Sylvie Willis
Diesel fuel additives are used to improve the performance of diesel engines. They can increase fuel economy, improve ignition speed, and act as lubricants and detergents, protecting fuel system components. When selecting a diesel fuel additive, it is important to consider the specific needs of your engine and the quality of the additive. Some additives are designed to address issues related to cold temperatures, such as fuel gelling, while others focus on improving engine performance and increasing fuel efficiency. Water in diesel fuel can cause issues, so some additives include dispersing water as a key feature. For example, Sea Foam is an additive that can be used in diesel and gasoline vehicles to disperse water, lubricate, and stabilize fuel. Howes Diesel Treat is another popular option that removes water and prevents fuel gelling, even in cold climates. It is important to choose an additive that is safe for your engine and will not cause corrosion or damage to seals and gaskets.
Diesel Fuel Conditioner Characteristics
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Brand | Howes Diesel Treat |
| Type | Anti-gel and fuel conditioner |
| Ingredients | 100% petroleum-based, no alcohol or harmful solvents |
| Functions | Removes water, prevents gelling, provides lubrication, prevents deposits, eliminates smoking and rough idling |
| Usage | Recommended for winter and all year round, safe for all diesel and biodiesel fuels |
| Results | Extends engine life, increases performance, improves fuel economy |
| Price | $10 for 32 ounces |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Howes Diesel Treat
As a fuel lubricator, Howes Diesel Treat enhances the lubricity of diesel fuel, adding to engine performance and life. It prolongs the life of fuel system components, such as injectors and pumps, by reducing friction and wear. It also contains a specialised detergent package to help prevent fuel injector deposits, which can cause a loss of engine power and other issues.
Preventing Algae Growth in Diesel Fuel
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Sea Foam
In addition to their Motor Treatment, Sea Foam offers a range of other additives and cleaners for critical engine areas, such as the Marine PRO product, which is designed to prevent common marine engine problems. Sea Foam also offers an engine flush, an antioxidant stabilizer, a corrosion inhibitor, a turbo cleaner, and various other treatments to keep engines running smoothly and efficiently.
Pump-Duse Engines: Fuel Additives Needed?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Cetane number
The cetane number is a rating given to diesel fuel during the refining process, indicating the combustion speed and compression needed for ignition. It is an important factor in determining the quality of diesel fuel, with higher numbers indicating better-quality fuel.
The cetane number is similar to the octane rating used for gasoline. While octane ratings indicate how well a fuel can resist pre-ignition due to compression, cetane ratings indicate how well a fuel can ignite due to compression. This is because, unlike gasoline engines, diesel engines rely on compression ignition, and no spark is involved.
The cetane number of a fuel is defined by finding a blend of cetane and isocetane with the same ignition delay. Cetane has a cetane number of 100, while isocetane's measured cetane number is 15. Once the blend is known, the cetane number is calculated as a volume-weighted average, rounded to the nearest whole number.
The cetane number is the most significant property of diesel fuels affecting engine performance and emissions. Higher cetane numbers result in quicker ignition, leading to more complete fuel combustion. This also means less non-ignited fuel builds up inside the combustion chamber.
Diesel fuel additives are often used to raise the cetane number of diesel fuel. For example, Diesel Extreme adds seven points to diesel's cetane score, while also cleaning and lubricating injectors.
Converting Used Cooking Oil: Make Diesel Fuel
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Anti-gel
One of the main downsides of diesel fuel is that it does not perform well in cold weather. When temperatures drop, diesel forms crystals that clog fuel filters and fuel lines, causing engines not to start. This can lead to costly repairs if the engine gets damaged. To prevent this, an anti-gel fuel supplement can be used. Anti-gel additives are easy to use – they can be added to the fuel tank to top it off. They lower the freezing point of diesel fuel so that it is less likely to freeze in cold temperatures.
Howes Diesel Treat is a popular anti-gel and fuel conditioner that safely removes water and prevents gelling in cold climates. It is made without alcohol or harmful solvents, which can be corrosive to the system. Diesel Treat is designed to solve the problems created by today’s Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) fuel. It provides added lubrication to injectors, pumps, and upper cylinders, extending the life of diesel engines.
Diesel Treat also contains a detergent package to help prevent fuel injector deposits. Carbon deposits on diesel injector systems can cause a loss of engine power. By preventing these deposits, Diesel Treat improves performance and fuel economy, saving money.
It is important to note that anti-gel additives do not reverse diesel gelling. Once the fuel reaches its cloud point and wax crystals begin to form, an emergency rescue product is needed to restore fuel flow. Diesel Treat is recommended for use before gelling occurs, to prevent it from happening in the first place.
The rule of thumb is that anti-gel additives should be used when temperatures are below freezing (32°F or 0°C). The lower the temperature, the more fuel additive needs to be added.
Changing Yanmar Diesel Fuel Filter: Step-by-Step Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Valvetec
ValvTect Petroleum Products is one of the largest suppliers of high-performance diesel and gasoline additives to fuel distributors, truck stops, fleets, marinas, railroads, terminals, and refiners. Their diesel fuel, Valvetec, is often purchased at marinas and contains additives that help prevent water and microbial growth.
While Valvetec is a trusted brand of diesel fuel, it is always beneficial to use a diesel fuel additive or conditioner, especially during the winter months. This is because diesel fuel tends to transform into a waxy, gel-like substance in extreme cold, which can restrict fuel flow and cause damage. Using an additive helps to prevent this gelling and keeps your engine running smoothly.
Howes Diesel Treat is a popular choice for a diesel fuel conditioner, providing unbeatable protection for your engine. It is 100% petroleum-based and does not contain any alcohol or harmful solvents that could damage your engine. Diesel Treat is safe to use and will not void any manufacturer warranties, making it a reliable choice for engine maintenance.
Illinois Gas Tax: Diesel Fuel Rates Surge
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Diesel fuel conditioners are additives that improve the performance of diesel engines. They can help to prevent water and microbial growth, improve fuel economy, and extend the life of the engine.
There are several diesel fuel conditioners on the market that can help remove water from fuel systems. Some popular options include Howes Diesel Treat, Sea Foam, and Biobor. Howes Diesel Treat is a popular choice as it is an effective anti-gel agent that can safely remove water and prevent fuel gelling in cold climates.
Sea Foam is a natural diesel fuel and oil additive that can be used for diesel and gasoline vehicles. It contains a simple yet effective suite of ingredients that work together to clean, disperse water, lubricate, and stabilize fuel.
Yes, diesel fuel conditioners are generally safe to use and will not void manufacturers' warranties. However, it is important to choose a product that does not contain alcohol or harmful solvents, as these can be corrosive to your system and contribute to microbial growth.
