Regan Brown
Fuel additives are added to diesel during the refining process to improve performance and lubrication. They can also help to improve fuel economy and reduce emissions output. While some additives are designed to prevent diesel from turning into a gel in extreme cold conditions, others are used to stabilize fuel that has been sitting in a tank for a long time. Although additives are usually odourless, some people have reported unpleasant smells after using certain brands. However, there are scented fuel additives available that can make your fuel smell like cherry or cinnamon, for example. These scented additives are often used at race tracks to extend engine life and reduce eye burn.
Characteristics and Values of Diesel Fuel Additives
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Best additive | Diesel Extreme |
| Cetane score improvement | 7 points |
| Injector performance | Cleans and lubricates injectors |
| Fuel efficiency | Reduces emissions, improves combustion performance |
| Anti-gel | Prevents fuel from turning into a gel in cold weather |
| Fuel stabilizer | Prevents fuel from degrading |
| Fuel economy | Improves fuel economy |
| Fuel leak detection | Helps locate small fuel leaks |
| Foul odour | Some additives cause a foul odour |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Diesel Extreme additive
Diesel Extreme is a premium 6-in-1 diesel additive that addresses common and uncommon problems with diesel fuel, ensuring your diesel engine is always running at peak performance.
The additive is formulated with specific detergents to safely remove and prevent internal and external diesel injector deposits (IDIDs and EDIDs). It also removes other forms of varnish and deposits that cause scarring and wear, which can lead to the premature failure of fuel system components, including fuel pumps.
Diesel Extreme contains a top-tier level of cetane booster, lubricity additive, and fuel stabilizer to provide maximum performance while cleaning the fuel system. The additive improves your diesel fuel's cetane rating by up to seven points, enhancing combustibility, horsepower, and fuel economy.
The lubricity additive in Diesel Extreme increases your fuel's lubricity, improving protection and reducing wear. It also helps eliminate excessive black smoke and improves cold starts.
Diesel Extreme is recommended for use in all diesel engines and is safe for emissions equipment. It is also one of the cheaper options available, with a 1-quart bottle priced at $17.77 on Amazon.com.
Why Faulty Vented Fuel Caps Cause Diesel Flow Issues
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Anti-gel additive
An anti-gel additive is a type of fuel additive specifically designed to address issues that arise in diesel engines during severe cold weather conditions. In extreme cold, diesel fuel can transform into a waxy, glue-like gel, which can restrict fuel flow and cause severe damage to the engine. Anti-gel additives prevent this by stopping the fuel from gelling and turning waxy. They can also help clear built-up gel in fuel lines and filters.
One popular anti-gel additive is Hot Shot's Secret Diesel Winter Anti-Gel. It is designed to improve cold temperature performance and prevent clogged fuel filters and lines. It also boosts the fuel's cetane number, which improves combustion performance and provides quicker cold starts. Hot Shot's Secret recommends using their additive each time you fill your fuel tank to ensure proper mixing and maximize effectiveness.
Another anti-gel additive to consider is Archoil AR6300, which has been shown in tests to be outperformed by Hot Shots. Additionally, Opti-Lube has been praised for its lubricity by users.
When choosing an anti-gel additive, it is important to consider the specific needs of your diesel engine and the climate conditions in which it will be operating. Using an anti-gel additive can help prevent engine damage and improve performance during cold weather.
Using Diesel Fuel in a Kerosene Lamp: Is It Safe?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Fuel stabiliser additive
The purpose of a fuel stabiliser additive is to neutralise and inhibit the chemical reactions that lead to fuel degradation, preventing oxidation and its subsequent issues. When diesel fuel sits in a storage tank or fuel tank for long periods, it can degrade and oxidise, leading to the formation of acids, sediments, gums, and varnishes. These issues can clog fuel filters and injectors, hindering engine performance. Fuel stabilisers also help prevent water and air exposure, which can lead to microbial growth.
Diesel fuel stabilisers are made up of assorted chemical compounds, including antioxidants, corrosion inhibitors, and detergents. These components work together to prevent fuel degradation and maintain fuel quality. Quality stabilisers are made with safe, quality ingredients that will not harm your engine.
There are various fuel stabiliser additives available on the market, such as Berryman Total Fuel Stabilizer, which is compatible with all 2-stroke and 4-stroke engines and can be used for long-term storage of diesel fuel. It contains corrosion inhibitors, metal deactivators, and antioxidants to prevent rust and oxidation, as well as the formation of gums and varnishes. STA-BIL is another option, treating 20 gallons of fuel and protecting the engine from gum, varnish, rust, and corrosion.
While fuel stabiliser additives are not necessary for vehicles in everyday use, they are beneficial for equipment with older engines or fuel that experiences varying temperature cycles and extended storage.
Colonial Pipeline's Impact on Diesel Fuel Supply
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Stiction Eliminator additive
Stiction Eliminator is a diesel fuel additive that has been designed to clean and lubricate oil-wetted components safely. It is a product of Hot Shot's Secret, which was commissioned by International Truck and Engine to address the issues caused by stiction in the Navistar and Ford Powerstroke Hydraulic Electric Unit Injectors (HEUI injectors). Stiction Eliminator contains a synthetic cleaner that dissolves stiction and a nano lubricant that reduces the coefficient of friction, thereby reducing normal wear and tear.
Stiction is a term used to describe the sticky friction caused by the byproducts of burnt oil. In high-pressure situations, extreme heat is generated in tight tolerance applications, such as inside HEUI injectors. This heat causes the oil to burn, oxidize, and create layers of sludge and deposits, which can lead to scarring and failure of vital engine components.
Stiction Eliminator has been tested on thousands of gasoline and diesel engines, from small lawn mower engines to large diesels. It has been proven to improve engine performance and decrease wear by removing stiction from components. It also helps to reduce vibration and noise in lifters and valves, as well as smoothen idle.
As a diesel fuel additive, Stiction Eliminator can be simply poured into your tank. The recommended ratio is 1 ounce of additive per 10 gallons of diesel. It is important to note that Stiction Eliminator is only suitable for diesel engines and should not be used in gasoline engines.
Finding Air Leaks in Marine Diesel Fuel Systems
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Manhattan Oil additive
Manhattan Oil scented gas additive is a unique product that allows you to customise the scent of your vehicle's exhaust. The additive is available in a Cotton Candy fragrance, adding a pleasant aroma to your driving experience and helping to mask the smell of exhaust fumes.
This product is designed purely to enhance the olfactory experience of your vehicle and does not impact performance. It is safe to use in all internal combustion engines, although it is recommended for vehicles without catalytic converters to achieve the best results. One 4-ounce bottle of Manhattan Oil treats 5-10 gallons of diesel fuel, making it an affordable and effective way to add a personal touch to your car, dirt bike, ATV, or motorcycle.
It's important to note that while Manhattan Oil can be used in motorcycles, it is not advised for those with metal gas tanks as it may cause rust. This additive has received positive reviews from users who have noticed its ability to cover up the typical exhaust smell, leaving a subtle and pleasant fragrance in its place.
When considering fuel additives for diesel engines, it's worth noting that there are also performance-enhancing options available. These additives can improve combustion performance, lubricate injectors, and increase fuel economy. Some additives are specifically designed for extreme cold conditions, preventing diesel fuel from turning into a gel-like substance that can cause fuel flow issues and potential damage.
How to Safely Use Diesel Antifreeze for Home Heating
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Manhattan Oil offers a cherry-scented fuel additive that can be used with diesel fuels. It is primarily used at racetracks, but it can also help locate fuel leaks.
Some other recommended fuel additives for diesel include Stanadyne, Hotshots, and Diesel Extreme.
Fuel additives can improve the fuel's combustion performance, lubricate injectors and other critical fuel system components, and remove excess water and contaminants from the fuel.
