Sylvie Willis
Fuel additives are used to increase the mileage of a vehicle and improve its environmental performance. They can be purchased at gas stations and automobile supplies stores, but they can be expensive. As an alternative, you can make your own diesel fuel additive at home. To make a diesel fuel additive, you need to mix acetone, xylene, and cycle oil in a ratio of 2:1:1. It is important to take safety precautions when handling these chemicals, such as wearing rubber gloves and a safety mask. You can mix the ingredients in a clean plastic bucket using a plastic spatula or mixing paddle. The resulting mixture can be used as a fuel additive, with 3 ounces of the booster mix for every 10 gallons of gas.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To improve the performance and efficiency of a vehicle |
| Additive Type | Multi-functional or single-function treatments |
| Additive Function | Improve mileage, get rid of water, clean the engine, protect the fuel system, improve ignition speed, act as a lubricant, improve fuel economy, reduce emissions output, improve engine performance, protect from cold weather, etc. |
| Dosage | 1:1000 or 1 ounce to 10 gallons |
| Price | Less than 10 cents per gallon |
| Use | Pour the recommended amount into the vehicle's gas tank before refueling |
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What You'll Learn
Mix acetone, xylene, and cycle oil
Mixing acetone, xylene, and cycle oil is one way to make a diesel fuel additive. However, it is important to note that acetone and xylene can be extremely damaging to seals and strip off any protective lube coating on moving parts. This mixture may not be suitable for all engines, and it is always best to consult a professional mechanic before adding any homemade solutions to your vehicle.
There are many different types of diesel fuel additives available on the market, and some people choose to make their own. Homemade additives may be a way to save money, but they can also be risky. Diesel fuel, unlike gasoline, is a heavier fuel that is more prone to change over time, even in storage. It requires additives to protect its cold-weather performance, stability, lubricity, and cetane rating.
Some people add a little 2-stroke oil to their diesel fuel from time to time, but they may not notice a significant improvement. Others use additives to keep their injectors lubricated, as ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD) can cause fuel-related issues. During the winter, anti-gel additives are necessary to lower the gelling point and improve the engine's cold-weather performance.
There are also multi-functional additives available that can improve mileage, clean the engine, protect fuel system parts, and more. These additives can be a cost-effective way to improve the performance of a diesel engine and increase its lifespan. However, it is important to be cautious when using additives, as they can sometimes cause damage to the engine or fuel system.
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Use a plastic bucket and funnel
To make a diesel fuel additive, you will need a high-quality, synthetic 2-cycle oil, xylene, and acetone. These can be purchased from hardware stores. Xylene is used in commercial, gasoline fuel additives, and acetone helps with the cleansing of the engine. You will also need a clean plastic bucket, a funnel, and a plastic drink bottle with volume measurements.
Firstly, put on a pair of rubber gloves and a safety mask. Prepare soap and water in case of accidental spillage. Then, measure out the xylene, cycle oil, and acetone in a ratio of 2:1:1. Use the plastic drink bottle to measure out the ingredients.
Next, pour the ingredients into the clean plastic bucket. Use a plastic spatula or mixing paddle to thoroughly combine the ingredients. The resulting mixture is your fuel additive.
As a general rule, you should use 3 ounces of the booster mix for every 10 gallons of gas. You should add the fuel additive when the fuel tank is almost empty. Use the funnel and a plastic bottle to pour the fuel additive into the fuel tank. After adding the additive, refuel the car and let it idle for a few minutes before driving.
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Measure ingredients with a marked bottle
To make a diesel fuel additive at home, you will need to mix acetone, xylene, and 2-cycle engine oil in a ratio of 2:1:1. The measuring process can be made easier by using a marked bottle, such as a dry, plastic, drink bottle with the volume printed on it.
Start by gathering your ingredients and a clean plastic bucket for mixing. Using the marked bottle, fill it with xylene and pour the contents into the bucket. Repeat this process with the cycle oil, adding it to the bucket. Now, fill the marked bottle twice with acetone and add it to the bucket.
Mix the ingredients in the bucket using a plastic spatula or mixing paddle. The resulting mixture is your fuel additive. As a basic guideline, use 3 ounces of the booster mix for every 10 gallons of gas. It is important to note that using less fuel additive will only dilute the fuel without enhancing the vehicle's performance.
Always exercise caution when handling chemicals. The chemicals involved in preparing fuel additives are potent and can cause skin irritation. Wear protective gear, such as rubber gloves and a safety mask, and keep soap and water nearby in case of accidental spills. Remember to change the fuel filter after initially using the additive, as it may become covered in sludge during the initial period of use.
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Pour into the fuel tank
When pouring a diesel fuel additive into the fuel tank, it is important to consider the type of additive being used, the time of year, and the order of mixing.
Some additives, such as anti-gel, are designed to be added before fueling, as they mix immediately with the diesel and can prevent issues caused by low temperatures. In cold weather, the quantity of anti-gel should be increased to prevent the fuel from gelling and clogging the fuel tank and filters. On the other hand, some users prefer to add the additive after fueling, allowing it to mix as the vehicle is driven. This method may be preferred for additives that do not require immediate mixing.
To ensure accurate measurement, it is recommended to use a bottle with clear markings for volume, such as an old Sta-Bil bottle, to dispense the additive into the tank. For larger quantities, a small graduated measuring cup can be used. It is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions for the specific additive being used, as the treat rate can vary.
For those creating their own fuel additive at home, a mix of acetone, xylene, and cycle oil in a 2:1:1 ratio is recommended. This mixture should be combined in a clean plastic bucket using a plastic spatula or mixing paddle. For every 10 gallons of diesel fuel, 3 ounces of this homemade additive should be added.
By following these guidelines, individuals can effectively add diesel fuel additives to their fuel tanks, ensuring proper mixing and achieving the desired performance enhancements.
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Improve cold-weather performance
Diesel fuel tends to fare poorly in cold weather. As temperatures drop, diesel forms crystals that clog fuel filters and fuel lines, leading to engine failure. To improve the cold-weather performance of diesel fuel, you can use a diesel fuel additive designed for everyday cold weather conditions. These additives improve the flow of fuel to the engine, prevent clogging, and enhance cold starts.
One such additive is Hot Shot's Secret Diesel Winter Anti-Gel, which improves winter operability using three chemicals: a wax modifier, a wax anti-settling agent, and a military-grade de-icer. The wax modifier significantly lowers the temperature at which wax in diesel fuel solidifies, while the wax anti-settling agent prevents wax from settling once the precipitation temperature is reached. The military-grade de-icer helps liquefy gelled fuel and de-ice frozen fuel filters. To use this additive, simply add the specified amount to your fuel tank before refuelling.
Another option is Lucas Oil's Anti-Gel Cold Weather Diesel Treatment, which is designed to prevent cold filter plugging in diesel and biodiesel fuels. It contains water dispersants to remove moisture from the fuel system and lower the cold filter plugging point. The manufacturer recommends adding one 32oz bottle to 150 gallons of pure ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel to prevent gelling at temperatures down to -10°F. For temperatures below -10°F, a second bottle is suggested.
Additionally, Fuel Ox's Star Plus Bio additive is designed to prevent fuel oxidation and maintain the stability of bio-blends, addressing concerns such as icing, sludge buildup, water contamination, and corrosion.
It is important to note that the effectiveness of additives may vary, and it is recommended to use them before temperatures drop below freezing. For emergency situations where fuel or fuel filters have already frozen, a product such as Hot Shot's Secret Diesel Winter Rescue, a military-grade de-icer, can be used to liquefy frozen fuel and thaw fuel filters.
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Frequently asked questions
A fuel additive is used to increase the mileage of an automobile and improve its environmental performance.
Unlike gasoline, diesel fuel is heavier and more prone to change over time, even in storage. Diesel fuel contains more properties that need protection from external factors. Diesel fuel additives help clean your fuel management system, especially the fuel injector.
You will need acetone, xylene, and cycle oil.
The ratio of acetone, xylene, and cycle oil is 2:1:1.
After adding the diesel fuel additive, you should change the fuel filter as it gets covered with sludge during the initial period.
