...Its going to get colder around here soon... Does anyone use any sort of fuel additive, or injector cleaner, etc on a regular basis? The truck I just bought was pretty dormant since April, with almost no gas in the tank. I just filled up, but was wondering if I should use a fuel injector cleaner or fuel stabilizer or something? Also, while I'm thinking about it, is it okay to lightly powerwash the engine? I like a shiny engine...
I hope there is NO gas in the tank. Actually, you should be using an additive. Depending on your climate is what should dictate the type you need. Out here in Okiefornia in the valley are winters are nothing(high 20's is somewhat abnormal) so I don't need any type of anti gelling conditioner. Diesel will want to turn into a gel in really cold weather, like -30* (????) and you can add an anti gel conditioner to prevent that. I run condition only for the extra lube. I used to run Lucas fuel treatment but now I run Stanadyne after finally finding one of their dealers. I use their lubricity formula. Most of the conditioners will aid in lubing the injection pump and injectors. Thats what you want. With all this emmissions garbage, the oil companies keep pulling more and more sulfur out of the diesel. SOmeone correct me if I'm wrong, but sulfur is the main lubricator in diesel that many older designed fuel systems rely on to stay lubed up. A good lubricity conditioner should help extend the life of your injection pump. waytogo
That is correct, the "low sulfur" and other fuel mods are constantly reducing lubricity which can cause problems (almost certainly does IMO) for both pump and injectors longevity. I run Stanadyne lube/stabilizer as well, but only once in a while. Mostly just when I get questionable fuel. Probably should run it more, but with fuel prices already in the stratosphere… <political commentary> Relatively late model diesels are supposed to be "fine" with the new fuels coming down the pipe, but I'm not sure how much we should trust the politicians, greenies, and oil companies on that one. Longevity of our engine's systems is not really their concern unless it's bad enough to wind up in big pay outs in a class action. But it would be very hard to make that fly since it would be very hard to prove cause and effect. If they can stay under that wire, there is absolutely no reason for them to tell us anything other than what they are currently saying (“don’t worry, it won’t hurt you…”) while achieving their other goals of profit and pacification of the vocal greenies. As usually, the corporate and political incentives/pressures are all pointing them away from our interests, and there is no significant counter pressure to keep them honest and working for the common benefit… </political commentary>
You guys are absolutely correct, the sulfer is the main lubricating element in diesel fuel. without it our injectors will die an early death. I use diesel kleen in my truck all year round just to keep the fuel system lubed up. the less sulfer the harder it is on our trucks.
I think trucks like yours Russ, the Dmax's, later PSD's, and ISBE's should be fine with an occasional add of conditioner. Unfortunately, for us 2nd gen Dodge guys with the 12v and 24v ISB's with IP's....he should probably keep a fairly regular mixture of lubricity conditioner. Or so I have been told that the high pressure rail systems handle the thinner fuel better.... but thats also a good point about your "poitical commentary." P.S. for all the farmers on the board....offroad fuel is supposed to still have 3,000PPM of sulfer over the mear 500PPM that on road fuel contains, because of less strict emmissions in Ag. It also depends on who delivers your fuel though.
You should be able to find it at a any diesel shop, not a dealer. Maybe a tractor dealer as well. Of course you can get it online. diesel kleen is just about everywhere where parts are sold, truckstops and walmart as well.
I could never find it and eventually gave up. I finally stumbled across a Stanadyne dealer a few weeks ago. My local dealer for it is a diesel fuel injection shop. They are a specialty shop that specializes in rebuilding IP's and injectors exclusively.
This is where I get my Stanadyne treatment from http://www.blueridgediesel.com/specials1.htm They have good pricing and different levels of discount for bulk quantities.
Online is by far the cheapest way if you shop around. But Walmart and others carry it (or at least, have in the past).
I run the Amsoil Diesel Fuel Additive when it gets cold wherever I am going (winter means travelling to me, work is that way ). Whenever else, just Amsoil Cetane Boost.
