I drive about 250 miles a month and that is if I drive it at all. Currently, my work is only a mile away so I walk to work. I am worried about water problems in the fuel. Should I use a fuel additive? Is so which one would be good? I went to the store and I think they had more additives than cereal at a supermarket.

 

we used 2 different additives in a marine environment. One a biocide to combat possible growth of algae, the other one an emulsifier against water contamination (specifically condensation).

I had a chance to talk to chemical engineers in the employ of fuel companies. It is amazing how much care and thought goes into the blending of diesel fuel. These folks do take their job seriously and are very aware of possible liabilities if anything goes wrong with their fuel.

So I never felt good about adding any additives to the fuel (who am I to screw into the handy work of expert chemical engineers), but then we never had a problem. Keep in mind though that marine diesels generally turn a lot slower than your PSD. Still, the injection pressures are the same and there is the problem area if you got water in your fuel. Water in the injection system is fatal and costs a lot of $ to fix.

I use no additives in my PSD, even though it occasionally stands for a few weeks. I just make sure my tank is full (really full, you can get quite a few more gallons into your tank after the nozzle kicks back the first time -read up on "diesel foaming" elsewhere in this forum-). With a full tank you have less chance of condensation.

You also have fuel / water separators on your truck. Drain them once a month.
AND!!! Change the fuel filters once a year, even though you will not have reached the mileage that calls for a change. Oil and filter change every six months, even though you might not have reached 3000 miles yet. (you say: “I drive about 250 miles a month and that is if I drive it at all”).

Now, I do have a serious concern and please do not take offence: If you only drive 250 miles a month, as you state, then maybe a diesel is not the right engine for you! Diesels need to work and run, else you are just asking for troubles.

One final piece of advice, if I may: Reputable fuel companies have consumer hotlines, call and ask to talk to a chemical engineer. Talk with him / her about the issue and follow their suggestions. The worst thing you could do in my opinion is to get a bunch of additives and start concocting your own brew.

Regards

 

If you're worried about water problems make sure to drain the water from the system more frequently. Also, add biocide to make sure algae doesn't have a chance to contaminate your fuel system.

 

Being in the military I move around alot so I wanted a comfortable ride to drag my trailer when I move. It just happens that this move I am only 1 mile from work. In a few months I will join those poor souls that have to make a 30 min commute.

Water seperator? I just realized I only got a gas engine manual. Thank god for Internet. I was able to download a diesel engine manual.

OK it says to allow the HFCM/FCM to drain for approx 25 sec or until clean fuel is observed. Does this mean to slowly unscrew the cap but not all the way or is there something that will keep the fuel from just gushing all over the place?

 

Remove the plug all the way. The fuel does not gush out, it just kinda flows out. But remember, don't have the engine running or the key turned on. Under these conditions that fuel would come out like a firehose.

 

Thanks. What do you do with the contaminated diesel? Is there a disposal pt I have to take it to?

 

well I live in the middle of nowhere so I just put mine in a metal bucket in the driveway add some newspaper light it and let it burn off. they may not like that in the city though.

 

I too am worried about not driving enough. 1300 miles in 2+ months and I forced myself to do it. 5 miles one way to work so I drive my 40 mpg car or HD (which is bad too). Best info I have is to keep the tank really full. When I do drive it, I try to go at least 50 miles. Does anyone feel pluging the engine block heater ALL the time when parked is a good idea or not?? I live in SoCal so it's not cold. I did buy I to tow my #7000 race trailer mostly in the summer months. Is Standyne additive good to leave in all the time? Thanks for the great info

 

Use Standyne year round ESPICALLY if the truck sits for long periods.
I live with the stuff; it really is not bad just plain on the rocks....
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It could cause you to break a little wind

 

LOL I just walked back into the house after puting Standyne Performance formula in my tank to find this thread taking an additive turn.

I second Tim, I use it in every tankfull. Oh and I tow a 9000 pound horsetrailer in the mts at least 3 days a week. 16000 miles with no problems

 

I forgot one other great use, my 123-barbecue sauce.

1 cup Stanadyne performance formula
2 cups brown sugar
3 cups Galliano Liqueur, install all ingredients together slowly simmer,
Taking lid off and stirring occasionally.

Once it has thickened place on stake of choice, caution while around open flame.
If the barbecue begins to really flame up, VERY GOOD possibility, drink the rest of the sauce. When finished you will not care a bit about eating.

 

Buzz where did you get the Standyne Performance formula? I am having a hard time finding it. Looked at Walmart, Oriely's, and Autozone. I could only find something called Power Services Diesel Fuel Supplement to help remove water and increase the certane

 

It's sold at fuel injector service shops, go to www.Stanadyne.com and use their dealer locator to find a source near you.

here is what I came up with
Viewing Records 1 to 8 of 8 [page has web links to dealers]

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Name City State Dealer Type
1 DIESEL SPECIALTIES, INC. GARDEN CITY KS Service Dealer
2 BELL ENGINE SERVICE, INC. GREAT BEND KS Service Dealer
3 DIESEL CONTROL TECHNICIANS HUTCHINSON KS Service Dealer
4 DIESEL & TURBO OF IOLA IOLA KS Service Dealer
5 DSS Pro-Diesel Overland Park KS Service Dealer
6 DIESEL EQUIPMENT SPECIALISTS, INC. SALINA KS Service Dealer
7 INJECTION AND TURBO, INC. TOPEKA KS Service Dealer
8 DIESEL EQUIPMENT SPECIALISTS, INC. WICHITA KS Service Dealer

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Viewing Records 1 to 8

 

It looks as though you have some places to buy it.
I have never known of the “normal” place you would think..to buy it……..have it!
That being Autozone and that type.