Just curious
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Senior User
Joined: Dec 2006
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From: 80 Miles N of El Paso TX
Just curious
Hi,
My old man recently got a 90 F-250 4x4 7.3 with a Banks trbo & an automatic. I was just curious about cleaning out the fuel system with ATF. I've had a couple people who are kinda diesel mechanics tell me to pour a quart in the tank & fill the fuel filter up with it too. They claimed the truck will only run at half throttle & pour tons of black smoke, but it really cleans out the fuel system. Is there any merit in this, & if there is, how often should I do it? Thanks for taking time to raed this.
My old man recently got a 90 F-250 4x4 7.3 with a Banks trbo & an automatic. I was just curious about cleaning out the fuel system with ATF. I've had a couple people who are kinda diesel mechanics tell me to pour a quart in the tank & fill the fuel filter up with it too. They claimed the truck will only run at half throttle & pour tons of black smoke, but it really cleans out the fuel system. Is there any merit in this, & if there is, how often should I do it? Thanks for taking time to raed this.
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2009
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From: Phoenix
dont know about the half throttle thing, but after a tank of bad gas (to the point it would not idle), this board suggested the same thing and it worked like a charm....all i did was a quart in the filter, and then drove it like I stole it....lots of black smoke, but i swear it picked up some power, and better than that it actually started idleing again....it had gotten so bad I was ready to start replacing the expenxive parts. Another (more expensive) thing recommended was diesel kleen....haven't tried it, but dave s recommended it so i am sure it will work as well
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2003
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From: Nutter Fort, WV
If you use Type F tranny fluid which is red, it won't stain the tank.
But if you get dipped while it is in the tank, the red color may cause you problems.
With the fuel checks we have here, I just use Diesel Kleen.
6 bucks a jug versus 5000 dollar fine, Diesel Kleen is cheap.
Even if you go to court and beat the fine, you still miss a day of work, Diesel Kleen is still cheap.
But if you get dipped while it is in the tank, the red color may cause you problems.
With the fuel checks we have here, I just use Diesel Kleen.
6 bucks a jug versus 5000 dollar fine, Diesel Kleen is cheap.
Even if you go to court and beat the fine, you still miss a day of work, Diesel Kleen is still cheap.
Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2003
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From: Campbell River, B.C.
Yes, thats the idea. I've never had roadside checks like that where I live though so I guess it varies by region.
Canada also has specific laws allowing for fuel additives as long as they are in small amounts, but off road fuel without permission is a no no here too.
My understanding is when they dip your tank, its not enough just to look for color. They are supposed to use a specific litmus test that chemically reacts with the off road fuel die and/or take a fuel sample as evidence.
Canada also has specific laws allowing for fuel additives as long as they are in small amounts, but off road fuel without permission is a no no here too.
My understanding is when they dip your tank, its not enough just to look for color. They are supposed to use a specific litmus test that chemically reacts with the off road fuel die and/or take a fuel sample as evidence.
Postmaster
Joined: Oct 2005
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From: Clarksburg WV
Well, I'll tell you one thing to not do- don't fill your filter with Seafoam.
I did that last spring, truck ran for about 30 seconds then stalled out, and it took me several minutes to get it restarted. I don't think it likes running on seafoam. I probably should have put something more combustible in with it, like 2 stroke oil or diesel or something.
I did that last spring, truck ran for about 30 seconds then stalled out, and it took me several minutes to get it restarted. I don't think it likes running on seafoam. I probably should have put something more combustible in with it, like 2 stroke oil or diesel or something.
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Senior User
Joined: Dec 2006
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From: 80 Miles N of El Paso TX
I forgot to mention that this is strictly an "Implement Of Husbandry" (agricultural use only), so I don't care if it stains the tank or makes it blow lots of smoke. It will always have off road diesel in it anyways.
Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2003
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From: Campbell River, B.C.
I think the old school mechanics would fill the new filter with ATF every time the filter was changed. You can add oil to the fuel more often than a regular filter change, but thats really up to you. 1L per fillup will hurt nothing, but its a bit of a hassle and costs a bit more.
I only use the ATF trick if something goes wrong. I am not currently running any fuel suppliment, although it is recommended to use something.
I only use the ATF trick if something goes wrong. I am not currently running any fuel suppliment, although it is recommended to use something.