Recommended diesel fuel treatments?

[mbtech208]

What are some good ones? I've heard that diesel fuel in the US is some of the poorest quality in the world.

[asavage]

I recommend commercial (ASTM D-6751) biodiesel. As little as 2% mix ratio quadruples the lubricity of the mix. Biodiesel almost always raises the cetane rating of the fuel.

You can find other/further information in Philip's thread.

[Carimbo]

I've heard that diesel fuel in the US is some of the poorest quality in the world.

Diesel fuel is more easily contaminated w/ particulates and water than gasoline is. That is why your car has a largish fuel filter w/ a drain tap at the bottom (to drain any trapped free water).

I think it depends mostly on the filling station. I prefer to fill up at truck stops; many have an easily accessible "automobile" section. At most truck stops you will see large waterblock spin-on filters mounted on the side of the pumps; look for where they appear fairly fresh-- means they pump a lot of fuel and/or change the filters often. Also, many have high output pumps, which means-- if you are careful-- you can fill the tank in mere seconds.

Here in the US we will be switching to ULSD (Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel) in June, more like what has been used in Europe for the last several years. That is when we may want to start using some fuel lubrication additive to help insure the IP's longevity.

I have used a fuel treatment once, Seafoam, locally available. Mainlined it into the IP supply/return lines and revved the engine until it ran dry. This method is supposed to clear out the gunk from the IP innards, and clear out the carbon/coking from the injectors/combustion chambers. I did not notice any appreciable difference after this treatment but maybe the car did not suffer any problems caused by buildups.

These cars are probably more susceptible to the intake manifold runner clogging that is explained in the FAQ. I know my engine inhales a clump or two thru every tankful or so. Sounds momentarily like a Jake's Brake, then a large cloud of heavy brown smoke thru the exhaust.

[philip]

What are some good ones? I've heard that diesel fuel in the US is some of the poorest quality in the world.

Stuff to treat your fuel

1) I would NOT make a blanket statement that diesel fuel in the US is the poorest in the world. Ever been into Mexico? They do not have near the anticontamination measures in place at refueling stations. Diesel fuel "quality" does not vary nearly as much as regionalized blending varies. By this I mean kerosene and cetane modifiers are adjusted for local climate conditions.

2) Diesel fuel systems ARE more sensitive to debris than gasoline injection systems ... let alone carburetors which will pass incredible amounts of abrasives without complaint.

3) I recently removed and had rebuilt the injectors in my SD22. After close inspection of the replaced nozzles and considering all the injector/fuel system cleaner I had been using, I find fuel injection cleaners fall WAY SHORT of their claims. Also, fuel injection cleaner does nothing about metal erosion. See:

Fuel Injector Experience

[goglio704]

This seems like a good place to post this, so here goes:

http://www.arb.ca.gov/fuels/gasoline/me ... 3bosch.pdf

Interesting info, lots of big words.