As the title suggests, I'm wondering why I need (or don't need) to add something to the fuel in my new truck. I'm less concerned at this point with brands, I just need to know whether or not to use them.
What are they supposed to do?
How often do you use them?
How much?
Just fuel additives or are there oil additives I need to think about?
Any others?

I did a search and didn't see a dedicated thread. Sorry if it's a re-hash.
Thanks!

 

I bought my 2011 6.7 F-250 new in December 2010 and 21 months or so later have never added additives to the fuel or oil. I use regular diesel most times but the odd time use Shell diesel premium in the summer and a bit more in the winter. Never had any problems.

Some people on the forums use the additives but I wonder if it is really necessary? I have about 53,000 miles on my truck with very little towing involved. And it has never been suggested by the Ford dealership.

 

2 reasons why people use fuel additives, 1st. to increase the fuel cetane rating. Cetane ratings vary all across the country from 40 to 50 some states and cities have mandates on higher cetane numbers, California and larger cities in Texas have mandates. The higher the number the better the engine runs, especially in winter months. 2nd. to add lubricity to the fuel which is beneficial to HPCR injector pumps, some states like mine (Pa.) have a biofuel mandate and all fuel sold must have a minimum of 2% bio so using a additive which increases lubricity is a waste of money. Many states are now mandating biodiesel and there is no known additive that will supply the lubricity that just 2% bio has. I only use a cetane booster (PM-22) during the winter months where it helps the most.

Added: Some diesel owners will add a antigel in winter, but I have never had to add any even down to below 0 as the refineries do a good job blending winterized fuel in my area.

 

I use a additive in my truck for one main reason. Because I know in my world there is no constant. Fuel even within spec will vary in viscosity due to small amounts of water or if a tanker truck had gas in it previously and was not emptied all the way and then filled with diesel for delivery. There are several variables and those are just a few. I think most people get caught up in the term "lubricity" when in fact its mostly the viscosity of the product or in this case fuel that keeps the internal parts of the HPFP from coming in contact with each other which intern helps to lubricate the pump. The positive displacement pump on our trucks require a certain amount of pressure to hydraulically load the internal parts and keep them from coming in contact, this is referred to as the PV Limit and is calculated using the viscosity of the fluid. So lower viscosity means the PV limit of the internal parts will be exceeded at higher rpm's. So back to why use a additive. Because it helps to maintain the correct viscosity when the fuel may not be quite to spec. The other added features are that it does help the cetane rating which makes the motor burn more efficiently.

In the days we are in where companies are trying to make cuts and save a dollar, I 'm sorry if I don't trust big oil companies to do the write thing until there caught or forced to. The greed of the human race in general dictates otherwise.

 

Very good summary, now the million dollar question...What do you use and how often?

I am also new to the diesel world, love the truck, beats the hell out of my old GMC. Been on 2 camping trips so far, pull like there is nothing behine her.

 

Rod

I use Optilube XPD, about 8 ounces every fill up which is usually at about a quarter tank or 16-18 gallons. Equates to almost 1/2 oz. per gallon which is what they recommend.

I use this because it scored second highest in the wear scar test back in 07. Until there is another test done with multiple additives that is what I'll go by. Unless of coarse a manufacture wants to do a study themselves and publish what their product can do.

 

Ha Ha You made a funny.....................I don't remember threads much more hashed out than this. It gets to the fuel pump debate. but I always use Pm22 at about 4oz to 15 gallons, a little richer than directed

 

So from your post I gather you don't let the tank get below half-empty very often, and you add the Optilube with each fill-up, in the recommended amount.

So that brings me to the potential for water in the fuel. I get it- buy fuel from a store that moves a lot of it so water doesn't get a chance to build up in the tanks. That's perfectly understandable. Does Optilube (and the other additives) also help to prevent water build-up in this particular truck's fuel tank?

 

You're correct, but many of the threads where these things are debated don't start out that way. They might start out with a question about getting bird droppings off the truck and morph into a debate about why Shell diesel is better than Exxon. I didn't want to read a bunch of threads to find the answers to my questions. Besides, I was posting from work, so my research time is somewhat limited.

 

I only have the 25 gallon tank so It's down to about a quarter tank when I refill.

The Optilube dispereses water so that it won't allow the fuel to hold anymore water than it would in its natural state. So they claim. You want to stay away from any additive that contains alcohol or emerses the water into the fuel.

As for preventing build up I don't think any additive can do that. It would depend on the relative humidity in your area, how long the truck might sit with the tank below half full as to allow condensation and of coarse if you filled up at a station with bad fuel. I live in Florida where the Humidity usually hangs out at about 70 to 80% which is about as high as it can get without raining. I drain about every 2 weeks (just my preference) and have never seen water in the fuel after 15,000 miles.

 

Don't get me wrong, I like reading on this subject. It is one that I can use. I have a couple of questions myself.
My use of PM22 is a little heavy. 40z to about 12-15 gallons. Does it cause harm like combustion too early or late? Too much lube for moving parts if possible? My mileage has dropped about 2.5 mpg since new.
Is PM22 as toxic as the bottle seems to claim everything except a hazmat suit.

 

Heres a nice read with some supporting information.

XPD Opti-Lube XPD Diesel fuel additive and fuel improver

Hi Stu

 

So just to be clear, these 2 types of Opticlean are virtually the same, but the winter blend has an anti-gel substance in it???


Wait, there is a difference:
one says 'summer blend' and the other 'XPD' other than that, is there a difference?

Also, when do I need to think about anti-gel? Let's face it, I live in VA and, while it does freeze on occassion, it rarely stays freezing for more than a day or so.

 

For the states with the bio blend requirement, the lubricity issues should be covered.

Should I be using an additive for the demulsifying purposes?

 

From what I've heard Bio tends to hold more water, so if that's true I would.