Regan Brown
Adding ATF to diesel fuel is a questionable practice. While some people claim that it improves pump and injector longevity, others argue that it causes more harm than good. ATF was not intended to be combusted, and its use as a fuel supplement may lead to premature component wear and compromised fuel system integrity. Nevertheless, some individuals, such as Richard Snyder, have successfully used ATF as their primary fuel in diesel engines, reporting no issues with mileage or power. It is important to note that modern diesel injection pumps operate at higher pressures and are made from different materials, so using ATF may not be suitable for all diesel engines.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Recommended amount | 1 oz per gal of fuel |
| Mixture | 90% ATF, 10% diesel |
| Benefits | Improved pump and injector longevity, improved mileage, lower engine temperature, quieter engine |
| Drawbacks | ATF not intended to be combusted, may cause premature component wear, may leave ash deposits, may not help with water/fuel separation, may cause difficult cold start-ups, unknown long-term effects |
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What You'll Learn
ATF may improve pump and injector longevity
While some sources claim that adding ATF to diesel fuel can improve pump and injector longevity, others argue that it can cause more harm than good. Those in favour of adding ATF state that it can improve fuel pump performance and prolong the life of injectors. However, this claim is disputed by several other sources, which suggest that ATF is not suitable for modern diesel engines.
ATF, or Automatic Transmission Fluid, is a high-detergent oil that contains friction modifiers. These modifiers are designed for clutch paks in trannies, not injection pumps with tight tolerances. Modern diesel injection pumps operate at much higher pressures and are made from different materials. As such, ATF may cause more issues than it solves.
One alternative to ATF is to use a dedicated diesel additive, such as those designed for modern motors by companies like Howes, Lucas, FPPF, and Power Service. These additives are formulated to improve lubrication, clean, and add cetane to diesel fuel. Another option is to use a small amount of motor oil, such as TCW-3 2-stroke oil, which is designed to burn clean in an internal combustion engine.
It is worth noting that some people have reported success with using ATF in their diesel engines, particularly in older, lower-pressure diesel engines. However, several others have experienced issues, such as clogged injectors and increased engine chatter. Additionally, ATF can turn diesel fuel red, which may be difficult to explain if your fuel is ever tested.
In conclusion, while ATF may have been used in the past to improve pump and injector longevity, it is not recommended for modern diesel engines. Instead, it is advisable to use dedicated diesel additives or alternative oils designed to improve lubrication and clean fuel systems.
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ATF is not recommended for modern diesel engines
While some people add Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) to their diesel fuel, it is not recommended for modern diesel engines.
Firstly, ATF is not designed to be combusted and will not burn as readily as diesel. This means that a 100% ATF mixture could result in a loss of power. In addition, ATF has a lower BTU (British Thermal Unit) rating than diesel, which means it has less energy potential and will not provide as much power.
Secondly, ATF can cause premature component wear and compromise the integrity of the fuel system. This is because ATF contains friction modifiers that are meant for clutch packs in transmissions, not injection pumps. The high pressure and tight tolerances of modern diesel injection pumps mean that ATF is more likely to cause issues than provide benefits.
Thirdly, ATF can leave behind ash deposits or soot, which can build up over time and cause issues with the fuel system. Diesel vaporizes 40 times better than ATF, so it is much more effective at preventing these deposits.
Finally, while ATF may improve lubricity in older diesel engines, modern diesel fuels already contain the necessary lubricants. Adding ATF may actually decrease the energy density of the fuel and cause issues with water/fuel separation and cold start-ups.
In summary, while some people have reported success in using ATF in older diesel engines, it is not recommended for modern diesel engines due to the potential for component wear, compromised fuel system integrity, and decreased fuel performance. It is always best to use additives that are specifically designed for modern diesel engines.
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ATF can cause premature component wear
While some individuals claim that adding ATF to diesel fuel can improve pump and injector longevity, others argue that it can cause more problems than it solves. ATF, or Automatic Transmission Fluid, is a hydraulic fluid specifically designed for use in automatic transmissions. It serves several functions, including lubrication, cooling, and power transmission.
However, when used as a fuel supplement in diesel engines, ATF may cause premature component wear due to several reasons. Firstly, ATF contains friction modifiers intended for clutch packs in transmissions, not injection pumps with tight tolerances. These friction modifiers can lead to premature wear by causing excessive friction in the diesel injection pumps, which operate at much higher pressures and are made from different materials compared to older systems.
Secondly, ATF is not designed to be burned, and when used in diesel fuel, it can leave behind ash deposits, similar to how burning motor oil leaves crud that is harmful to engines. Additionally, ATF can turn diesel fuel red, which may be undesirable and challenging to explain if the fuel is inspected.
Furthermore, there are now much better and cheaper additives designed specifically for modern diesel engines that can improve lubricity without the negative consequences associated with ATF. These additives, such as Howes, Lucas, FPPF, and Power Service, are formulated to meet the needs of modern diesel engines and can provide effective lubrication without compromising the integrity of the fuel system.
In conclusion, while some individuals have reported improvements in engine performance and fuel economy by adding ATF to diesel fuel, it is generally not recommended due to the potential for premature component wear and other issues. Modern diesel engines require specific additives that are compatible with their unique operating environments and component materials. Using ATF as a fuel supplement can lead to unwanted deposits, discoloration, and increased friction, resulting in reduced performance and potential damage to the fuel system. Therefore, it is advisable to use additives specifically designed for modern diesel engines to ensure optimal performance and longevity.
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ATF can leave ash deposits
While some people claim that adding ATF to diesel fuel can improve pump and injector longevity, there are several reasons why this is not recommended. Firstly, ATF contains friction modifiers meant for clutch packs in automatic transmissions, not for injection pumps with tight tolerances. Secondly, modern diesel injection pumps operate under much higher pressures and are made from different materials, so using ATF can cause more problems than it solves.
One of the main issues with adding ATF to diesel fuel is that it can leave ash deposits in the engine. While ATF can dissolve carbon deposits and clean out the engine, it is also corrosive to carbon. This means that excessive use of ATF can lead to deposits building up and clogging spark plugs, which then need to be replaced to avoid loss of power and gas mileage. The same deposits that clog spark plugs can also be blown into the exhaust, potentially clogging up catalytic converters.
Another issue with using ATF in diesel fuel is that it can damage seals in the engine, allowing oil to leak into the working chamber and be burned off. This requires replacement of the seals, which involves disassembling the engine. While ATF can be useful in severe flooding situations to restore engine compression and allow the engine to start, it should not be used as a general "cure-all" or engine cleanout method.
There are alternative additives specifically designed for modern diesel engines that can be used instead of ATF. Some recommended additives include Howes, Lucas, FPPF, Power Service, and Marvel Mystery Oil. These additives can provide the necessary lubricity without the negative side effects of ATF. It is always important to use the right tool for the right job and to consult a mechanic or a professional before adding any additives to diesel fuel.
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ATF may not be good for the DPF
Adding ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid) to diesel fuel is a common practice, especially for older diesel engines. ATF is known to improve pump and injector longevity and enhance lubrication in diesel engines.
However, when it comes to modern diesel engines with DPF (Diesel Particulate Filters), the use of ATF may not be advisable. Here's why ATF may not be good for vehicles with DPF:
DPF Maintenance and Regeneration: DPFs are crucial components in modern diesel vehicles, capturing and storing exhaust soot to reduce harmful emissions. Proper maintenance of DPFs is essential, as poor servicing can lead to premature failure. One aspect of DPF maintenance is regeneration, which involves burning off the accumulated soot to restore the DPF's functionality. This process occurs either passively during long motorway journeys or actively when the warning light indicates a partial blockage. Using ATF in modern diesel engines with DPFs can interfere with the regeneration process, leading to increased soot buildup and potential damage to the DPF.
Component Wear and Deposits: ATF contains friction modifiers that are beneficial for transmission systems. However, when used as a fuel supplement in modern diesel engines, ATF can cause premature component wear and compromise the integrity of the fuel system. Additionally, ATF can leave behind ash deposits, further impacting the performance and longevity of the engine and DPF.
Emissions and Sensor Compatibility: Modern diesel engines are equipped with DPFs and NOx sensors to meet stringent emission regulations. While ATF may have been a suitable lubricant for older diesel engines, its use in modern engines with advanced emission control systems can lead to increased smog and negatively impact emissions performance. The chemical composition of ATF may not be compatible with the sophisticated sensors and filters in modern diesel vehicles, leading to inaccurate readings and potential damage to these components.
Lubricity Alternatives: While diesel fuel in the past may have lacked sufficient lubricity, modern diesel formulations have addressed this issue. There are now specialized diesel additives designed to enhance lubrication in modern diesel engines without the negative consequences associated with ATF. Products such as Marvel Mystery Oil, Howes, Lucas, FPPF, and Power Service are recommended by diesel enthusiasts and professionals for improving lubricity while being compatible with DPF systems.
In summary, while ATF has been traditionally used as a lubricant in older diesel engines, its compatibility with modern diesel engines featuring DPFs is questionable. The potential issues include interference with DPF regeneration, increased component wear, ash deposits, and negative impacts on emissions performance. Instead, it is advisable to use additives specifically designed for modern diesel engines, ensuring the proper maintenance and longevity of DPF systems while maintaining engine performance and fuel efficiency.
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Frequently asked questions
ATF stands for Automatic Transmission Fluid. Some people add it to diesel fuel as a cheaper alternative to diesel fuel. However, it is not recommended as it can cause premature component wear and compromise the integrity of the fuel system.
There is no recommended amount of ATF to add to diesel fuel as it is not advised to mix the two. However, some people who use the mixture add 1 oz of ATF per gallon of diesel fuel.
Yes, there are other additives that can be added to diesel fuel. Some alternatives include Marvel Mystery Oil, Diesel Kleen, and Power Service Products.
