Rajan Wilcox
Diesel fuel additives are used to improve the performance of diesel engines. They can increase the cetane rating of the fuel, improving its combustion speed and acting as a lubricant. This protects the fuel system and its components, such as pumps and injectors, from premature deterioration. Additives can also improve fuel economy and reduce emissions output. Some additives are specifically designed for extreme cold conditions, preventing diesel fuel from turning into a gel and causing damage to the engine. While opinions vary on the effectiveness of additives, with some claiming they are unnecessary or even harmful, others swear by them for improving engine performance and protecting their investment. This article will explore the different types of diesel fuel additives available for Cummins engines and discuss their potential benefits and drawbacks.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Brand Name | Diesel Kleen, Power Service, Howes, Stanadyne, Hot Shot, Lucas, Penzoil, Amsoil, Diesel Extreme, Blue Agri-Clean, Cummins Cleanout Pack |
| Function | Anti-gelling, lubrication, cleaning, improving fuel economy, reducing emissions, stabilisation, improving combustion performance, removing water and contaminants |
| Use | Extreme cold, occasional duty, at every oil change |
| Cetane Score | Diesel Extreme adds 7 points, Blue Agri-Clean adds 5 points |
| Availability | Walmart, local parts stores, trucking supply shops |
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What You'll Learn
Cummins Cleanout Pack
The Cummins Cleanout Pack is a treatment designed to thoroughly clean the internal components of a Cummins pickup, specifically treating the engine oil and fuel. It is designed to reduce wear by up to 62% more than competing products and claims to remove 50% more stiction than the leading competitor.
The Cummins Cleanout Pack is a product of Hot Shot's Secret, a brand that has been endorsed by Project Farm on YouTube, where it came out on top in a wear test against different diesel additives. Hot Shot's Secret also offers the Cummins Performance Pack, which provides a balance of preventative maintenance and performance increase for Cummins-powered trucks.
While some sources debate the effectiveness of fuel additives, with some claiming they are unnecessary or even harmful, others swear by certain products for improving engine performance and fuel economy. Some popular fuel additives for Cummins engines include:
- Diesel Kleen (with some users recommending the silver variant for general use and the white for winter)
- Power Service Products (with some users specifying the white bottle for ULSD)
- Stanadyne Performance (with Stanadyne Performance Jr for warmer months)
- Howes Diesel Treatment
- Hot Shot's Secret Diesel Extreme Diesel Fuel Additive
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Power Service Products
Cummins Inc. officially endorses and recommends two Power Service Products: Diesel Kleen +Cetane Boost and Diesel Fuel Supplement +Cetane Boost. These products are designed to improve diesel engine performance and provide solutions for challenges such as poor lubricity, low cetane numbers, and low-temperature operability.
Diesel Kleen +Cetane Boost is a year-round performance enhancer that cleans dirty injectors, prevents injector sticking, smooths rough-running engines, and can improve fuel economy. It is particularly beneficial for preventing gelling and dispersing water.
Diesel Fuel Supplement +Cetane Boost is recommended for use during cold winter months when temperatures drop below +30 degrees Fahrenheit. It acts as a winterizer/anti-gel, preventing fuel gelling, and keeping fuel filters from plugging with ice and wax.
In addition to their effectiveness, Power Service Products are easily accessible and available at truck stops and automotive retailers nationwide. The company also has a strong distribution network and industry-leading technology, making their diesel fuel solutions convenient for customers.
Some users have also shared their positive experiences with Power Service Products, particularly the white bottle version, which helps replace the lubricity lost when transitioning to Ultra-Low-Sulfur Diesel (ULSD).
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Diesel Kleen
While Diesel Kleen can be purchased from a Cummins dealer, it is also available at Walmart and most local parts stores or trucking supply shops.
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Hot Shot's Secret Diesel Extreme
Hot Shots Secret Diesel Extreme is a premium 6-in-1 diesel additive that is designed to clean, lubricate, and protect all components of a diesel engine and fuel system, including valves, pumps, rings, pistons, and upper cylinders. It is a concentrated fuel system cleaner and cetane booster that improves the performance of all types of diesel engines, from semi-trucks to RVs.
The additive is formulated to remove internal and external diesel injector deposits (IDIDs and EDIDs) and waxy and polymeric deposits that can clog the fuel filter. It also cleans injector tips, cylinders, fuel lines, and tanks, while demulsifying moisture to deliver a more efficient system. With improved combustibility, you can reduce the number of diesel particulate filter (DPF) regeneration cycles required.
Hot Shots Secret Diesel Extreme also includes a lubricity enhancer to reduce wear, a non-alcohol-based water dispersant, rust and corrosion inhibitors, and a fuel stabilizer. It increases cetane ratings by up to 7 points, leading to better combustibility, fuel economy, and horsepower. Customers have reported positive results, noting improved performance, reduced emissions, and a smoother driving experience.
The product is safe to use in all diesel engines and is recommended to be used every 6000 miles. It is available in 16oz, 32oz, and 1-gallon bottles.
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Stanadyne Performance
The product is designed to address the changes in fuel formulas since the introduction of common rail fuel systems, notably the removal of sulfur, which previously acted as a natural lubricant for injectors and pumps. Stanadyne Performance Formula® helps restore these lubricating properties, and the manufacturer recommends using it in every tank to ensure maximum performance and extend the life of fuel system components.
Independent tests of Stanadyne Performance Formula® have shown an average improvement of 4% in MPG, with gains of up to 9.6% in cetane. The detergents in the formula clean deposits in the injection system, resulting in improved combustion, better acceleration, power, and torque. The formula also meets all engine fuel system requirements and will not harm exhaust after-treatment systems.
While Stanadyne Performance Formula® has its supporters, some users have reported that it did not work as well for them as other additives such as Hot Shot's Secret Diesel Extreme Diesel Fuel Additive or Power Service. One user noted that they switched from Stanadyne to Hot Shot due to the former's decreasing availability, while another user conducting a wear test ranked Stanadyne below Hot Shot and Power Service. However, many users also report positive experiences with Stanadyne, especially in colder months, and recommend using Stanadyne Performance in winter and Stanadyne Performance Jr in warmer months.
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Frequently asked questions
A diesel fuel additive is a substance that is added to diesel fuel to improve its performance. It raises the cetane number, which is an indicator of the fuel's combustion speed and compression needed for ignition.
A good diesel additive can improve fuel economy, reduce emissions, and act as a lubricant, protecting fuel system components. In cold climates, anti-gel additives prevent diesel fuel from turning into a gel-like substance, which can restrict fuel flow and cause damage.
There are several recommended diesel fuel additives for Cummins engines. Some popular choices include Power Service Products, Howes Diesel Treatment, Stanadyne, and Diesel Kleen.
While many people find additives beneficial, some sources suggest they are unnecessary and may even be harmful to engines. It is important to research and choose reputable products, as some additives may not provide any additional benefits over regular diesel fuel.
