Hello,
I just came across an empty 8 oz. bottle of "Startron Enzyme Fuel Treatment" for Diesels In my trunk. I think it has been awhile since I've used this.
How often should/can One add this to the tank?....I have
a 1983 300D.
I have also used "Power Service Diesel Kleen Fuel Additive" in the past as well.
Are either of these additives superior to the other?...or are they
both good products..
Thank you!

Our Members use the Startron Enzyme Fuel Treatment mostly when some gunk is growing I their Fuel Tanks. Also I believe the cost is much higher then Power Service stuff (which has noting in it that deals with any growth).

The Startron claim is that the enzyme breaks up the dead bodies of the growth and keeps that from plugging filters. Although at least one person had it so bad it took several tanks with the Startron before it stopped plugging filters.

Stratron makes a claim that it breaks up the fuel molecules (de-clumps them) so that they burn more completely but I really doubt if you will notice any difference.

The Power services adds lube to your fuel injection system and increases the cetane ratting of the Diesel Fuel slightly. It will take away any hazie idle smoke when the Engine is cold on a cold California day.

I only occasionally and randomly use Power Service/Diesel Kleen. Since 2007 I have never had any need for using Startron or any other Biocide.

Also when you read the Startron stuff it is hard do distinguish if they are speaking of the product for use in Diesels or gassers.

If you have a Boat; especially if it sits on the Water un-used for long periods of time (weekend sailor) it is really common for stuff to grow inside of the Fuel Tank. That is the situation where you need periodic treatment of the Fuel.

Big Rig Diesels do periodic treatments for prevention because it is simply to expensive and in fact a safety issue to be stuck on the side of the Road due to a plugged Fuel Filter even if you can change it yourself as quickly as possible.

That is my opinion.

I don't know of any harm that can come from say a double amount of Power Service in your tank but above the recommended amount won't increase your cetane any more.

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84 300D, 82 Volvo 244Gl Diesel

This was on my Volvo Diesel which uses a different type of Fuel System in which the Fuel Injection pump is totally lubed by Diesel Fuel and there is a Lip type Seal on the Pump Dive shaft.
I had been using a lot of doses of the Power Service in that because if I get on the accelerator pedal much gray smoke comes out. The higher Cetane of the Power Service diminishes that as the fuel burns better.

However, I had that a Viton Fuel Injection Pump Shaft Seal fail badly and unusually and I don't know if it is from the over use of Power Service or some other issue.

See attached pic. I have never seen a seal fail in this manner before and I worked in a Fuel Injection Shop for 5 years. Note that your Mercedes does not have similar seals on it but the older VW Diesels do.

Attached Thumbnails

 

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84 300D, 82 Volvo 244Gl Diesel