Diesel Fuel Additives

[Anonymous-0]

I was unable to buy methyl hydrate (wood alcohol)(methanol) so bought some air brake deicer which contains mostly methanol to keep my diesel fuel from jelling up. I haven't used this yet, but any comments whether or not this stuff will do the job without harming anything? Thanks

 

[Bus Driver]

In my opinion, methanol is a terrible fuel additive. Use 10% gasoline. Both Mercedes and Volkswagen advocate gasoline as a Diesel additive, sometimes in proportions up to 30%.

 

[Anonymous-0]

I would use proper diesel fuel conditioner and/or diesel anti-gel additive. Be careful though, some of the anti-gel additive is only to be used if the fuel is already gelled. Most conditioner has anti-gelling additive in it. I wouldn't put brake deicer in it myself. Dave

 

[Texasmark]

Don't know where you are Dean, but I use Sea Foam in my diesel down here in N Texas. I have just in the past year started this process (rather than Marvel Mystery Oil and ATF) and I am totally satisfied with how this product protects my diesel and improves the general hygiene of my engines, including controlling stack emissions. Additionally starting has been nothing short of stellar.

I too have heard of using gasoline in the winter to assist diesel in combustion improvement but never tried it. Know nothing about antigelling capabilities; guess it helps beins it doesn't gell.

Mark

 

[JK-NY]

I would look for the "power service " in the white bottle, Stanadyne additive or other anti gel diesel additive , and/or cut your fuel with kerosene to 70/30 or 60/40 blend (even 50/50 in extreme conditions) , depending on where you are and how cold it gets. I'd stay away from the air brake deicer as a fuel additive. Why take a chance for the lack of a few dollars to get the proper stuff ? Personally I've never liked alcohol -based additives for diesels unless your in a bind.(allready gelled)

 

[Phil9N3667]

As a heavy duty diesel (class 8) engine tech, I"ve seen more success with the "Power Service" brand of fuel additive to prevent gelling. We live in southeastern VA about 50 miles from the coast and have few problems with fuel gelling except on rare occassions when the temps might get down to 0-5 degrees (BRRR!) for more than a few hours You could also add a few gallons of #1 diesel (kerosene) to your tank to help it out. Lucas also makes good additives for fuel treatment. Check these out at your closest heavy duty truck dealerships or at a good NAPA store or reputable auto parts store. Hope this helps.

 

[Dave from MN]

I had my tank filled with Federated co-op's "Arctic deisel, and had no issues with gelling, even in the last 2 weeks with -26 temps, no additives from me.

 

[Jerry/MT]

Wood ahchohol is a good drying agent for gasoline(the main ingredient in Heet gas dryer) and though I am not a fuel chemist, I would not use it in diesel fuel. Diesel fuel gelling is a completely different phenomenon. I has to do with wax components in the fuel separating out at low temperatures and has nothing to do with water. The only way to deal with this problem is with fuel treatments that lower the wax point or by keeping the fuel warm. It"s a problem with Jet A fuel ( and others) used in turbine powered aircraft and most aircraft engines use fuel heating to prevent it. I wouldn"t put anything in diesel fuel that isn"t recommended by the manuafacturer or by folks who design and build diesel fuel systems. I mix #1 and # 2 diesel for winter use on the ranch and have had no problems with fuel gelling. I have a hard time starting below 5F but that"s not due to fuel gelling. The Thermostart starting aid is supposedly only good to ~5F, so I need to get the block heater installed!!

 

[oleblu]

Dean, I don't know what truck you drive, but when I got my 2000 Ford Power Stroke, I talked to the dealer about additives and he said it wouldn't be needed. To be on the safe side I usually give it a shot of Power Service with every fill up during the winter.
No matter what anyone says, with temps like last Thursday and Friday around -15, I wouldn't be without additive.
Nice to see you again in Waterloo.
Jim Thurnau

 

[dave guest]

When I remember I try to follow the big rigs. Where they buy is where I buy. Some diesel has additives for 40 below they tell me.

 

[paul]

Yikes - I would not. I used some of that by accident (Heet) in my tractor, & had to drain the whole tank, it would not flow. _Not_ meant for diesel.

PS or the other options mentioned work much better here in Minnesota anyhow. Just had it minus 18 or so, brief warm up into the 30's tomorrow, and then back below zero next week.

--->Paul

 

[Anonymous-0]

Use Kwik Trip's winterized diesel, and also try to make sure the tank never gets less then half full. When there is less fuel in the tank, moisture, water, will get in the fuel and block the fuel lines and filter. This will result in fuel not getting to the engine and cause the vehicle to stop running. I also dump this additive in called 9-1-1 diesel additive or something with 9-1-1 on the front. Its really powerful, and will start working within minutes of putting it in the tank. It really helps for in the winter months.

 

[dieselpaul]

helped with a stalled mack last week, +12 degrees-pulled fuel filter & dumped in bucket-guys said, well, that looks ok''.poured brake line antifreeze in, melted ice, had LOTS of water, but i shook it all out & used power service & diesel for prime. p-service in tank.

 

[T_Bone]

Hi Dean,

Without reading the MSDS who knows. I'd be very careful what you mix in your deisel.

One way to cut too the chase is mix the additive exactly like your going to use it, then stick your test jar in the freezer or sit it outside if cold enough, for 24hrs then see what you got. This removes all the guess work out of anti-gel properties.

You will be amazed at how many of the "common" additives fail to protect diesel at there recomend dose levels!

T_Bone

 

[MarkB_MI]

No way would I mix any sort of alcohol and diesel. Before you try, I suggest you try mixing a small batch in a jar. I think you'll find that the methanol will separate from the fuel, and that it will not prevent gelling.

 

[dej(Jed)]

I use it as a drying agent all the time. It actually adds oxygen to the engine and makes it burn better.

 

[MN Scott]

If you have a newer diesel engine with electronic injectors stay away from alcohol containing additives at all cost. If you have water in your system alcohol dispersis it in the fuel and carries it thru the injectors. Water and electric injectors do not get along tends to blow the tips off. As for power service the guys over on diesel place are thinking that it may accually promote filter waxing when used with the new ULSD fuels and low micron filters. I do not use additives except B2 that is mandated here in MN. Soy diesel has been showen in studies to be the top lubricity additve on trhe market.

 

[trucker40]

I dont think you should put that in your fuel.Heet might work,but air line alcohol in diesel I doubt would do anything except make it worse,or mes up something.

 

[mj]

(quoted from post at 18:54:02 01/27/08) I would look for the "power service " in the white bottle, Stanadyne additive or other anti gel diesel additive , and/or cut your fuel with kerosene to 70/30 or 60/40 blend (even 50/50 in extreme conditions) , depending on where you are and how cold it gets. I'd stay away from the air brake deicer as a fuel additive. Why take a chance for the lack of a few dollars to get the proper stuff ? Personally I've never liked alcohol -based additives for diesels unless your in a bind.(allready gelled)

What he said[i:0f47d67f31] AND [/i:0f47d67f31]ask at your fuel stop and see if they are using winter blend. With the new ULSD diesel it's a good idea to use a conditioner all the time since it has reduced lubricity. This is especially important on the older engines. 8)