mulelady: We used Texaco Dextron III at Del DOT. However, in a pinch, 10wt hydraulic oil works too (AKA Power Steering Fluid) as that is what ATF is, without the dye and additive packages. Dex 3 is good because of the detergents and rust inhibitors in the fluid.

johnsdiesel: We used red fuel at Del DOT anyway, since they are the State Highway orginization, untill they pulled the underground tanks and went to off site fueling. Further more, I am certainly not trying to dispute the findings or theories of anyone else on this board, as I am more of a car tech than a diesel tech, but I just wanted to let others know of my success. I agree that whenever you use anything in any other way than the reccomended use, you run the risk of damage, and just because it worked on HEUI injected and Roosamaster injected diesels in our fleet, does not mean that if you do this with another diesel that it might not harm it. Just posting my evidence.

 

Argo, I'm not trying to start an argument with you, just post the "other side" of things to people can make their own decision.

 

we never argue here and we do like both sides....

 

No, not at all! I know that you aren't trying to pick a fight! I am sorry if it appeared that way, as that was not my intention. I was trying to point out that you had raised some valid and realistic concerns, and that I had practical experience with doing this ATF thing. I know you weren't trying to start an argument, and I appologise if I seemed confrontational on that. Sometimes I get a bit passionate when I am writing, and I may have used a bit too much zeal.

 

No problem. I just wanted to clarify my purpose since the internet is very unpersonal and it's hard to read intent sometimes.

 

I run #1 Diesel and see temperatures of -40 / -60 and have seen the wind chill dip well below -100 (if it matters?). I use Power Service additive and have not had a problem with the fuel geiling up. Our winter fuel is strickly #1 and not #1/#2 mix. At least that is what I have been told by some at the locals from the refinery here. I might have been told bad info from those so I not sure of the exact mix. Most people of here us #1 fuel oil for heat that do not live near available natural gas and have no problems with the fuel geiling up and we are talking about a steady -40 / -50 for 4-6 weeks.

I guess it depends on what part of the country you live in when it comes to the mixture of the winter fuel. I havent heard from people that I know that own diesels about using ATF or Kereosene (At $9.00 a gallon I see why)as an additive. Most people use Power Service or Stanadyne. As for the truck stop; notice I listed it as singular, they have a single pump that states "For Big Rigs Only". It is listed as #1, same as the regular pump but cheaper. I do notice a drop in my MPG with #1 versus #2

I have also been told that we (the local refinery) does no place any dye in the fuel created locally. Once again not sure of the validity of that story.