Recommended diesel fuel additives? - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Old300D · #16 10-09-2006, 11:40 AM

Biodiesel.

DieselAddict · #17 10-09-2006, 01:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by H-townbenzoboy

Mercedes-Benz doesn't recommend additives, but it's a good idea to use a water sequestering additive in the winter, and anti-gel additive if it gets very cold where you are.

I think the reason MB doesn't recommend additives has to do with marketing and liability. They want you to think that no additives are necessary (because people generally don't like the idea of having to buy additives) and they don't want to be liable for any possible side effects of these additives. But my personal experience has been that diesel additives are very beneficial with the crappy diesel fuel that we have in this country. I'm sure others have had similar experiences. Plus, you can see improved wear numbers with certain additives or biodiesel if you look them up. The ASTM minimum lubricity of diesel fuel seems to be barely sufficient for the long-term health of injectors and pumps, plus our diesel fuel is frequently contaminated with water and has been notoriously low-cetane, though the cetane may be a little higher now with ULSD, but still probably not as high as it should be.

Ken300D · #18 10-09-2006, 01:46 PM

Diesel Fuel Additive Label Scans

These label scans are getting some age on them, but maybe the formulas have not changed all that much since then.

Ken300D

gsxr · #19 10-10-2006, 03:38 PM

For the record, I don't recommend using additive on a regular basis - it's often a waste of $$$ once the fuel system is clean and working normally. For a 1-time strong cleaning get Lubra-Moly Diesel Purge (this doesn't go in the tank, though). For in-tank stuff, I like Red Line Diesel Fuel Catalyst, and maybe put a bottle in once per year for grins. The Power Service is nice because it's commonly available and cheap. Don't use ATF, motor oil, or any other backyard remedies.

Of course if you live in a very cold climate, regular use of anti-gel in winter months is a good idea...!

H-townbenzoboy · #20 10-10-2006, 03:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gsxr

Don't use ATF, motor oil, or any other backyard remedies.

You're right about the ATF, prolonged usage causes injector coking, but it's fine to use to refill your spin on fuel filter during fuel filter changes. Motor oil is fine, maybe once every few years. A quart of 10W30 to a full tank will increase combustion temps, and burn off more carbon during an Italian Tuneup. Like with ATF, prolonged usage isn't good.

gsxr · #21 10-10-2006, 03:52 PM

For fuel-filter fillups, keep a can of Diesel Purge around... much better for the pump than ATF.

Oh, and remember, if you put engine oil in at all... put in CLEAN engine oil, not used...!!!

Jeremy5848 · #22 10-10-2006, 04:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DieselAddict

...But my personal experience has been that diesel additives are very beneficial with the crappy diesel fuel that we have in this country...

That is an interesting comment. How sensitive are diesel engines to fuel quality, compared to gasoline engines? Certainly the octane level of RUG has greatly decreased (not to mention all of the anti-smog crap they blend in here in California). I can well imagine a compression-ignition engine being unhappy with fuel that wouldn't explode at the right time or burn completely. Was diesel fuel better (a) in the 1980s or (b) in Europe?

gsxr · #23 10-10-2006, 04:59 PM

The main difference I've seen is with fuel economy, not general engine operation or power delivery. I almost always fill up at major truck stops, which have high turnover of fuel, usually meaning a better chance of getting fresh/clean diesel. I wouldn't consider the fuel 'crappy' in the USA in general.

pmari · #24 10-10-2006, 07:29 PM

FPPF makes a great line of products. I happen to live in a high humidity climate and use at least a water dispersant every tank. Condensation happens and water is the enemy.

PanzerSD · #25 10-10-2006, 07:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jadavis

I know of at least one person who got hit by the test strips. He used transmission fluid to fill his filters when he changed them. The little bit that gets returned to the tank was enough to snag him. Granted, he was driving a 1 ton dually pickup and not a MB. Chances of us getting out tanks tested are pretty slim. Hopefully the MMO uses a different dye.

-Jim

Tranny fluid??? is there ANY benefit to ATF in a Diesel fuel system??

H-townbenzoboy · #26 10-10-2006, 07:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Got_The_Benz

Tranny fluid??? is there ANY benefit to ATF in a Diesel fuel system??

Some claim they use it for increased lubricity, but with our IPs, which are lubed with motor oil for the most part, that's not too much of a problem for us.

xafman · #27 10-10-2006, 07:56 PM

I have been using Star-Tron additive for some time now and the old girl
seems happy with it.

Jadavis · #28 10-10-2006, 09:45 PM

Most people use transmission fluid simply because it is easier to keep a new, sealed quart of it in the trunk than a quart of D2.

-Jim

greasybenz · #29 10-10-2006, 10:01 PM

powerservice grey bottle or a low blend of biodiesel.

85chedeng300D · #30 10-10-2006, 10:21 PM

lucas fuel treatment.

not diesel related, but one of my co-worker's ChevyVan with 350 V8 would only run on high-grade premium gasoline, would hesitate and knock on mid-grade but never at all drivable on a regular unleaded.

about 4 years ago, i borrowed this van while i'm in the process of moving my stuff to a new apartment, and the gas price is not that high back then but this van is a gas-sucker and it's killing me as i was going back anfd forth. so to make the story short, i just filled this van with regular gas and a dose of lucas fuel treatment that i've been adding to my MB diesel. To my surprise, the engine runs so silky smooth just like a cadillac and told my friend about it. from that day forward, this van which used to be demanding for high-grade-expensive premium is only filled with regular unleaded and an additive of lucas fuel treatment without having any snaffus.

works for v8 gasser and would definitely work fo 5 cyl. MB diesel.