Power Service "Diesel Kleen" and fuel economy

[deniss]

My injectors must have gotten really dirty because my fuel economy has been slipping badly over time. Maybe that's because I haven't used Diesel Purge in about 2 years or any other additives. I saw PowerService Diesel Kleen at Walmart and picked it up... Using it on one full tank seems to have improved matters quite a bit so far and less smoke too (which I really can only see in my rear view at night against the headlights).

Does anyone here use Diesel Kleen and had success with it? Is it comparable to Diesel Purge, or is the Purge superior? Any other additives recommended for cleaning injectors?

[H-townbenzoboy]

I used it and found a slight increase in mileage, but I couldn't tell if that mileage increase was due to use of Diesel Kleen or cooler temperatures and less air conditioner compressor use.

If your injectors are dirty, the only way you can give them a proper cleaning is to remove them and have them cleaned by a diesel specialist.

[C Sean Watts]

Originally Posted by H-townbenzoboy

less air conditioner compressor use.

I think that's it.

Originally Posted by H-townbenzoboy

If your injectors are dirty, the only way you can give them a proper cleaning is to remove them and have them cleaned by a diesel specialist.

+1. I use PS in the silver bottle but mostly as a cetane boost. I've noticed with LM DP, it only runs good when it's being burned, then you're back to square one.

[tbomachines]

I use powerservice every tank. It increases mileage slightly but it does help starting and smooth running since there is a cetane booster in it. In the winter it also prevents the fuel from gelling up.

[deniss]

Then it's probably a placebo effect, or my newly changed Mobil 1 Turbodiesel Truck oil, or the recent wheel alignment, or some Voodoo. Are dirty injectors the leading cause for running "rich" (i.e., incomplete burn), or could that also be injection timing and other things?

[Biodiesel300TD]

Poor preforming injectors can cause fuel issues, but don't write off the usuals first. Check tire pressure, air filters, fuel filters, valve clearances, and dragging brakes before you assume your injectors are at fault.

[C Sean Watts]

Originally Posted by deniss

Then it's probably a placebo effect, or my newly changed Mobil 1 Turbodiesel Truck oil, or the recent wheel alignment, or some Voodoo. Are dirty injectors the leading cause for running "rich" (i.e., incomplete burn), or could that also be injection timing and other things?

Describe in detail, rich running and incomplete burn...right down to color and smell of smoke, sounds, etc.

[pawoSD]

We don't generally run any additives in any of our diesels and they seem to do just fine....

I do run the occasional fuel system cleaner in the gasser, because it actually does help it.

[toomany MBZ]

I'll use that stuff in the dead of winter sometimes.

[retmil46]

Around home base, when I'm filling up at my regular preferred source of fuel, only thing I'll add on a regular basis nowadays is 1 oz/gallon of TC-W3 two stroke oil - seen too many reports of the distributors having a spotty record of putting in the lubricity additives in ULSD. Not so much of a concern on the '87, but I'd rather not have to replace that high-dollar CP-3 injection pump or electronic injectors on the Jeep CRD.

On a long trip, I'll take along a jug of PS - color depending on time of year - just because I don't know what I'll be getting along the way as far as fuel - and in winter I'll splash in 8 oz every fillup of PS white.

So far, best fuel additive I've found to maintain MPG is a clean set of fuel filters once a year, just before winter sets in.

[Diesel911]

I use Diesel Kleen in the Volvo Diesel to clear up some of the smoke on acceleration.

The Injectors have less that 1 year since the rebuild and my messing with the timing has not helped.

Ounce in awhile I put some in the Mercedes.

[Joe Marroso]

Originally Posted by deniss

My injectors must have gotten really dirty because my fuel economy has been slipping badly over time. Maybe that's because I haven't used Diesel Purge in about 2 years or any other additives. I saw PowerService Diesel Kleen at Walmart and picked it up... Using it on one full tank seems to have improved matters quite a bit so far and less smoke too (which I really can only see in my rear view at night against the headlights).

Does anyone here use Diesel Kleen and had success with it? Is it comparable to Diesel Purge, or is the Purge superior? Any other additives recommended for cleaning injectors?

Deniss,

I religiously use Diesel Kleen in my WVO tank. 3oz for 12gals. I can't specifically ascertain if it helps performance. However, my fuel system is squeaky clean everywhere! Considering I use the demon glop, that is remarkable. I do put cetane boosters in my diesel tank as well, whatever is on sale. But, if you really want to clean up your act, I enthusiastically recommend B-100. One problem with B-100, it will eat up your old hoses. You probably have 2 rubber hoses coming out of the main tank, and if they develop air leaks it will be unpleasant situation until they are replaced.

A dirty fuel system will create smoke, yes, but mechanical condition has to be the primary determining factor in that regard. My 85 SD has 240k miles and registered 5.1 on the "opaquity" scale during the Smog Test while running WVO. 25 is passing. I'm sure it would be as good or better on B-100. However, if the valve seats are burned and the injectors carboned up; you can run pixie dust and your diesel will smoke.

One more thing, if the dino-diesel purists feel compelled to flame about my WVO anecdotes please avoid the ad hominems. Name calling generally indicates an argument's impoverishment and the hurtful tone stiffles debate.

Joe Marroso

[t walgamuth]

I run some injection cleaner through from time to time.

I think most people forget that adding a quart of any kind of liquid which burns is adding fuel, so if you add a quart of some cleaner you have taken your fuel supply from (whatever) 20 gallons to 20.25 gallons. If this is not considered in your fuel calculations it makes it look like your mileage just went from 20.0 to 20.25.

[deniss]

Originally Posted by C Sean Watts

Describe in detail, rich running and incomplete burn...right down to color and smell of smoke, sounds, etc.

It isn't black smoke. I have to accelerate briskly to above 3,500 RPM to see any black smoke in my rear view (which I do only rarely, as I try to keep my RPMs around 3K or below any given day). But when I start it in the morning, I get some visible "dust" from the tailpipe. I say dust because it isn't black, and it isn't white smoke either, just kind of ashy.

Injectors are very loud in the morning... clickety-clack, clickety-clack, clack-clack-clack... This goes away quickly when I start to drive and the engine goes through increased RPMs, but if I let it sit parked warming up, it takes a bit of time for that to go away.

As far as the smell, it's a "saturated" smell but not quite like fresh diesel. Frankly, I don't really know how a good-running diesel is *supposed* to smell. Many newer diesels I can't smell at all! But mine definitely doesn't smell like burnt oil, so I suppose that is a good thing.

What should I be looking for? What I know from gassers is that white smoke is a blown headgasket, while blue smoke is either a turbo (usually) or piston rings.

[oldsinner111]

I get gray smoke till engine is fully hot,because I removed ALDA,which is no more than a smog device.I can live with it,because my engine has more takeoff power.