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Oil additive and Fuel Additive?

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Old Oct 28, 2018 | 12:10 PM
  #1  
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Oil additive and Fuel Additive?

For fuel i just add the anti-gel and the Diesel Kleen by power service. But what's everyone doing for oil. Mine has a cold heart and is rough to start when it's cold. i seen people been adding 2 stroke additive but wondering what will work best to help. Heard 2 stroke and ATF.
 
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Old Oct 28, 2018 | 12:35 PM
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I use this stuff: Archoil Performance Kit P-1 for All Vehicles - 16oz AR9100 Friction Modifier + 16oz AR6200 Fuel Treatment
Amazon Amazon

The Archoil 9100 (fuel) lubricants, kills algae, cleans, I use it with every fill up.
The Archoil 6200 (oil) is a friction modifier, it really makes a difference with the injectors sticking, which is a 6.0 problem more than a. 7.3L. Since I switched to the Triax oil 5w/40 I quit using the AR6200. BOTH of these products work, a buddy using the 6200 in his 6.0 that had serious cold starting issues, within 100 miles there was/is a substantial improvement in cold starts. But honestly that was probably more of a 6.0l stiction problem than what you’re dealing with.
There’s a lot of good products out there, some are sitting on a shelf easy to buy others like Archoil needs to be a planned purchase.

Regarding cold starts, I think you’re better off stitching the wound than putting a band-aid on it. Grab your multimeter, check your GPR, GP’s, check the cord on the block heater. How many miles on the truck aka injectors? Maybe time for a buzz test.
 
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Old Oct 28, 2018 | 01:32 PM
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I agree with John on this one. Cold starting 7.3’s taxes a lot of system more then needed especially batteries. Test the wires and such like mentioned it’s well worth it. Also check battery cables and especially the block grounds. Clean throughly and install a star washer behind the cables so that get a good bite. My current engine has been starting up better then ever and that’s worth gold in the cold weather.
 
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Old Oct 28, 2018 | 02:55 PM
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I run a fuel additive to improve the cetane level but do not use any oil additives. Best to run the weight/brand of oil that the truck likes best. A lot of engineering goes into design of the motor oil and I just figure that the engineers know way more about oil chemistry than I ever will.
 
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Old Oct 29, 2018 | 12:50 PM
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I've been running Amsoil diesel fuel additive to keep the original injectors happy. For oil I put in two bottles of Rev-X while running Rotella 15W-40. Once that oil is used up I'm switching to Triax, which is synthetic, and don't plan to use an oil additive anymore. Since Triax is slightly thinner at 5w-40, I will see if there are any oil leaks that need to be fixed first. My transmission pan stays wet, but I think it's with engine oil...
 
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Old Oct 29, 2018 | 04:53 PM
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The only thing ever needed for fuel additives is cetane/lubricity booster (anti-gel when needed in winter time).

When it comes to oil additives, I'm of the opinion that they should never be used. Oil that meets/exceeds Ford's specs provide all the protection that is necessary. There is no 3rd party independent study that proves oil additives help with anything. Everything out there is marketing material only. If there was something that actually worked and it was proven, auto makers would brand it and sell it at their dealerships (note that Ford labels and sells fuel additives and anti-gel for example because those are proven to work).

If there is a problem and additives seem to help (cold start, knocking, injector not firing, etc), then the additives aren't fixing anything, they are simply covering up an issue that needs repair.

Keep in mind that many additives can change the properties of the oil out of Ford specs. If you go away from Ford specs to make a sound go away or to coax an injector to fire when cold, there's a very real possibility you could be causing damage elsewhere.

To the OP, your best bet is to find out why you are having cold start issues and get that fixed. It could be time for glow plugs and/or relay. If you have a lot of miles and still have the original injectors, then perhaps the poppet valves are worn and your armature clearance decreased to the point that you are having cold start/cold running issues.
 
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Old Oct 29, 2018 | 10:15 PM
  #7  
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I like Hot Shot Secrets line of products.
I live in So. Cal so anti gel is not applicable.
They have it all. If you want to ck them out.
 
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Old Oct 30, 2018 | 09:44 AM
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Originally Posted by Pocket
The only thing ever needed for fuel additives is cetane/lubricity booster (anti-gel when needed in winter time).

When it comes to oil additives, I'm of the opinion that they should never be used. Oil that meets/exceeds Ford's specs provide all the protection that is necessary. There is no 3rd party independent study that proves oil additives help with anything. Everything out there is marketing material only. If there was something that actually worked and it was proven, auto makers would brand it and sell it at their dealerships (note that Ford labels and sells fuel additives and anti-gel for example because those are proven to work).

If there is a problem and additives seem to help (cold start, knocking, injector not firing, etc), then the additives aren't fixing anything, they are simply covering up an issue that needs repair.

Keep in mind that many additives can change the properties of the oil out of Ford specs. If you go away from Ford specs to make a sound go away or to coax an injector to fire when cold, there's a very real possibility you could be causing damage elsewhere.

To the OP, your best bet is to find out why you are having cold start issues and get that fixed. It could be time for glow plugs and/or relay. If you have a lot of miles and still have the original injectors, then perhaps the poppet valves are worn and your armature clearance decreased to the point that you are having cold start/cold running issues.
Agreed 1000 percent. Fuel adds are up to discretion of the owner, but oils adds should NEVER be used with our trucks. The HEUI systems don't like them and stiction is not an issue with 7.3 injectors. That is a 6.0 problem. But, that being said, it seems people get fuzzy feelings with additives and use them all the time, so more power to them I guess. There are many half million mile OBS and SD 7.3s on the road that have only had conventional oil changes and straight diesel fuel put in them. The only time I add a fuel add is when it gets down to the zero temps just because winter blend fuel doesn't always do its job.
 
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Old Oct 31, 2018 | 10:44 AM
  #9  
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I ran additives in the oil at first, seemed to help mask other problems. Really, I just needed new injectors. After injectors, I run straight 15w40 and it starts right up no problem on cold days... no additives. If you simply run t6 5w30 it will help with cold starts too.

Before injectors, check your glow plugs, relay (recommend Stancor), batteries. etc. As Pocket said, if you have high miles (150k or more) it may be time to look at your injectors.

I run Archoil in fuel, though it has gotten pricey since they changed the quantity of it you need to add. I'll be looking for a cheaper alternative after this bottle runs out.
 
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Old Oct 31, 2018 | 12:52 PM
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"I run Archoil in fuel,"

I have been running Stanadyne (sp?) for the increased lubricity for the injectors. There are others out there as well that may rate higher in lubricity but not sure how they compare overall in other factors, but the Stanadyne was developed the the makers of our fuel injectors.
 
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Old Oct 31, 2018 | 12:57 PM
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We don't need fuel additives....but if ya wanna drop the coin, keep on.

 
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Old Oct 31, 2018 | 12:57 PM
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I’m currently running LE(Lubrication Engineers) fuel additive and 15W-40 engine oil in my 7.3 and 6.0L and haven’t had an issue with anything. LE has a summer additive and a winter additive for your fuel. I have had great luck with both.
 
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Old Oct 31, 2018 | 07:14 PM
  #13  
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Originally Posted by hydro man 17
"I run Archoil in fuel,"

I have been running Stanadyne (sp?) for the increased lubricity for the injectors. There are others out there as well that may rate higher in lubricity but not sure how they compare overall in other factors, but the Stanadyne was developed the the makers of our fuel injectors.
Good to know! I'll check them out.

I do notice 1-2 mpg better fuel economy with the archoil but I'm not sure the extra cost of it works out to that being a benefit. I'm getting 15 MPG hauling a 2500 lb truck camper that's like an 11 ft tall billboard.
 
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Old Oct 31, 2018 | 07:51 PM
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I run the Archoil 6200 (Fuel) because it takes care of pretty much all the fuel related issues we run into: algae, water, lubrication etc.

This is from their site because I’m lazy...
  • Combustion Modifier: A more complete combustion improves efficiency, power and response
  • Lubricant: Protects fuel pump and injectors from wear and failure, lubricates upper cylinder
  • Dispersant/Detergent: Helps dissolve sludge and other fuel system deposits. Restores degraded fuel
  • Stabilizer: Enables extended fuel storage
  • Corrosion Inhibitor: Protects the fuel system from corrosion
  • Biocide: Eliminates microbial growth (algae, bacteria)
  • Demulsifier: Improves water separator effectiveness
 
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Old Nov 1, 2018 | 03:00 PM
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I run Archoil in both my fuel and oil, and I'm one fo those who went from 15mpg to 17.5mpg with a 7.3.

So much can be said about cold starts.... but good clean oil is a must in COLD weather.

I'll park my truck out in the cold, which it seldoms gets here in Atlanta.... Just so I'll know, if there is an issue, before I find myself stranded out in the woods.

Every truck is different.... depends on how well it's been maintained... not everyone can eat off the engine like Sous....
 
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