What is the take on fuel additives for diesel? Is it recomended or just a preference.

 

I use Power Service (gray bottle) at every fuel up. I do not add it seeking mileage increases. I am merely attempting to raise the cetane levels of whatever fuel I am purchasing, enhance (hopefully) injector life, and assist with the dissipation of any possible water contamination. I liken it to yet another insurance policy.

I typically am not concerned with fuel gel around here.

 

The '04 supplemental manual says "It should not be necessary to add any aftermarket additives to your fuel tank if you use a properly formulated diesel fuel that meets the ASTM D 975 industry specification. Aftermarket additives can damage the injector system or engine."

I have also seen a TSB or other official Ford doc recommending Stanadyne for something or other (can't remember what). I've been using Stanadyne All-Season in almost every fill up. I figure it can't hurt, and it might even be good for the injectors, engine, etc.

So I guess the answer is, it's both: recommended and a preference.

 

Aftermarket additives can damage the injector system or engine."

I wonder if Ford is concerned about people using alcohol based products which could be really, REALLY, bad. I could see where alcohol based products could impair / damage the injectors.

I know alcohol impairs my ability to do anything!

 

Heh. Well, I guess the operative word in Ford's manual is "can", which clearly differs from "will" and sorta depends on the quantity and type of additive. For example, alcoholic beverages "can" impair one's ability to do things, IF one drinks half a pint of 100 proof.

 

I use the Power Service gray bottle "Diesel Kleen". I use this because of a thread I read somewhere on this website that indicated that an additive like this would cut down on carbon buildup that could impair the egr system on the 6.0. I believe the author made a case that he was a tech in a European auto ahop where they had been experiencing problems with clogged emmision controls on their diesel engines and once the cleaning agents were introduced, the engines ran forever without the carbon buildup. The new low sulphur diesel that is mandated to be introduced in 2006 will only add to this problem. I think it just makes sense to keep the inside of this tempermental puppy as clean as possible.

 

I use Stanadyne with every tank. Did since new. Now 12K miles l live in So Cal with no "cold" requirements. Used the info I get here. Good luck.... 01-21-04 build, CC, SB, 2WD Auto. No reflashes, no problems, no complaints.

 

I spoke to Lucas oil products before I started adding anything and they convinced me to use it every fill up. 8oz. per 30gal. 30,000km no problems.

 

My personal favorite is Howes. I have used it for many years. I have also used Power Service (white bottle) and Rotella DFA with no complaints. I am not seeking a mileage increase, but rather to increase cetane, to help lubricate the fuel system, and help clean injector tips. The most important thing is to avoid additives with alcohol, as these will likely lead to the premature death of injectors.

 

Rescue Ram, do you use the grey bottle Power Service during winter months?
And, did you ever figure out the problem on your ambulance?

 

No, all that is available locally is the white bottle; and even it is scarse. Most places stock Howes around here.

No, I have not solved the problem with the '05 yet. We have not been able to duplicate the problem, and there are no codes stored when I checked. I took it to Ma Ford and they found nothing conclusive. We're going to let it ride for a bit and see if it starts to act up again. I suspect it is either the EGR valve or EBP being difficult.

On a side note, our '03 F-350 rescue went in today. I didn't get a chance to look at it before it was towed, but at the time of failure "it was smoking like a locomotive and making a loud clunk clunk clunk under the hood". I will start a thread about it tomorrow when I get the full story from a more mechanically inclined source. Who around here would be willing to run an Oasis on it? I want to see just which failures have been documented on it...

Sorry for the thread hijack

 

I have used Power Service since the first tank I put in my truck at normal rates, not max mixture and have so far (knocking on wood somewhere) have had no fuel system or related problems and very little if any water in separator. I have had no cold weather starting problems, of course cold here is 15 a few times in January and February. Don't know what the mileage increase would be, I have never run a tank without it, I use it for the normal reasons, cetane boost, water dissipation, injector and fuel pump lubrication.