ATF Fuel Additive
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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 10,247
Likes: 7,667
From: Chino Valley, Arizona
All great comments but I would like to address a few things.
First off, I have 4 gallons of new ATF sitting in my garage that will not get used otherwise. I was thinking this was a good way to get rid of it. I don't think it will be an ongoing additive at least not with hard regularity.
Second, I fully agree with adding a secondary fuel filtration system. I have added an electric high volume pump with a two filter system. With the diesel today, you can't be too careful.
Lastly, our trucks (mid to late 90s) were intended to be run on low sulfur diesel. The new fuels out there are ultra low sulfur which means less lubrication. Many areas of California only have bio diesel mixtures with can be harmful to older diesel engines. They claim to be "green" and cause lower fuel consumption but I have found that they actually cause worse fuel mileage for my truck and it also seems to run a bit more rough. I've been told by diesel mechanics that our older trucks were never meant to run these new types of fuels. Adding ATF or other lubricants to the fuel will extend injector and overall engine life.
My intent for this post was to see if others are seeing the same things or running ATF or similar additives with newer hybrid injectors. I am filling up my tanks this weekend to tow the 5th wheel out to the coast. I will be adding 1qt of ATF into each tank and report back on my findings.
First off, I have 4 gallons of new ATF sitting in my garage that will not get used otherwise. I was thinking this was a good way to get rid of it. I don't think it will be an ongoing additive at least not with hard regularity.
Second, I fully agree with adding a secondary fuel filtration system. I have added an electric high volume pump with a two filter system. With the diesel today, you can't be too careful.
Lastly, our trucks (mid to late 90s) were intended to be run on low sulfur diesel. The new fuels out there are ultra low sulfur which means less lubrication. Many areas of California only have bio diesel mixtures with can be harmful to older diesel engines. They claim to be "green" and cause lower fuel consumption but I have found that they actually cause worse fuel mileage for my truck and it also seems to run a bit more rough. I've been told by diesel mechanics that our older trucks were never meant to run these new types of fuels. Adding ATF or other lubricants to the fuel will extend injector and overall engine life.
My intent for this post was to see if others are seeing the same things or running ATF or similar additives with newer hybrid injectors. I am filling up my tanks this weekend to tow the 5th wheel out to the coast. I will be adding 1qt of ATF into each tank and report back on my findings.
#1 these trucks run just fine on bio, I make my own bio diesel and run B100 except for Jan, Feb and March. my truck is at 320,000 miles, rosewood injectors installed around 150,000
#2 the red dye in ATF is the same dye in off road diesel, if you ever get checked you will have to convince them it is ATF or pay the tax evasion fees.
ps. I have run a lot of ATF in my trucks, I always throe the empty bottle in the bed of the truck.
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 152
Likes: 32
2 things!
#1 these trucks run just fine on bio, I make my own bio diesel and run B100 except for Jan, Feb and March. my truck is at 320,000 miles, rosewood injectors installed around 150,000
#2 the red dye in ATF is the same dye in off road diesel, if you ever get checked you will have to convince them it is ATF or pay the tax evasion fees.
ps. I have run a lot of ATF in my trucks, I always throe the empty bottle in the bed of the truck.
#1 these trucks run just fine on bio, I make my own bio diesel and run B100 except for Jan, Feb and March. my truck is at 320,000 miles, rosewood injectors installed around 150,000
#2 the red dye in ATF is the same dye in off road diesel, if you ever get checked you will have to convince them it is ATF or pay the tax evasion fees.
ps. I have run a lot of ATF in my trucks, I always throe the empty bottle in the bed of the truck.
Homemade bio diesel is much different to the mass produced product available at the pumps. Super processed and pumped full of solvents and other chemicals that dry it out. Homemade is much more natural and has better lubricating qualities. If I made my own, I wouldn't be worried but I haven't started that process yet.
i ain't rite
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 65,481
Likes: 5,542
From: Marlboro Mental Hospital.
it is the detergents in the ATF that clean the injectors.
a trick we preach with the IDI diesels is to fill the filter with ATF, fire the engine and idle for 30-45 seconds, than shut it off for 24 to 36 hours. than fire it up and drive it like you stole it to blow all the crud out of the injector pump and injectors.
it is amazing the difference after ATF treatment.
a trick we preach with the IDI diesels is to fill the filter with ATF, fire the engine and idle for 30-45 seconds, than shut it off for 24 to 36 hours. than fire it up and drive it like you stole it to blow all the crud out of the injector pump and injectors.
it is amazing the difference after ATF treatment.
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 152
Likes: 32
***UPDATE***
I added 1 quart of tranny fluid to each tank, front and rear before filling up. We did two trips towing my 36' 12k fifth wheel. The truck seemed to run a bit smoother and quieter (even my fiancee noticed and didn't know that I had added anything to the fuel). I also can report about a 1-2MPG difference while towing and a bit more power going uphill. EGTs were slightly lower but I think that is due to the cool weather. Overall it seemed to be positive all around so I may continue until I run out of the stockpile of ATF I have on hand. Thanks y'all for the input.
I added 1 quart of tranny fluid to each tank, front and rear before filling up. We did two trips towing my 36' 12k fifth wheel. The truck seemed to run a bit smoother and quieter (even my fiancee noticed and didn't know that I had added anything to the fuel). I also can report about a 1-2MPG difference while towing and a bit more power going uphill. EGTs were slightly lower but I think that is due to the cool weather. Overall it seemed to be positive all around so I may continue until I run out of the stockpile of ATF I have on hand. Thanks y'all for the input.
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MONAVIERONJON
1999 - 2003 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
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Apr 1, 2014 10:53 AM
