Add transmission fluid in the fuel tank??? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

bnaquin · #1 06-10-2006, 12:52 AM

I had a very experienced, independent Mercedes repair shop owner tell me to add one quart of transmission fluid to my fuel tank at fill-up’s. He said the transmission fluid will clean the fuel system and lubricate the injection pump.

I added a quart of Mobil1 ATF and drove the heck out my ’92 300D 2.5T. I drove from San Antonio to the Texas coast, up and down the beach, and back to San Antonio. Round trip is about 400 miles. Highway driving was in the 80mph range and the rest was stop -n- go driving.
I have to admit, there is a significant difference in performance and engine noise for the better. The engine in MUCH quieter at idle.

This particular shop has been in business for over twenty-five years and is considered “tops” in the area.

Has anyone ever heard of this before?

phasmatisnox · #2 06-10-2006, 01:11 AM

I've heard of it, but I wouldn't try it myself until it's proven solid again and again.

#3 06-10-2006, 02:12 AM

I always fill Diesel fuel filters with ATF. Not so much for the cleaning of the injection system, it's less hassle than filling from a diesel can.

blueranger · #4 06-10-2006, 02:22 AM

I fill my filters with atf at change and when i change my transmission
fluid I just pour that into my fuel tank as well....

The diesel runs better and quiter off the atf...

atf does quite the engine.... but as soon as you go back to reg diesel
the effect goes away....

and it is a myth that atf cleans the inside of your engine...everyone believes it but no one has ever seen it..

Motorhead · #5 06-10-2006, 02:49 AM

What about running STRAIGHT ATF ??? Or 50/50??? Say in a 240D. I have a friend that has a trans shop and I am sure that I could get used oil from him.

sixto · #6 06-10-2006, 03:09 AM

How about WVO in the tranny?

Sixto

#7 06-10-2006, 03:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Motorhead

What about running STRAIGHT ATF ??? Or 50/50??? Say in a 240D. I have a friend that has a trans shop and I am sure that I could get used oil from him.

Go for it! Smoke will only be a minor issue.

Benzcrusher · #8 06-10-2006, 09:32 AM

I filter my used trans fluid and add it to the fuel tank. I do this mainly because our county recycling program won't accept it...

Larry Delor · #9 06-10-2006, 09:48 AM

Somebody can (and most likely will) correct me if I am wrong, but I am pretty sure that transmission fluid does not have detergents in it. So, therefore I would have to question it's ability to clean anything.

However, I do recall reading here, that it does add lubricity, which should help the injection pump live a happier life.

I think it was Larry Bible, that said he adds a capful of ATF to his tank at fillups. (not sure if that is enough, but if it is, it wouldn't be enough to make a smokescreen)

Padraig · #10 06-10-2006, 09:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Motorhead

What about running STRAIGHT ATF ??? Or 50/50??? Say in a 240D. I have a friend that has a trans shop and I am sure that I could get used oil from him.

ATF is the finest lubricant on the auto. market- but I would not use used fluid, because of mini-microscopic metal filings from tranny gears.

andmoon · #11 06-10-2006, 09:59 AM

Been using the cheapest atf from wallyworld for a while now.

Matt L · #12 06-10-2006, 10:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ForcedInduction

I always fill Diesel fuel filters with ATF. Not so much for the cleaning of the injection system, it's less hassle than filling from a diesel can.

On reading recommendations for this (from you and others), I did just this a few weeks ago when changing the filters.

The engine started right up, no smoke or undue noise. The only way I could tell it was in there was the red fluid moving through the transparent plastic lines. It slowly cleared after about ten minutes of idling.

Not only is it more convienent than filling the filter with diesel fuel, it doesn't stink.

bnaquin · #13 06-10-2006, 11:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blueranger

it is a myth that atf cleans the inside of your engine...everyone believes it but no one has ever seen it..

I wondered about this myself but after talking to a few garages, they swear by it. In addition, BG products (makers of BG44K) have a product called MOA. This product is designed to be added into the crankcase when changing the oil. Many people use it at every oil change and swear by it. It comes in a “beer can” size so I would assume it contains 16 oz.

MOA is basically transmission fluid with one or two seal conditioners added.