Rajan Wilcox
Diesel fuel injector cleaners are a popular choice for many drivers, as they can help maintain a clean and efficient fuel system, improving engine performance and longevity. Over time, fuel injectors can accumulate carbon deposits, sludge, and other contaminants, leading to issues such as rough idling, decreased fuel economy, and even long-term engine damage. While some people opt for premium diesel, which contains additives that can improve long-term engine health, others turn to diesel injector cleaners—specialised additives formulated to dissolve deposits and restore proper injector spray patterns. These additives can also act as lubricants, protecting fuel system components like pumps and injectors. While there are many options available, such as Hot Shot's Secret Diesel Extreme, Peak's Blue Agri-Clean, and Lucas Oil 10003 Fuel Treatment, it is important to note that the effectiveness of these products may vary, and some people question whether they are truly necessary.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To clean diesel injectors and fuel systems, improve performance, and protect against future buildup and wear |
| How it works | Dissolves deposits and restores proper injector spray patterns, improves combustibility, horsepower, and fuel economy |
| Use | Poured directly into the fuel tank |
| Frequency of use | Every few months to years, depending on the product |
| Examples | Hot Shot's Secret Diesel Extreme, Peak's Blue Agri-Clean, Lucas Oil 10003 Fuel Treatment, Liqui Moly Gasoline Injection Cleaner, Chevron Techron Concentrate Plus |
| Common ingredients | Cetane booster, lubricity additive, detergent, water dispersant, rust and corrosion inhibitors, fuel stabilizer |
| Effectiveness | Some users report improved engine performance and fuel economy, while others notice no difference |
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What You'll Learn
Cetane boosters
Cetane is a component of diesel fuel that makes it easier to ignite. The higher the cetane percentage, the quicker the fuel ignites in the cylinder, and the quicker the fuel ignites, the better the engine runs. Cetane boosters are additives poured into the tank of a diesel-powered vehicle to improve the MPG and power, and also clean and lubricate the injectors, remove water from the tank, and improve the smell of the exhaust.
There are a number of companies that sell cetane boosters, including Power Service's Diesel Kleen +Cetane Boost, which is a total injector cleaner and performance improver that cleans injectors, boosts cetane, and lubricates fuel injection components. It is available in a range of sizes, from 12-ounce to 260-gallon bulk options. Diesel Kleen can be used year-round, but it is not a diesel fuel winterizer or antigel. When temperatures drop below 30°F, Diesel Fuel Supplement +Cetane Boost should be used to provide maximum winter protection for your diesel engine.
AMSOIL's Diesel Injector Clean + Cetane Boost Fuel Additive is another option, which delivers improved detergency, lubricity, and horsepower. One ounce treats up to five gallons of fuel, and the product has received positive reviews from buyers.
Hot Shot's Secret Diesel Extreme is a premium 6-in-1 diesel additive, containing the most concentrated detergent formula on the market. It includes a powerful cetane improver, improving your diesel fuel’s cetane rating by up to seven points, to improve combustibility, horsepower, and fuel economy. It also contains a lubricity enhancer, water dispersant, rust and corrosion inhibitors, and a fuel stabilizer.
While cetane boosters can provide benefits, it is important to note that excessive use of cetane boosters can decrease power and efficiency as the diluted diesel cannot deliver as much energy. Additionally, it is recommended to refer to your vehicle's owner's manual before using any fuel additives to ensure they are safe for your vehicle and will not void the warranty.
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Fuel stabilizers
One popular product is STA-BIL Diesel Fuel Stabilizer, which is designed to work with all diesel engines and fuels. It prevents sludge and sediment formation, cleans and lubricates fuel injectors, and helps remove water. Customers have found it effective in keeping diesel fresh, improving engine performance, and protecting against water and bacteria. It is recommended for use at every fill-up, with a treat rate of 1 ounce per 10 gallons.
Another option is Howes Meaner Power Kleaner, a 100% petroleum-based stabilizer that safely keeps fuel fresh and protects the entire fuel system. It also helps remove water from the fuel.
For those seeking a more specialized solution for Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel fuels, STA-BIL also offers a Diesel Formula designed to address issues related to these newer fuel types, including thermal oxidation, sludge and sediment formation, corrosion, and lubricity.
By using fuel stabilizers, diesel engine owners can maintain the performance and longevity of their vehicles, ensuring efficient and reliable operation.
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Injector cleaners
There are dozens of diesel injector cleaners on the market, but some have a better reputation than others. It's important to check your owner's manual or the instructions on the bottle before adding any cleaner to your fuel tank. Some formulas are only compatible with certain makes and models of vehicles.
One popular option is Hot Shot's Secret Diesel Extreme, a premium 6-in-1 diesel additive containing the most concentrated detergent formula on the market. It's designed to resolve issues related to Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel and improve your truck's performance and fuel economy. It also includes a lubricity enhancer, water dispersant, rust and corrosion inhibitors, and a fuel stabilizer.
Another trusted brand is Bostech, which offers a high-mileage cleaner designed specifically for engines past the 75,000-mile mark. Their formula is known for making superior diesel care products, and their injector cleaner is no exception.
Other options include Wynns Diesel Power 7, which has been shown to improve the distance between regenerations, possibly due to improved combustion or decreased soot production. BG 245 and Texaco Techron are also recommended for their PEA additives, which are known to be effective in petrol engines.
Using a diesel injector cleaner regularly can help break up particulate matter that can slow down your engine and keep your fuel system free of soot and ash. It's a preventative measure to ensure good injector performance and protect your injectors from future wear and tear.
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Anti-gel additives
While there is no consensus on the best diesel fuel cleaner, anti-gel additives are essential for improving diesel engine performance in cold weather. As temperatures drop, the wax in standard diesel fuel can solidify and clog fuel lines and filters, leading to engine issues. Anti-gel additives work by lowering the cold filter plugging point (CFPP) of diesel fuel, preventing wax build-up and improving lubricity.
Hot Shot's Secret Diesel Winter Anti-Gel is a popular choice, recommended for use in all diesel engines, including trucks, farm equipment, and standard automotive vehicles. It improves winter operability through a wax modifier, a wax anti-settling agent, and a military-grade de-icer. It also boosts the fuel's cetane number, enhancing combustibility and power.
Other well-regarded anti-gel additives include Optilube, which has been independently tested and shown to improve lubricity, and Ford Powerstroke, which also acts as a cetane booster. BOOSTane's Winter Diesel Additive promises smoother starts, improved fuel efficiency, and engine protection during cold weather.
It is recommended to use anti-gel additives each time you fill your fuel tank to ensure proper mixing and maximize effectiveness. This preventative measure can save you from costly diesel fuel system repairs, which can cost upwards of $10,000.
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Lubricity additives
Bell Performance's Lube-Pro is another diesel lubricity additive that lubricates engine parts, resulting in reduced engine noise and increased fuel efficiency. Opti-Lube XPD is also a top-rated diesel fuel additive that enhances lubricity, cleans injectors, and includes an anti-gel feature for smooth fuel flow.
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Frequently asked questions
There is no clear consensus on which product is the best diesel fuel cleaner. However, popular options include:
- Hot Shot's Secret Diesel Extreme
- Peak's Blue Agri-Clean
- Lucas Oil 10003 Fuel Treatment
- Liqui Moly Gasoline Injection Cleaner
- STP 5 in 1
Diesel fuel cleaners can improve engine performance, reduce emissions, and boost power. They can also help prevent future buildup and wear, extending the life of your engine.
If your diesel engine is experiencing issues such as rough idling, decreased fuel economy, or sluggish acceleration, it may be beneficial to use a diesel fuel cleaner to remove carbon deposits, sludge, and other contaminants from the fuel injectors.
