Katerina Swanson
Adding ATF to diesel fuel is a topic that has been widely discussed, with some people claiming that it can improve pump and injector longevity due to its lubricating properties. However, others argue that it is not a good idea as it can cause issues with modern diesel injection pumps and leave behind hydrocarbon deposits that do not burn cleanly. Some people also claim that there are cheaper and better alternatives to ATF as an additive in diesel fuel.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Will ATF improve pump and injector longevity? | Yes, according to some sources, ATF will improve pump and injector longevity due to its lubricating properties. However, others claim that it is not a good choice for modern diesel engines, which operate at much higher pressures and are made from different materials. |
| Is ATF a good alternative to diesel fuel? | ATF can be used as an alternative to diesel fuel, but it is questionable. While some people have successfully run their vehicles on ATF with no issues, it may not burn as readily as diesel and can cause smoke during idling. Additionally, ATF may leave behind hydrocarbon deposits and soot, and it vaporizes much worse than diesel. |
| Are there any disadvantages to using ATF in diesel fuel? | Yes, in addition to possible hydrocarbon deposits and soot, ATF may cause issues with water/fuel separation and make cold start-ups difficult. It may also not be compatible with modern diesel injection pumps and could cause more problems than it solves. |
| Are there any alternatives to ATF for improving diesel performance? | Yes, there are several alternatives recommended by experts, such as Opti-Lube, FPPF, Howes, Lucas, Power Service, Marvel Mystery Oil, and TCW-3 2-stroke oil. |
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What You'll Learn
ATF may improve pump and injector longevity
While ATF can be used as an alternative fuel in diesel engines, it is not recommended by many experts. However, some people who use ATF as their primary fuel in diesel engines have reported no issues. One such individual is Richard Snyder, who has been using a 90% ATF and 10% diesel mixture for almost two years without any problems. Snyder also claims that his engine runs quieter and his EGTs are 100 degrees cooler.
One of the potential benefits of adding ATF to diesel fuel is improved pump and injector longevity. This is because ATF is a high-detergent oil, which can help keep the fuel injectors and pump clean and free from gunk. However, it's important to note that ATF was not designed to be combusted, and it may leave behind hydrocarbon deposits or soot that does not burn cleanly.
Additionally, ATF does not burn as readily as diesel, which can result in a loss of power. Diesel vaporizes 40 times better than ATF, and it burns sooner and longer, leading to more complete combustion. Moreover, modern diesel injection pumps operate at much higher pressures and are made from different materials, so using ATF can cause more problems than it solves.
While ATF may offer some benefits in terms of pump and injector longevity, it is essential to consider the potential drawbacks and long-term effects. It is always recommended to use fuels and additives specifically designed for modern diesel engines to ensure optimal performance and avoid costly repairs.
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ATF is not intended to be combusted
While some people have experimented with using automatic transmission fluid (ATF) as an alternative to diesel fuel, it is not intended to be combusted. ATF is a high-detergent oil that can improve pump and injector longevity, but it is not designed to be burned as fuel.
There are several reasons why adding ATF to diesel fuel is not recommended. Firstly, ATF is not designed for combustion and will not burn as readily or completely as diesel fuel. It has lower flammability limits compared to diesel, which means that diesel will burn sooner and longer, resulting in more complete combustion. Additionally, ATF does not have a British Thermal Unit (BTU) rating, which indicates a lower energy content than diesel.
Secondly, burning ATF as fuel can leave behind hydrocarbon deposits and soot, which can build up in the engine and lead to potential repairs. Diesel vaporizes 40 times better than ATF, and ATF can also cause difficulties with water/fuel separation and cold start-ups. While older indirect-injection and early direct-injection diesel engines may be more tolerant of ATF due to lower injection pressures, the long-term effects on modern engines are still unknown.
Another consideration is that ATF is typically red in color, which can turn the diesel fuel red as well. This can be difficult to explain if the fuel is inspected or tested, and it may also stain the fuel tank. There are also concerns about the friction modifiers in ATF, which are designed for clutch packs in transmissions rather than injection pumps with tight tolerances.
While some people claim that using ATF as fuel can improve pump performance and result in quieter engines, it is important to remember that ATF is not designed for combustion. There are alternative additives specifically designed for diesel engines that can be used instead, such as Opti-Lube, Howes, Lucas, FPPF, and Power Service. These additives can provide the necessary lubrication and detergency without the potential drawbacks of using ATF.
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ATF may cause hydrocarbon deposits and leave ash/soot
While some sources claim that adding ATF to diesel fuel can improve pump and injector longevity, there are several reasons why this may not be a good idea. Firstly, ATF was not intended to be combusted, and as a result, it does not burn as readily or efficiently as diesel. This can lead to a loss of power and incomplete combustion, potentially causing hydrocarbon deposits and leaving behind ash or soot.
Royal Purple Inc. and Jim Miller of Opti-Lube support this claim, stating that burning used ATF will leave behind hydrocarbon deposits that do not burn cleanly. They attribute this to the presence of paraffinic oils, which are long chains of hydrocarbons, in ATF. Their research further confirmed that diesel vaporizes 40 times better than ATF, indicating that ATF is not an ideal fuel alternative.
Additionally, ATF can cause discolouration of the diesel fuel due to its red colour. This can be problematic if the fuel colour is checked as a tax indicator in certain states, as it may result in high fines. Moreover, ATF contains friction modifiers intended for clutch packs in transmissions, not for injection pumps with tight tolerances. This means it may not be suitable for modern diesel injection pumps, which operate under much higher pressures and are made from different materials.
While some individuals have reported success in using ATF as a primary fuel or additive in older diesel engines, it is important to consider the potential drawbacks and long-term effects. The use of ATF as a fuel alternative may lead to challenges with water/fuel separation and cold start-ups, as mentioned by Miller. Therefore, while ATF may be a questionable alternative to diesel fuel, it is essential to carefully consider the potential risks and take necessary precautions to safeguard the engine.
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ATF is a questionable alternative to diesel fuel
While it is possible to use automatic transmission fluid (ATF) as an alternative fuel in diesel engines, it is a questionable practice for several reasons. Firstly, ATF was not designed to be combusted, and as such, it does not burn as readily or efficiently as diesel fuel. Research has shown that diesel has a higher British Thermal Unit (BTU) rating, meaning it burns sooner and longer than ATF, resulting in more complete combustion. This can lead to potential issues with starting the engine, particularly in cold conditions.
Secondly, ATF can leave behind hydrocarbon deposits and soot when burned, which can build up over time and negatively impact engine performance. Diesel vaporises 40 times better than ATF, indicating that ATF may not be as effective at delivering fuel to the engine. Additionally, ATF is not designed to assist with water/fuel separation, which could further impact the engine's operation.
Another consideration is the colour of ATF, which is typically red due to added dyes. Using ATF as fuel can turn the diesel fuel red, which may be an issue if your fuel is inspected or if your state checks fuel colour for tax purposes, as it could result in fines. Furthermore, ATF contains friction modifiers intended for clutch packs in transmissions, not injection pumps with tight tolerances, which may cause issues in modern diesel engines with high-pressure injection systems.
While some people have reported success in using ATF as fuel, such as Richard Snyder, who has been running a 90% ATF and 10% diesel mixture in his vehicle for two years without issues, it is important to note that long-term effects are still unknown. Any potential savings at the pump could be outweighed by costly repairs down the line. Therefore, while ATF may be a temporary solution, it is not a recommended long-term alternative to diesel fuel. It is always best to use fuel designed for modern diesel engines and consult with specialists or manufacturers for recommended additives or alternatives.
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There are better additives designed for diesel engines
While some people add ATF to their diesel fuel, there are better additives designed for diesel engines.
ATF, or automatic transmission fluid, is not intended to be combusted and will not burn as readily as diesel. It has a lower BTU rating than diesel, which means it burns less efficiently. ATF also contains paraffinic oils, which are long chains of hydrocarbons that can leave behind deposits that don't burn cleanly. This can lead to soot buildup in your engine, potentially causing issues down the line.
There are a variety of additives specifically designed to improve diesel engine performance and protect your fuel system. For example, Peak's Blue Agri-Clean is a fuel stabilizer that improves injector performance, reduces emissions, and boosts the fuel's cetane rating—a key indicator of diesel fuel quality. Stanadyne is another popular additive that improves engine volume, response, and smoothness. Other options include Howes, Lucas, FPPF, Power Service, and Marvel Mystery Oil, which is said to be much better than ATF.
These additives are formulated to enhance diesel combustion, improve lubrication, and protect your engine's components. They are designed to work effectively and safely with modern diesel engines, which operate at higher pressures and are made from different materials than older diesel engines.
While ATF may be a tempting option, especially as it can be obtained for free, it is not the best choice for your diesel engine. The use of ATF may even void your engine's warranty, so it is always best to consult your manufacturer's recommendations for approved additives.
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Frequently asked questions
No, it is not recommended to put ATF in diesel fuel. While some people claim that ATF can improve pump and injector longevity, it is not intended to be combusted and can leave behind hydrocarbon deposits that don't burn cleanly.
Using ATF in diesel fuel can result in the formation of ash or soot, and it may also cause issues with water/fuel separation and cold start-ups. Additionally, the red dye in ATF can stain the fuel tank and be difficult to explain if your fuel is inspected.
Some people claim that ATF can improve pump and injector longevity and reduce engine noise. One individual reported that using a 90% ATF and 10% diesel mixture caused no issues and resulted in cooler engine temperatures.
Yes, there are several alternative additives designed specifically for modern diesel engines, such as Howes, Lucas, FPPF, Power Service, and Marvel Mystery Oil. These additives can improve lubricity and fuel system performance without the same risks as ATF.
Modern diesel fuel may lack sufficient lubricity, so an additive may be beneficial. However, it is recommended to use additives specifically designed for modern diesel engines, rather than ATF, which is not intended for this purpose. Always refer to the manufacturer's recommendations for your specific vehicle.
