your coming from with the red dye and all. However I dont hear about many people around here getting checked.

 

No filter process will take out all the "nasties" in ANY used oil. There are sub-micron particles and acids in used oil that will ruin your engine.

 

i have also heard of people runninga quart of ATF to clen the fuel system. I have personally never done this but i do know someone who does it whenever he changes his oil. he has a 2k PSD work truck with over 300k on the clock.I will say that his truck has been thru its share of injectors....7 I think so far! I just stick to the products designed to do this and all is safe and comforting!

 

When I used to drive big trucks before they started putting computers in them we used to put a qt of tranny fluid in each tank to clean the injectors. I would never do that to my psd let alone run it on used tranny fluid its not even oil.

 

when i do a sevice(every 15000miles) on my big trucks we fill the filters with atf.acts like an injector cleaner,but these are B model cats with no computers.i wouldnt do it on any thing computerized.

 

If you run BD your injectors will stay clean

 

That's an old school method of cleaning injectors, but there is a big difference between adding a single quart of new fluid and trying to operate the vehicle entirely on reclaimed hydraulic fluid. Sure it will burn, but the potential downsides more than offset the cost in fuel savings IMO.

 

I have filled the fuel filter with ATF (to prevent a dry draw) every 5,000 miles, during my routine changing of the fuel filter, air filter, and oil filter (along with new oil) with no problems. Clean fuel, air, and oil make a happy diesel engine. I have even put one quart of ATF in each tank, at this schedule, for 115,000 miles within a five year time frame. Truck now has 285,000 with no engine or fuel problems. Is it because it does not have the computers? I deal with a nation wide company (only dealing with International heavy duty trucks) who use ATF when they change fuel filters. I am confused? However, results speak volumes. Please chime in if I am incorrect, one experience does not apply to all applications.
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1988-F250-7.3 IDI-C6 Auto-3.55 rear end

 

I quess it depends on if the ATF is used, or new.

 

I think the problem lies with the high pressure fuel system of the 6.0 and the different style injectors used. This is where the problem with the ATF fluid would come in.

 

A an auto mechanic, I have access to used trans fluid from doing trans flushes. I'm running it in my 97 powerstroke. I'm up to 90% trans fluid in my fuel tank. I can not tell any difference in power or noise or smoke or anything. You'd never know it! It's just free fuel...of course it's ONLY used for farm use in the fields!

 

Welcome to Ford Truck Enthusiasts!!

How long have you been running hydraulic fluid as a fuel? Do you filter it in any way or just dump it in?