Rajan Wilcox
Diesel fuel additives are a popular choice for improving the performance of diesel engines. During the refining process, diesel fuel receives a rating called a cetane number, which indicates the fuel's combustion speed and compression needed for ignition. A good additive will raise the cetane number, improving ignition speed, acting as a lubricant, and protecting fuel system components. Popular products include Hot Shot's Secret Everyday Diesel Treatment (EDT), which improves diesel fuel lubricity, and Opti-Lube XPD, which is a good year-round treatment with anti-gel properties for cold weather. Other options include Peak's Blue Agri-Clean, a fuel stabilizer that improves injector performance and fuel efficiency, and Seafoam, which cleans dirty fuel systems.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cetane gains | Boosts cetane rating, improving ignition speed |
| Lubrication | Protects fuel system components like pumps and injectors |
| Fuel economy | Improves fuel efficiency and economy |
| Emission reduction | Reduces emissions output |
| Anti-gel | Prevents fuel from turning into a gel in extreme cold conditions |
| Fuel stabilizer | Prevents fuel from degrading and becoming unusable |
| Water remover | Removes water from the fuel |
| Biocide | Kills microbes |
| Corrosion inhibitor | Inhibits corrosion |
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What You'll Learn
Cetane rating and lubrication
During the refining process, diesel fuel receives a rating called a cetane number, which indicates the combustion speed of the fuel and the compression required for ignition. Higher cetane numbers indicate better fuel quality. Diesel engines typically perform well with fuel that has a cetane rating of 48 to 50. Raising the cetane number is one of the primary functions of diesel fuel additives, which also act as lubricants, protecting fuel system components such as pumps and injectors.
Diesel fuel additives are designed to improve the performance and longevity of diesel engines. One popular additive is Hot Shot's Secret Everyday Diesel Treatment (EDT), which boosts cetane levels, increases power, and improves fuel economy. It also contains LX4 Lubricity Extreme, which improves diesel fuel lubricity by up to 26%.
Another additive, Peak's Blue Agri-Clean, is a fuel stabilizer that boosts cetane by five points while improving injector performance, reducing emissions, and enhancing overall fuel efficiency. It is also an "upper cylinder lubricant with injector cleaners and fuel treatments," reducing the level of contaminants in the fuel.
For those in colder climates, Opti-Lube XPD is a popular choice as it has anti-gel properties and improves fuel lubricity. It is also available in an XL variant, which offers better value for money. Additionally, Yamalube 2R is recommended for vehicles without selective reductant catalysts or trap oxidizers.
Other notable additives include Seafoam, which is effective at cleaning dirty fuel systems, and Howes, which helps maintain the system once it is clean. It is also worth mentioning that some people use motor oil or automatic transmission fluid (ATF) as a lubricant, although the effectiveness of ATF as a lubricant is debated.
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Fuel economy and emissions
Diesel fuel treatments are products designed to improve the performance and efficiency of diesel engines. They can help improve fuel economy and reduce emissions output.
One of the ways they improve fuel economy is by increasing engine combustion efficiency, resulting in reduced fuel consumption. Some additives also improve lubrication, stabilise fuel for long-term storage, and boost cetane. A higher cetane rating improves ignition speed and acts as a lubricant, protecting fuel system components like pumps and injectors. This also helps improve fuel economy.
Fuel treatments can also help reduce emissions by promoting the complete combustion of fuel, which leads to lower levels of harmful pollutants being released into the environment. They can also reduce emissions by removing carbon deposits and other deposits in the engine and fuel system. This restores compression and proper injector sprays, letting the engine start quicker and easier, and can restore power and fuel economy.
There are a variety of diesel fuel additives available, and the best one for your engine may depend on the type of engine and the weather conditions. For example, anti-gel additives are designed to prevent diesel fuel from gelling in cold temperatures, while some additives are better suited for newer diesel engines.
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Anti-gel treatments
Diesel engine owners need to be aware of the problems caused by dropping temperatures. Diesel fuel contains wax in suspension, which is normally liquid but can solidify and stick together in cold conditions. This can clog fuel lines and cause engine problems. The lowest temperature at which diesel fuel can be poured is called the pour point. Once the pour point is reached, the diesel will be too gelled to flow through your system.
There are several anti-gel products on the market. Hot Shot's Secret Diesel Winter Anti-Gel is a popular choice, safe for use in all diesel engines, including marine, semi-truck, construction, agriculture, RV, and racing engines. It works using three different chemicals: a wax modifier, a wax anti-settling agent, and a military-grade de-icer. The recommended treatment ratio for Hot Shot’s Secret Diesel Winter Anti-Gel with #2 diesel is 1:1,000.
Another well-known anti-gel product is Howes Diesel Treat, which is North America's number one trusted anti-gel and fuel conditioner. It safely removes water and prevents gelling in even the coldest climates, without using alcohol or harmful solvents. It also provides added lubricity to injectors, pumps, and upper cylinders, extending the life and increasing the performance of diesel engines.
Other diesel fuel additives include Peak's Blue Agri-Clean, which boosts cetane by five points, and improves injector performance, fuel efficiency, and reduces emissions. Everyday Diesel Treatment (EDT) by Hot Shot's Secret is another additive that improves diesel fuel lubricity and cleans fuel injectors, aiding fuel efficiency.
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Stabilisers
Fuel stabilisers are an important consideration for diesel engines, especially those in storage for long periods. They can prevent the degradation of fuel and improve the overall efficiency of the engine.
There are several products on the market that are designed to stabilise diesel fuel. STA-BIL, for example, has been around for over 60 years and is a trusted brand. Its fuel stabiliser is suitable for long-term storage, offering year-round protection and keeping diesel fresh for up to 24 months. It also helps to maintain the fuel system by removing water and preventing corrosion. STA-BIL's 360 Marine Ethanol Treatment is another option, which is ideal for boats and other marine vehicles. It treats the fuel system with a protective coating, minimises the negative effects of water and ethanol, and keeps fuel fresh for up to 12 months.
Another product to consider is Sea Foam, which has been trusted since 1942. It stabilises diesel fuel for up to two years and also acts as a lubricant and cleaner for fuel systems.
For diesel engines that experience severe cold, anti-gel additives are available to prevent fuel from turning into a waxy, gel-like substance. Hot Shot's Secret Everyday Diesel Treatment (EDT) is one such option, which also improves fuel economy and cleans fuel injectors.
When choosing a diesel fuel stabiliser, it is important to consider the treat rate, which is the number of gallons treated per gallon of stabiliser. A lower treat rate, where a higher number of gallons are treated per gallon of stabiliser, is more cost-effective.
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Injector cleaners
There are several injector cleaner products available on the market, each with its own unique benefits. Here are some of the most popular and effective injector cleaners:
- Hot Shot's Secret Everyday Diesel Treatment (EDT): EDT is a popular choice that delivers a concentrated boost of cetane, increasing power and improving fuel economy. It also cleans fuel injectors, maintaining proper injector spray patterns and improving fuel efficiency. EDT is infused with LX4 Lubricity Extreme, which enhances diesel fuel lubricity.
- Redline Fuel System Cleaner: This product is highly effective at cleaning injectors and carbon buildup. It contains Polyetheramine (PEA), an active ingredient that makes it one of the best injector cleaners available.
- Optilube XPD: Optilube XPD is an injector cleaner that has been known to extend the life of injectors and fuel pumps. It treats up to 2500 gallons of fuel, making it a cost-effective option.
- Peak's Blue Agri-Clean: This additive is a fuel stabilizer suitable for extreme-duty vehicles and machines. It boosts cetane, improves injector performance, reduces emissions, and enhances fuel efficiency. It is also free of solvents, making it suitable for both diesel and gasoline engines.
- Archoil: Archoil is an additive that helps clean components like the DPF when added to your fuel.
- Marvel Mystery Oil: When added to gas, Marvel Mystery Oil serves as an upper cylinder lubricant. It is most effective when added to oil, where it absorbs varnish and sludge.
It is important to note that the effectiveness of injector cleaners may vary depending on the specific vehicle and its conditions. It is always recommended to do your research and consult a trusted mechanic or professional before using any additive or cleaner.
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Frequently asked questions
A diesel fuel treatment is a type of additive that can be added to diesel fuel to improve its performance and protect the engine. It can improve ignition speed, act as a lubricant, improve fuel economy, and reduce emissions output.
Opti-Lube XPD is a good year-round treatment, especially for cold weather due to its anti-gel properties. Peak's Blue Agri-Clean is another option, as it is a fuel stabilizer that can be used in extreme-duty vehicles and machines in colder temperatures.
Seafoam is a good option for cleaning up dirty fuel systems and injectors. Everyday Diesel Treatment (EDT) by Hot Shot's Secret is another budget-friendly option that delivers a concentrated level of cetane booster, improving power and fuel economy.
