Fuel Additives - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Bohous · #1 10-19-2005, 01:30 PM

I'm sure that this had been discussed at length before the crash. I'm another Noob who has been surviving off the search function but I digress...

I just bought an '85 300D which is my first diesel so I'm just kind of learning as I go. What diesel addatives would you good people recommend to get through a New England winter? Does anybody use addatives year around? What should I look for and what should I avoid? Any advice is appreciated.

Old300D · #2 10-19-2005, 01:54 PM

Arctic Express comes to mind. Very impressive stuff, I ran B40 biodiesel with a double dose of it, mixed with #2 Diesel in -20F weather. That, and a block heater and extension cord got me through just fine.

Dervman · #3 10-19-2005, 01:59 PM

I use a Diesel anti-gel additive every tankful during the coldest winter months. These are available from many sources. In theory the fuel refiners add this to Diesel fuel during the winter anyway (at least in the northern regions) but it doesn't hurt to add a little more for peace of mind.

I use Diesel Purge in my tank 2 or 3 times a year just to keep the injectors clean. Ideally this should follow doing a fuel system cleaning with Diesel Purge directly into the fuel supply (well documented elsewhere on this site).

Old300D · #4 10-19-2005, 03:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dervman

I use a Diesel anti-gel additive every tankful during the coldest winter months. These are available from many sources. In theory the fuel refiners add this to Diesel fuel during the winter anyway (at least in the northern regions) but it doesn't hurt to add a little more for peace of mind.

I use Diesel Purge in my tank 2 or 3 times a year just to keep the injectors clean. Ideally this should follow doing a fuel system cleaning with Diesel Purge directly into the fuel supply (well documented elsewhere on this site).

Unless Canada is different, kerosene (a.k.a. diesel #1) is what refiners add to normal diesel #2 for "winterizing" in the US. I've seen fuel mileage drop 10%-20% in the winter as a result.

NewBenzOwner · #5 10-19-2005, 04:03 PM

I purchased a '95 E300 D abour a month ago and the previous owner had used Howes treatment all the time. I think the recommended amount in the summer is 1 oz. to 2 gal. I did not get any for the first couple of fill-ups and noticed a difference in the way the engine sounded. After getting some and giving an extra dose in order to catch up, I have noticed an improvement in fuel mileage ~1-2 MPG and the engine sounds smoother. Howes also says they will pay the tow if your diesel is treated (properly) with their additive. My opinion is that it can't hurt, and it might help.
There are a lot of additives out there, I would just do some research and use what I thought was best.
Just my .02

stayalert · #6 10-19-2005, 04:04 PM

powerservice white bottle routine

I carry powerservice 9-1-1 (red) in the Winter for emergency treatment

1983/300CD · #7 10-19-2005, 04:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Old300D

Unless Canada is different, kerosene (a.k.a. diesel #1) is what refiners add to normal diesel #2 for "winterizing" in the US. I've seen fuel mileage drop 10%-20% in the winter as a result.

Is kerosene really that less efficient to run? Might some of that milage drop be due to letting it sit at idle to warm up, or some other causes? Have you tried "diesel #1" in the summer?

Old300D · #8 10-19-2005, 05:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1983/300CD

Is kerosene really that less efficient to run? Might some of that milage drop be due to letting it sit at idle to warm up, or some other causes? Have you tried "diesel #1" in the summer?

I'm not the best person to query on this, as I don't run any petroleum fuel straight. From what I read, kerosene or diesel #1 is too light to provide adequate lubrication for the injection pump. There is less energy and lower cetane in the lighter fuels as well.

I found this link:

Diesel Fuel Characteristics