Fuel additive
Former Vendor
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 243
Likes: 0
From: Central Ohio
I think there is definitely a place for lubricity and cetane additives for today's fuel for yesterday's trucks. As mentioned before, when they took the sulfur out, they had to put some lubrication back into the fuel. There have been instances of these lubricity additives being incompatible with the fuel, creating what is called IDID's (internal diesel injector deposits). We actually created our Diesel Extreme for that specific issue. It is just a bi-annual treatment, but I tell customers that even if they don't use our EDT (everyday diesel treatment) to use some sort of lubricity additive every tank.
Hotshot
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 10,590
Likes: 382
From: Texas
I think there is definitely a place for lubricity and cetane additives for today's fuel for yesterday's trucks. As mentioned before, when they took the sulfur out, they had to put some lubrication back into the fuel. There have been instances of these lubricity additives being incompatible with the fuel, creating what is called IDID's (internal diesel injector deposits). We actually created our Diesel Extreme for that specific issue. It is just a bi-annual treatment, but I tell customers that even if they don't use our EDT (everyday diesel treatment) to use some sort of lubricity additive every tank.
I am guessing I will at least continue to use the white bottle PS when we move back to Texas just because the winter temps can tend to get down Jan-Feb. I have also been told that winter diesel fuel gets less mileage than summer blends. Is this true?
Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 8,476
Likes: 37
From: Madison, WI
"The deal" is that "tank" is a meaningless unit of measure. Fuel economy is defined as distance driven divided by volume of fuel consumed. Only fairly precise numbers for both will provide a meaningful result.
But even if you use a wild guesstimate like 15-16 gallons for a tank fill-up, even your usual mileage is pretty bad. 240 miles over 16 gallons is 15 MPG. Def. something to look into, separate from whatever additive(s) you choose to use. But again, that's based on an assumption (15-16 gallons) that may be significantly off, in either direction. To coin a phrase, "your mileage may vary...."
Yes, winter blend fuel is less efficient.
But even if you use a wild guesstimate like 15-16 gallons for a tank fill-up, even your usual mileage is pretty bad. 240 miles over 16 gallons is 15 MPG. Def. something to look into, separate from whatever additive(s) you choose to use. But again, that's based on an assumption (15-16 gallons) that may be significantly off, in either direction. To coin a phrase, "your mileage may vary...."
Yes, winter blend fuel is less efficient.
Hotshot
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 10,590
Likes: 382
From: Texas
"The deal" is that "tank" is a meaningless unit of measure. Fuel economy is defined as distance driven divided by volume of fuel consumed. Only fairly precise numbers for both will provide a meaningful result. But even if you use a wild guesstimate like 15-16 gallons for a tank fill-up, even your usual mileage is pretty bad. 240 miles over 16 gallons is 15 MPG. Def. something to look into, separate from whatever additive(s) you choose to use. But again, that's based on an assumption (15-16 gallons) that may be significantly off, in either direction. To coin a phrase, "your mileage may vary...." Yes, winter blend fuel is less efficient.
Laughing Gas
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 855
Likes: 5
From: Central Oregon
This is pretty interesting. Thanks for the insight. I always want to know what's going with the fuel I put in my truck. I always make sure I get it from a place that goes through quite a bit so that its as fresh as can be.I saw some guys talk about this on a truck show I watch occasionally. Its supposed to be pretty good stuff, but I have not tried it. On another note, I put some silver bottle pS thsi last fill-up that I ahd leftover from the summer trip. I might get flamed for this,but I really did get lower mileage than I usually get. I know I get 220 on the rear tank and 240 on the front tank, give or take 5 miles. Well, yesterday, on my way back from John's place, my rear tank only got 185! I am not sure what the deal is there, but....hmmmm
I usually get less fuel taking the 8 back home due to all the grades and I'm rushing to get home after a long hunt.
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Hotshot
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 10,590
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From: Texas
Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 2,227
Likes: 149
From: Higginsville, MO
The guy who thinks 15 mpg in a one ton is bad makes me laugh lol one ton with 4 speed automatic and 4.10 gears 15 is just fine lol sometimes I get up around 18 but consistent Avg is 15.5 - 16.5
Hotshot
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 10,590
Likes: 382
From: Texas
I agree. 15 seems pretty good to me for my set up. I have gotten is good as 18.3 hand calced, but that was with the tailwind on the highway doing 65 the entire time.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,645
Likes: 4
.... On a 50 degree day, with fresh fuel, fresh fuel filter, fresh oil, new injectors, new wheel bearings, 55 psi in all tires, new gear oil, new center bearing..... Lol just kidding Byron... I couldn't resist....
Hotshot
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 10,590
Likes: 382
From: Texas
Exactly Corey! I always laugh when someone comes on with "oh I get 50 mpg, what's the problem?"But seriously, I got that mileage back in Jan when we went to Texas and I drove one leg with the CC on set at 65 and didn't budge. It was near perfect conditions...flat, tailwind, sunny, no A/C running
It worked, but man it took FOREVER to get to the next fuel stop it felt like! Needless to say, I did the rest of the trip at 70-75 and got 15 pretty consistently. I always hand calc it to. I just take miles divided by gallons used every time. That's how I know that getting 225 on the rear tank is what it should get....SHOULD get. It always takes right at 15 to fill up and 16 for the front. I could squeeze 17 in the front I guess, but never do. I go 225 on the rear tank and 240 on the front every time. I guess that' about to change though with winter blends 
Hotshot
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 15,014
Likes: 35
From: Semper Fi tell I die!
if you flick a bugger in your tank when filling up it will give the pump extra lube, then all your dreams will come true and you will find a unicorn in your garage and a pot of gold in your toilet.
Hotshot
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 10,590
Likes: 382
From: Texas
And thanks for the useless post