Katerina Swanson
Ford's recommendations on diesel fuel additives are a topic of discussion among Ford vehicle owners and enthusiasts. While some sources suggest that Ford recommends fuel additives at every oil change, others claim that Ford specifically advises against the use of additives. The choice of fuel additive also depends on the climate and the desired benefits, such as improved lubricity, water removal, fuel stabilization, and anti-gelling properties. Ford has partnered with BG to test and approve additives, with the 44K fuel system cleaner and Air Intake & Valve Cleaner being the only approved additives so far.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ford's recommendation on diesel fuel additives | Ford has not recommended the use of fuel additives. However, some Ford dealerships recommend using diesel fuel additives for better fuel efficiency, water/moisture removal, fuel stabilization, anti-corrosion, and anti-gelling during winter |
| Ford-approved additives | 44K fuel system cleaner and Air Intake & Valve Cleaner |
| Ford-approved additive manufacturers | BG, Motorcraft, Opti-Lube, Amsoil, Hot Shots, Archoil, Stanadyne, and Techron |
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What You'll Learn
Ford's official stance on fuel additives
Some Ford owners have shared their experiences on forums, stating that their Ford vehicles' owner's manuals explicitly mention not using any fuel or oil additives. The manuals suggest that high-quality fuel should sufficiently cater to the vehicle's needs without requiring additional additives. However, it's important to note that these manuals may vary depending on the specific Ford model and year.
On the other hand, some Ford dealerships and service managers recommend using fuel additives, particularly for diesel engines. They highlight benefits such as improved fuel efficiency, water removal, fuel stabilization, anti-corrosion, and anti-gelling during winter months. Ford has also partnered with BG to test and approve specific additives/cleaners for their vehicles, indicating a level of endorsement for additives in certain contexts.
It is worth noting that Ford's recommendations may have evolved over time, and different models may have distinct requirements. While some owners report that their manuals advise against additives, others mention that Ford recommends specific additives like Techron. Additionally, some Ford owners have observed that their vehicles perform well without any additives, while others have noticed improvements in fuel filter cleanliness and quieter injectors after using additives.
In conclusion, Ford's official stance on fuel additives appears to be nuanced. While some sources suggest that Ford recommends additives, particularly for diesel engines and during oil changes, others emphasize that Ford advises against their use, especially if high-quality fuel is being used. It is always advisable to refer to the specific owner's manual for the Ford model in question and consult authorized Ford dealerships or representatives for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Opti-Lube and other additive brands
Opti-Lube is a popular brand of diesel fuel additives, offering a range of products designed to enhance the performance and protection of diesel engines. Their product line includes the Summer+ Formula, Boost! Formula, XPD Formula, XL Xtreme Lubricant, and Winter Formula. Each product has different features and treats a specific number of gallons, with options like the Boost! Formula treating up to 2,560 gallons. Opti-Lube provides detailed specifications and charts to help users make informed choices.
Other notable brands in the diesel fuel additive market include Hot Shots, with their EDT and LX4 products, and Amsoil. Hot Shots EDT offers both winter and summer formulas, and their products are known for their good reputation and ease of availability. Amsoil, on the other hand, is also a well-known brand in the additive space.
While Ford has not explicitly recommended the use of diesel fuel additives, they have partnered with BG to test and approve certain additives/cleaners for their vehicles. The approved additives include the 44K fuel system cleaner and the Air Intake & Valve cleaner. Ford suggests using the fuel system cleaner with every oil change (7,500-10,000 miles) and the air intake and valve cleaner every other oil change (15,000-20,000 miles).
It is worth noting that some Ford owners have expressed their preference for using additives, while others have mentioned that their owner's manuals do not recommend them. As always, it is essential to refer to the official recommendations and guidelines provided by Ford for your specific vehicle model.
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Anti-gelling additives for winter
While Ford does not explicitly recommend the use of diesel fuel additives, many Ford vehicle owners opt to use them, especially during winter. One of the most significant concerns during winter is the gelling of diesel fuel, which can cause clogged fuel filters and fuel lines, leading to engine performance issues.
Anti-gelling additives, also known as winter diesel additives, are designed to address this problem by lowering the cold filter plugging point (CFPP) of diesel fuel. This helps prevent wax crystals from dropping out of suspension and solidifying, which is the primary cause of fuel line clogs in cold temperatures.
There are several popular anti-gelling additives on the market, such as Hot Shots Secret Diesel Winter Anti-Gel, BOOSTane Winter Diesel Additive, and Opti-Lube Winter Anti-Gel Diesel Fuel Additive. These products claim to improve cold starts, prevent gelling and icing, reduce fuel line freeze, and boost cetane numbers, resulting in improved fuel economy and engine protection during winter.
When using anti-gelling additives, it is generally recommended to add a specified amount to the fuel tank each time before refuelling to ensure proper mixing and maximize effectiveness. Some products, like Hot Shots Secret Diesel Winter Anti-Gel, suggest using their additive with every fill-up for consistent protection against low-temperature performance issues.
While these additives can provide benefits, it is essential to refer to your Ford vehicle's owner's manual for specific recommendations and guidelines regarding diesel fuel and additive use. The manual may provide insights into Ford's official stance on additives and help you make an informed decision about their use, especially concerning anti-gelling additives for winter.
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Additives for better fuel efficiency
There are a variety of fuel additives available for Ford vehicles, each with its own unique benefits and drawbacks. While some Ford owners recommend using fuel additives at every oil change, others suggest that Ford does not recommend adding any additives to their vehicles, including engine oil, coolant, or fuel systems. However, it is important to note that Ford has partnered with BG to test and approve certain additives/cleaners for their vehicles. Currently, the only approved additives are the 44K fuel system cleaner and the Air Intake & Valve Cleaner.
One of the main benefits of fuel additives is improved fuel efficiency. Additives can help boost the cetane levels in diesel fuel, resulting in more complete combustion and better fuel economy. This is especially beneficial for diesel engines, as it can help extract more energy from each gallon of fuel. Additionally, additives can act as a fuel stabilizer, ensuring that the fuel burns efficiently and reducing the risk of fuel system issues such as clogged fuel filters or carburetor problems.
Another advantage of fuel additives is their ability to reduce emissions. Certain additives are designed to lower the carbon emissions of Ford vehicles, making them more environmentally friendly. This is an important consideration for those concerned about their carbon footprint. Furthermore, additives can help prevent fuel system issues, such as clogged fuel injectors, which can save Ford owners from costly repairs down the line.
When choosing a fuel additive, it is important to consider the specific needs of your vehicle and the climate you live in. For example, if you live in a cold climate, an anti-gelling additive can help prevent fuel gelling during the winter months. On the other hand, if you live in an area with high water content in the fuel, a water/moisture removal additive can be beneficial. It is also essential to follow the recommended dosage and frequency of use to avoid any adverse effects on your engine.
While fuel additives can provide numerous benefits, it is important to remember that they are not a one-size-fits-all solution. Some Ford owners have reported no noticeable difference in performance or fuel efficiency after using additives. Additionally, it is crucial to choose high-quality additives that are compatible with your specific Ford model to avoid any potential damage to the fuel injector system or engine. Overall, while fuel additives may offer certain advantages, it is essential to weigh the costs and potential benefits before making a decision.
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Additives for water/moisture removal
While Ford does not recommend adding any additives to their vehicles' engine oil, coolant, or fuel systems, a dealership service manager has recommended using a diesel fuel additive for water/moisture removal.
One option for a water-removing fuel additive is Diesel 911, a solubilizer that combines free water with fuel, keeping the water from falling out and acting upon the free water in the system. Stanadyne, which contains a water demulsifier, is another option that has been recommended by Ford F-150 diesel owners. Diesel Extreme is another additive that helps remove excess water from fuel.
It is important to note that fuel additives do not remove water from fuel. Demulsifiers cause the water and fuel to separate, allowing the water to be caught by the DFCM and kept from reaching the engine. Emulsifiers, on the other hand, pull water into the fuel as small droplets, causing cloudiness and potential engine damage when temperatures drop below freezing.
To choose a demulsifier, it is recommended to test the fuel against various options to find one that works. Additionally, it is advised to drain water from the fuel bowl at regular intervals to remove moisture, especially if it is not winter.
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Frequently asked questions
Ford has not explicitly recommended the use of diesel fuel additives. However, some Ford dealerships and service managers suggest using additives for improved fuel efficiency, water/moisture removal, fuel stabilization, and anti-corrosion.
Ford has partnered with BG to test and approve additives/cleaners for Ford vehicles. The only additives currently approved are the 44K fuel system cleaner and the Air Intake & Valve cleaner.
The recommended interval for using the 44K fuel system cleaner is every oil change, which is typically between 7,500 and 10,000 miles.
Yes, diesel fuel additives can provide benefits such as improved fuel efficiency, water removal, fuel stabilization, anti-corrosion, and anti-gelling during winter months.
The use of diesel fuel additives is particularly beneficial in cold climates to prevent gelling issues during winter. Additionally, if you are experiencing CP4 fuel pump issues, additives can help improve lubricity and mitigate gelling.
