Sylvie Willis
There are many products available on the market for cleaning fuel injectors. One such product is ATF, which stands for automatic transmission fluid. ATF is a detergent and a lubricity agent that is thicker than diesel. While some people have used ATF to clean their fuel injectors, others recommend against it, citing the potential for unburnt material to build up on injector tips over time. Some alternative products to ATF include Hotshots Diesel Extreme, Techron, and RL's Fuel Injector Cleaner.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Effectiveness | ATF is a detergent that can clean fuel injectors. However, there are other products specifically designed to clean injectors that may be more effective. |
| Cost | ATF may be more expensive than other additives per gallon of diesel. |
| Frequency of Use | It is not recommended to use ATF with every fill-up due to the potential for build-up and cost. It is suggested to use it occasionally or every 2-3 fill-ups. |
| Amount to Use | The amount of ATF to use varies, with recommendations ranging from 4 oz per 10 gallons to 2 gallons per quarter tank. |
| Vehicle Compatibility | ATF may not be suitable for newer, more sensitive injectors. It is recommended for older vehicles with mechanical injection pumps and injectors. |
| Other Benefits | ATF can clean the entire fuel system, not just the injectors. It can also be used as a motor flush and may improve throttle and mileage. |
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What You'll Learn
ATF is a detergent
There is conflicting information about whether or not ATF is a detergent. Some sources claim that ATF is a detergent that can be used to clean fuel injectors, while others argue that it contains no detergents or solvents and is therefore ineffective for this purpose.
Those who claim that ATF is a detergent suggest that it can be used to clean injection pumps and injectors, especially in diesel engines. They attribute its cleaning ability to its thickness, which is greater than that of diesel, and its ability to lubricate engine components. Additionally, ATF is said to have high detergent properties that can help identify leaks in engines. It is recommended to be used sparingly, only when issues with sticking injectors or metering valves arise, rather than with every fill-up.
On the other hand, several individuals have expressed skepticism about the detergent properties of ATF. They argue that modern engine oils already contain detergents, so additional additives are unnecessary if the oil is changed regularly. Furthermore, they claim that ATF has very low levels of detergents compared to other oils, and its effectiveness as a cleaner is questionable. Instead, they recommend using dedicated injector cleaners or high-mileage oils, which have stronger additive packages designed to keep engines clean.
While some older formulations of ATF may have contained whale oil, which could have had some cleaning benefits for older cars, today's ATF is not considered an effective detergent for engines. However, it is still occasionally used as a temporary solution for specific issues, such as noisy lifters. In these cases, a small amount of ATF is added to the engine oil and run for a short period before being drained and replaced with regular oil.
In conclusion, while ATF may have some detergent properties, its effectiveness as a fuel injector cleaner is debated. It is recommended to consult with automotive experts or refer to manufacturer guidelines to determine the most suitable cleaning methods and additives for fuel injectors.
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ATF is thicker than diesel
It is believed that ATF can clean fuel injectors because it is a detergent and is thicker than diesel. The higher viscosity of ATF compared to diesel helps to lubricate injectors, which is especially important given the low sulphur content in modern diesel that can lead to inadequate lubrication.
However, it is important to note that ATF has much lower levels of detergents compared to motor oils, and it is not designed to operate in a combustion environment. It lacks additives that help break up and disperse carbon deposits, which can be crucial for effective cleaning. Therefore, while ATF may provide lubrication for injectors, it may not be the best choice for cleaning them.
There are specifically formulated injector cleaners available that are likely to be more effective. Additionally, modern diesel fuels already contain cleaners to keep injectors clean, so the use of ATF as a cleaning agent may not be necessary.
While ATF can be used as a lube supplement in diesel fuel, it is generally not recommended to be added to every tank of diesel due to the cost and the availability of better and more affordable alternatives.
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ATF is a lubricity and cleaning agent
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) is a hydraulic fluid that is essential for the proper functioning of vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions. ATF is also commonly used as a lubricant in power steering systems, 4WD transfer cases, and modern manual transmissions. It is usually coloured red or green to differentiate it from other vehicle fluids.
ATF has been recommended by some to clean fuel injectors due to its lubricating and detergent properties. It is thicker than diesel, which may help to pull out crud and keep the injectors lubricated. However, others have questioned this method, as ATF does not contain detergents or solvents, and there are dedicated injector cleaners available that may be more effective.
While ATF can be used as a cleaning agent, it is important to note that it is not recommended for every tank. It is primarily a lubricant, and modern diesel fuel already contains detergents to keep injectors clean. Additionally, the cost of ATF may be higher than other alternatives, and using it as a regular additive may not be necessary or cost-effective.
There are mixed opinions on using ATF as a fuel injector cleaner. While some people have found success in clearing up stuck injectors and improving engine performance, others have suggested that there are better and more affordable options available. It is always recommended to consult a professional or refer to the manufacturer's guidelines before using any cleaning or lubricating agents in your vehicle.
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Other products clean better than ATF
While some sources suggest that ATF can be used to clean fuel injectors, others argue that there are more effective products available. Here are some alternatives that are specifically designed for cleaning fuel injectors and may yield better results:
Sea Foam Motor Treatment
Sea Foam is a popular choice for cleaning fuel injectors and is recommended by many users. It can be used to clean fuel lines, injector pumps, and remove moisture. The recommended dosage is one pint of Sea Foam for every 25 gallons of diesel fuel. It is also suitable for use with gasoline-hybrid vehicles and devices with internal combustion engines, such as lawnmowers, motorboats, and motorcycles.
Stanadyne "All Season" Fuel Conditioner
Stanadyne offers a range of products, including the "All Season" fuel conditioner, which can be used with every fill-up. They also have a lubricity formula that provides a good bang for your buck, according to some users.
Hotshots Diesel Extreme
Hotshots Diesel Extreme is another additive that can be used with every tank of diesel. It is designed to clean the fuel system and keep it lubricated. It is slightly more expensive than ATF but is still a cost-effective option.
Power Service
Although it may be harder on the wallet, Power Service is praised by some users for its cleaning abilities. It also contains a cetane boost for extra performance.
Marvel Mystery Oil
Marvel Mystery Oil is another option for cleaning fuel injectors. However, it is important to note that it has been known to lower the lubricity rating of diesel fuel, so use it with caution.
Other Options
Other products worth considering include Dexron, which can also be used as an anti-gelling fluid in cold weather, and Optilube, which was ranked highly in a test for additive lubricity. Additionally, some fuel injector cleaners that can be poured directly into the fuel tank are available on the market, offering convenience and effectiveness for mildly clogged injectors.
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ATF is not designed to burn
While some people have used ATF to clean their fuel injectors, it is not designed to be burned. ATF, or automatic transmission fluid, is a corrosive liquid designed for use in the environment of an automatic transmission. It is thicker than diesel and has a higher viscosity, which can create higher pop pressures and potentially pull out crud from fuel injectors.
ATF is often recommended as a solution to clean injectors, and it is claimed that it can dissolve carbon deposits and clean out the internal mechanisms of the engine. However, it is important to note that ATF is not designed to be burned as fuel. Burning ATF can have several negative side effects. For example, it can cause the engine to run louder and rattle, as well as increasing the amount of smoke produced at higher RPMs. Additionally, excessive use of ATF can lead to quicker spark plug fouling, which can result in a loss of power and gas mileage if not replaced.
Another issue with using ATF as a fuel additive is the cost. ATF is significantly more expensive than diesel, with prices quoted at $11 per gallon. While some people have reported success in using ATF to clean their injectors, it is not recommended as a regular additive to every tank of fuel. There are other, more cost-effective additives available that can provide better lubrication and cleanliness.
Furthermore, ATF can be detrimental to the engine seals. It can attack the seals and cause oil to leak into the working chamber, which then needs to be burned off. This issue can only be resolved by replacing the seals, which requires disassembling the engine. Therefore, while ATF may be effective at cleaning fuel injectors, it is not designed to be burned and can cause several issues if used in this manner.
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Frequently asked questions
ATF stands for Automatic Transmission Fluid. It is a detergent and a lubricity and cleaning agent.
ATF can be used to clean fuel injectors, but it is not recommended as it is not designed to burn and will build up unburnt material on injector tips. It is also a thicker fluid than diesel, which may be problematic for newer injectors.
Yes, there are several alternatives to ATF for cleaning fuel injectors, including Techron, RL's fuel injector cleaner, and MMO.
