Question, for a 2002 7.3 at 160k is running injector cleaner (Lucas) in every tank good or should a visit to the dealer for a good cleaning a better idea?

 

The fuel is blown outta the nozzles at up to 20,000 PSI (not a typo - 20K PSI). Injectors need lube and cetane more than they need cleaner (because of the diesel reformulation after our trucks were built).

 

Try some Bio-Diesel for a good cleaning and extra lube as well!!

 

Cleaner, yes. Lucas, no.

Don't bother taking it to a dealer. Its not like they pull the injectors and do some crazy wire brush cleaning... The Motorcraft fuel additive is good stuff. A healthy chunk of people use Diesel Kleen.

Most cleaners include a cetane booster as well... But you don't really need it. There is a federal mandate on minimum cetane levels (ASTM D975, cetane 40) and many states boost it. For example CA has higher cetane requirements, 53. You can add cetane booster to CA diesel fuel, but the benefit of cetane booster plateaus after about 50. Diesels operate best at cetane of 40-55. Cetane is similar to octane in that it helps control ignition.

 

Lucas in the fuel or oil isn't a good thing for these trucks. Had to replace 2 injectors and dilute the rest of the lucas out of a tank on a 6.0.

I've used bio, Powerservice Diesel Kleen, Howe's diesel treat, Ford's PM-22a additive, diesel power!, Hot Shot secret fuel additive, and quite a few others. If you're concerned that your injectors may be dirty or have deposits, the only one I've found that effectively cleans injectors and eliminates deposits is Stanadyne's Performance Injector cleaner.

When I bought my 2005 Excursion, it wasn't very well taken care of by the previous owner and the injectors needed some love on the oil and fuel side. The oil side was cleaned up quite well by Archoil 9100, but the fuel side was cleaned up with Stanadyne's Performance Injector cleaner. When I first bought the truck, I noticed that it didn't start, run, and drive as it should; it also seemed like there was some power left on the table. After running AR9100 on the oil side, power recovered tremendously, but after running Stanadyne's cleaner, power completely recovered and it sounded and drove like a 6.0 should.

I've run Stanadyne's cleaner on my 7.3 Excursion as well and it too sounds, runs, and drives better after the treatment.

You can find it at Autozone for around $12.99 and one bottle treats 50 gallons.

 

Bio Diesel is best, Opti-Lube pretty much 2nd. Standadyne is good, and is readily available (unlike Opti-Lube). Stay away from Marvel Mystery Oil. Did wonders on my grandpa's 1970 Massey Ferguson leaded-fuel tractor, but nothing much more than snake-oil on these diesels. What did it do for my grandpa's tractor? Don't know, but he said it did wonders. NEVER QUESTION GRANDPA, or you'll get a good lickin' for being a smart-mouth!

 

I have had other diesels in the past and used the redline diesel fuel addative. it worked great. Is it okay to use on a 6.0 Powerstroke 2003 model??

 

Here's the research, attached. In summary:

In Order Of Performance:
1) 2% REG SoyPower bio-diesel
HFRR 221, 415 micron improvement.
2) Opti-Lube XPD
HFRR 317, 319 micron improvement.
3) FPPF RV, Bus, SUV Diesel/Gas Fuel Treatment
HFRR 439, 197 micron improvement
4) Opti-Lube Summer Blend
HFRR 447, 189 micron improvement
5) Opti-Lube Winter Blend
HFRR 461, 175 micron improvement
6) Schaeffer Diesel Treat 2000
HFRR 470, 166 micron improvement
7) Super Tech Outboard 2-Cycle TC-W3 Engine Oil
HFRR 474, 162 micron improvement
8) Stanadyne Lubricity Formula
HFRR 479, 157 micron improvement
9) Amsoil Diesel Concentrate
HFRR 488, 148 micron improvement
10) Power Service Diesel Kleen + Cetane Boost
HFRR 575, 61 micron improvement
11) Howe’s Meaner Power Kleaner
HFRR 586, 50 micron improvement
12) Stanadyne Performance Formula
HFRR 603, 33 micron improvement
13) Used Motor Oil, Shell Rotella T 15W-40, 5,000 miles used.
Unconventional
(Not ULSD compliant, may damage systems)
HFRR 634, 2 micron improvement (statistically insignificant change)
14) Lucas Upper Cylinder Lubricant
FRR 641, 5 microns worse than baseline (statistically insignificant
change)
15) B1000 Diesel Fuel Conditioner by Milligan Biotech
HFRR 644, 8 microns worse than baseline (statistically insignificant
change)
16) FPPF Lubricity Plus Fuel Power
HFRR 675, 39 microns worse than baseline fuel
17) Marvel Mystery Oil
(NOT ULSD compliant, may damage
2007 and newer systems)
HFRR 678, 42 microns worse than baseline fuel.
18) ValvTect Diesel Guard Heavy Duty/Marine Diesel Fuel Additive
HFRR 696, 60 microns worse than baseline fuel
19) Primrose Power Blend 2003
HFRR 711, 75 microns worse than baseline

 

Thanks for all the great information. Not really trying to fix a problem just wanting to take care of my 7.3.