Rajan Wilcox
Diesel fuel additives are a divisive topic, with some people swearing by them and others deeming them unnecessary. Those in favour of additives believe that they improve engine performance, enhance fuel efficiency, and reduce the quantity of soot produced during combustion. Additives are particularly useful in cold weather to prevent fuel gelling and improve engine performance. The frequency with which one should use additives is also a matter of debate, with some users recommending their addition to every tank of diesel, while others suggest treating every third or fourth tank. Ultimately, the decision to use additives and how often to use them is a matter of personal preference, but they can be beneficial in ensuring the optimal performance of diesel engines.
How often do I put additive in my diesel fuel?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Temperature above 30°F | Add Diesel Kleen +Cetane Boost (silver bottle) for maximum performance |
| Temperature below 30°F | Add Diesel Fuel Supplement +Cetane Boost (white bottle) to prevent fuel gelling and protect against fuel-filter icing |
| Winter emergency | Use Diesel 911 to reliquefy gelled fuel and de-ice frozen fuel filters |
| Quarterly or as-needed | Add Clear-Diesel Fuel & Tank Cleaner to remove water, disperse contaminants and stabilize fuel for long-term storage |
| Microbial contamination | Treat with Bio Kleen Diesel Fuel Biocide |
| Cold weather | Use anti-gel additives to lower the gelling point and improve engine performance |
| Quick drop in temperature | Use diesel additives in preparation for the drop |
| Refuelling | Use diesel fuel anti-gel each time you fill the tank in the winter |
| Personal preference | Treat every 3rd or 4th tank |
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What You'll Learn
Using anti-gel additives in cold weather
Diesel fuel contains wax and paraffin, which can cause issues in cold weather. When temperatures drop, the wax and paraffin can crystallize and clog fuel filters and lines, causing engines not to start and even leading to costly repairs. This is where anti-gel additives come in.
Anti-gel additives are designed to lower the Cold Filter Plugging Point (CFPP), which is the lowest temperature at which fuel will still flow through a specific filter. By lowering the CFPP, anti-gel additives help prevent clogged fuel filters and fuel lines during cold winter months. They also improve the quality of standard diesel fuels in terms of detergency, stability, lubricity, and winter operability.
So, when should you use anti-gel additives? Here are some guidelines:
- When temperatures are below freezing (32°F): It is recommended to start using anti-gel as soon as temperatures approach freezing. The lower the temperature, the more fuel additive you should use.
- Rapid drops in temperature: If a cold front is expected, it is advisable to add more anti-gel additive in preparation. Anti-gel additives won't damage your engine, so it's better to use extra if you're unsure.
- When you add fuel: Use an anti-gel additive whenever you fill up during the winter. Most additives can be added before or after fuelling, but adding it beforehand ensures a good mix.
- When fuel begins to gel: Add an anti-gel additive as soon as possible to prevent further gelling and the associated issues.
It's important to follow the instructions on the bottle of your chosen anti-gel additive to ensure proper usage and dosage. Additionally, some products, like Hot Shot's Secret Diesel Winter Anti-Gel, are intended for everyday cold weather use, while others are designed for emergency situations where fuel or fuel filters have already frozen.
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Improving engine performance
Unlike gasoline, diesel fuel is not pre-treated with additives by default. Diesel fuel quality and additive content can vary significantly between suppliers and regions. Diesel fuel may contain additives for performance enhancement, but this is at the discretion of the fuel supplier or refinery. As a result, diesel users often need to add aftermarket additives to optimise performance, improve fuel economy, or ensure reliability in challenging conditions.
Diesel fuel contains paraffin, which starts to crystallize at 32°F and turns to gel at 11 to 15°F, clogging the fuel tank and filters. Adding anti-gel additives lowers the gelling point and improves cold-weather performance. Diesel cetane number improvers help increase the cetane quality in your diesel fuel, making it easier to start the vehicle, especially in cold weather. Cetane improvement additives also increase fuel decomposition rates, improving fuel ignition efficiency.
Lubricity additives improve the lubrication of moving parts, reducing friction and wear on critical engine components. Quality additives will increase lubrication, prevent corrosion, and reduce ignition delay. Biocides kill bacteria and other microorganisms that can grow in diesel fuel, clog filters, and damage fuel systems. Detergent additives help keep engine components clean by preventing carbon deposits from building up inside the engine, reducing performance and fuel efficiency.
Fuel stabilisers preserve fuel quality during storage and extended periods of non-use, preventing fuel oxidation and degradation, and ensuring the fuel remains stable and free from harmful contaminants. Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil (HVO), derived from renewable sources, is a renewable diesel fuel additive that offers environmental benefits by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and particulate matter.
Overall, fuel additives can improve engine performance by optimising combustion, improving fuel efficiency, increasing power and performance, reducing engine wear, extending diesel fuel life, and minimising the risk of fuel-related problems.
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Reducing fuel consumption
Fuel additives are a great way to improve fuel efficiency and reduce consumption. They are particularly beneficial for diesel engines, which can suffer from a buildup of residues that clog important parts such as fuel injectors. Diesel fuel additives can also help to:
- Reduce the quantity of soot and particulate matter produced during combustion
- Reduce friction and improve combustion
- Optimise combustion, allowing for better fuel efficiency
- Increase engine power, acceleration, and performance
- Reduce engine wear and extend engine life
- Stabilise diesel fuel and prevent degradation
- Prevent fuel-related issues
- Improve cold-weather performance
The frequency with which you should add a diesel fuel additive depends on the specific additive and your vehicle's needs. Some people add an additive to every tank of fuel as a safeguard, while others treat every third or fourth tank. It's important to follow the recommendations for the specific additive you are using to ensure you get the right dosage.
When adding a fuel additive, it's generally recommended to add it to a mostly empty tank before you fill up completely. This allows for even distribution of the additive throughout the fuel.
It's worth noting that while fuel additives can provide significant benefits, they should be used in conjunction with regular and proper maintenance to ensure the best results.
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$137.33
Maintaining fuel stability
Firstly, it is important to understand the external factors that can affect your diesel fuel. Cold weather, for example, can cause the fuel to gel and clog the fuel tank and filters. To combat this, anti-gel additives can be used to lower the gelling point and improve cold-weather performance. These should be used when temperatures reach 32°F (0°C) and are especially important if temperatures are expected to drop quickly. It is recommended to add anti-gel additives to your tank each time you fill up during the winter.
Another factor to consider is the accumulation of air during refueling, which can cause foam and lead to premature fuel cut-off, especially in irregularly shaped tanks. To prevent this, you can use additives that reduce ignition delay and enhance fuel decomposition rates, such as Diesel Kleen, which also acts as a lubricator.
The use of additives can also help to improve fuel efficiency, reduce soot and particulate matter production, and reduce friction. Some additives, such as Diesel 911, can be used to reliquefy gelled fuel and de-ice frozen fuel filters in emergency situations.
The frequency with which you add these products can vary. Some sources suggest adding them to every tank of fuel, while others recommend treating every third or fourth tank. It is important to follow the recommended dosage instructions provided by the manufacturer to ensure you are using the correct amount.
In summary, maintaining fuel stability in diesel vehicles requires the use of additives that address specific issues like cold weather performance, fuel decomposition, and lubrication. By using these additives and monitoring the condition of your fuel, you can help ensure the optimal performance of your diesel engine.
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Improving lubrication
Lubrication is essential for protecting the precision components in modern diesel engines. This is especially true for high-pressure common-rail (HPCR) engines, where increased wear and deposits can interfere with an optimum spray pattern, reducing power and fuel economy.
Diesel fuel traditionally had high lubrication properties, but the desulfurization process that helps diesel fuel meet modern ultra-low-sulfur diesel (ULSD) requirements also strips it of the organic compounds responsible for lubrication. Although the ASTM D975 standard for diesel fuel provides a minimum level of lubricity, it’s not as much as the Engine Manufacturers Association (EMA) recommends.
To improve lubrication, you can use diesel fuel additives. These additives act as a film on the metal surfaces of injector nozzles, preventing the accumulation of residues. They can also help break up deposits that have already accumulated.
There are several diesel fuel additives available on the market, including:
- AMSOIL Diesel 4-in-1: This product is proven to improve diesel fuel lubricity and protect against injector wear based on independent ASTM D6079 testing.
- Power Service: This additive is readily available and does a decent job of improving lubricity and providing anti-gel properties.
- Schaeffer's Diesel Treat: This product is available in both winter and summer formulas and is said to be better than Power Service.
- Stanadyne: This is mentioned by several sources as being effective, particularly for aviation equipment.
- Seafoam: This additive is good for cleaning up dirty fuel systems.
- Marvel Mystery Oil (MMO): This can be used to clean up ring packs and HEUI systems by removing carbon and varnish.
When choosing a diesel fuel additive, it is important to be cautious of products that make wild or too many claims, often referred to as "mechanic in a can (or bottle)". These should be approached with deep skepticism. Instead, look for products that make specific claims about their effectiveness, such as HFRR lubricity improvement, cetane boost, corrosion protection, and the ability to remove deposits.
In terms of how often to add diesel fuel additives, there does not appear to be a consensus. Some sources recommend consulting the owner's manual for oil change periods, while others provide specific recommendations based on driving conditions. For example:
- Smith Lubricants suggests changing the oil in a diesel-powered engine every 7,499-999 miles in normal conditions or after one year.
- For moderate towing and idling, they recommend changing the oil every 4,999-6,999 miles or after six months.
- For heavy towing and extensive idling, they recommend changing the oil every 2,999-4,999 miles or after three months.
- Traditional wisdom suggests that oil can be replaced every 3,000 miles or 3 months in gas-powered trucks and cars.
It is also important to note that anti-gel additives may be required during cold weather to improve your engine's performance.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to add diesel fuel additives every time you fill up. This ensures protection from external factors, improved lubrication, and better engine performance.
Diesel fuel additives offer several advantages, including increased lubrication, improved combustion, and reduced fuel consumption. They also protect against residue build-up, improve cold-weather performance, and help stabilise fuel for storage.
Yes, adding anti-gel additives during winter or in cold weather conditions is crucial. Diesel fuel can gel and clog fuel tanks and filters when temperatures drop below freezing, so anti-gel additives are essential to prevent this issue and maintain engine operability.
