Do I need a fuel additive?

[Cogeneration]

I've used a fuel additive in my 2011 Golf TDI for 3 and a half years. I've never seen any mpg increase during that time. Not saying you won't just that I've never seen it.
As for the reduction of sulfur from LSD(<500 ppm)to ULSD (<15 ppm)it is the process needed in the refining to remove sulfur that dried out the fuel.

[itripper]

The fuel additive for older diesels that were not designed to run on ULSD will not increase mileage, but will prevent wear on parts that were designed for the better lubricity of the older diesel fuels. You will not see an mpg gain, but it will prevent an mpg loss from injector/engine deterioration.

[CHDriver]

I own a 2014 Audi Q5 TDI and at 13 months of ownership, I average 30mpg (25% city, 75% hwy driving). I have used the fuel additive PS Diesel Kleen since day one. The car runs great! Since fuel pumps with diesels are sensitive, adding Diesel Kleen provides added lubrication and contributes, I believe, to longer life.

[Tenderfoot]

Thanks for your reply CHDriver. My dealer thinks fuel ads are not required, and definitely is against use of biofuel even as low as b5! Of course, they also run a repair shop, and issues beyond 50K will be at my expense, so they have a monetary interest in the state of my tdi
Encountering the first spell of cold weather, and the resulting hit in mpg, so I might try an additive to see if it makes a difference. My car is running great, and road mileage is over 32 mpg, so it might be hard to see a measurable mprovement. I seldom shut off the engine until it fully warms up (adding a couple of extra miles to a short trip), so
I might be chasing shadows!


Tenderfoot

[trollbait]

Odd about the dealer stance on B5. VW's can use B5, and according to this site, http://www.biodiesel.org/docs/defaul....pdf?sfvrsn=10, so can the Audi's. Because of the lack of straight diesel in Illinois, you use up to B20 there without without voiding the warranty.

[RunningOnFumes]

Originally Posted by Cogeneration

I do use a fuel additive in my 2011 Golf TDI but more as an insurance policy to increase the fuel lubricity.

Same here even though I am not one to buy into the vast majority of the opinions on the internet which are never based on anything concrete.

I use Stanadyne Performance Formula. My VW dealer sells it under the VW name.

As for needing it to help cold winter starts, considering very few use any additive at all, we would have a ton of cars not starting if it were really needed.

[y2kindyz]

Hello, I have been using a fuel additive called Diesel Mechanic in a bottle. It has lubricity characteristics and it will absorb water in the fuel. I have seen an decrease usage of DEF since I started using on my then new 2013 F350 I would recommend using this additive on any diesel new or old. I have had customers claim an increase of 2-3mpg on older 3/4 ton trucks and all have reported smoother running engines..

[Bentwings]

Here in Minn we have B5 or 5% biodiesel mandated. It can go as high as 20% although I have never seen it advertised. Bio is the best lubricant you can use in diesel fuel. Just 2% is all it takes to replace all that was removed by ULSD.

Diesel here is winterized down to -30 or more so anti gel is not needed except way north.

Lube is not needed either even in the older diesels. I have a 1999 Dodge Cummins Turbo Diesel. I have 350k showing and have had very little trouble with it. None related to fuel.

If you must use lube Wal Mart 2 stroke TC-3 works pretty well according to the oil tests.

When you travel you just have to be aware of local fuel conditions. I stop at only high traffic stations even if they are a bit higher price.

[ezshift5]

.......the information (comparison) is probably out there somewhere (wish I knew where)

ez

[PhillT]

Originally Posted by ezshift5

.......the information (comparison) is probably out there somewhere (wish I knew where)

ez

The following are the preliminary results of a research study on diesel fuel Lubricity Additives.
There is likely to be further commentary and explanation added at a future time.

PURPOSE:

The purpose of this research was to determine the ability of multiple diesel fuel additives to replace the vital lubricity component in ULSD (Ultra Low Sulphur Diesel) fuel.

HISTORY:

ULSD fuel is the fuel currently mandated for use in all on road diesel engines.
This fuel burns cleaner and is less polluting than it’s predecessor, called Low Sulphur Diesel Fuel.
Low sulphur fuel contained less than 500 ppm of sulphur.
ULSD contains 15 ppm or less.
As diesel fuel is further refined to remove the polluting sulphur, it is inadvertently stripped of its lubricating properties.
This vital lubrication is a necessary component of the diesel fuel as it prevents wear in the fuel delivery system. Specifically, it lubricates pumps, high pressure pumps and injectors.
Traditional Low sulphur diesel fuel typically contained enough lubricating ability to suffice the needs of these vital components. ULSD fuel, on the other hand, is considered to be very “dry” and incapable of lubricating vital fuel delivery components.
As a result, these components are at risk of premature and even catastrophic failure when ULSD fuel is introduced to the system.
As a result, all oil companies producing ULSD fuel must replace the lost lubricity with additives.
All ULSD fuel purchased at retail fuel stations SHOULD be adequately treated with additives to replace this lost lubricity.
The potential result of using inadequately treated fuel, as indicated above, can be catastrophic.
There have been many documented cases of randomly tested samples of diesel fuel.
These tests prove that often times the fuel we purchase is not adequately treated and may therefore contribute to accelerated wear of our fuel delivery systems.
For this reason it may be prudent to use an after market diesel fuel additive to ENSURE adequate lubrication of the fuel delivery system.
Additionally, many additives can offer added benefits such as cetane improver, and water separators or Emulsifiers.


CONTENT:

In this study we will test multiple diesel fuel additives designed to replace lost lubricity.
The primary component of this study is a side-by-side laboratory analysis of each additive’s ability to replace this vital lubricity.
Additionally, claims of improving cetane, water separation or emulsification, bio-diesel compatibility and alcohol content will be noted.
These notes were derived from information that was readily available to consumers (via the label and internet information) and none of this information has been evaluated for validity and/or performance. Cetane information has only been noted if the word “cetane” was used in the advertising information.
The words “improves power” has not been translated to mean “improves cetane” in this evaluation. Information on alcohol content is provided by indicating “contains no alcohol”.
Omission of the words “contains no alcohol” does not imply that it does contain alcohol.
This information was simply missing in the information available to a consumer, however, the possibility of a form of alcohol in these products is possible.
Additionally, information on dosages and cost per tankful are included for comparison purposes.


How diesel fuel is Evaluated For Lubricating Ability:

Diesel fuel and other fluids are tested for lubricating ability using a device called a “High Frequency Reciprocating Rig” or HFRR.
The HFRR is currently the Internationally accepted, standardised method to evaluate fluids for lubricating ability.
It uses a ball bearing that reciprocates or moves back and forth on a metal surface at a very high frequency for a duration of 90 minutes.
The machine does this while the ball bearing and metal surface are immersed in the test fluid (in this case, treated diesel fuel).
At the end of the test the ball bearing is examined under a microscope and the “wear scar” on the ball bearing is measured in microns.
The larger the wear scar, the poorer the lubricating ability of the fluid.
Southwest Research runs every sample twice and averages the size of the wear scar.
The U.S. standard for diesel fuel says a commercially available diesel fuel should produce a wear scar of no greater than 520 microns.
The Engine Manufacturers Association had requested a standard of a wear scar no greater than 460 microns, typical of the pre-ULSD fuels.
Most experts agree that a 520 micron standard is adequate, but also that the lower the wear scar the better.



METHOD:

An independent research firm in Texas was hired to do the laboratory work.
The cost of the research was paid for voluntarily by the participating additive manufacturers.
Declining to participate and pay for the research were the following companies:
Amsoil and Power Service.
Because these are popular products it was determined that they needed to be included in the study.
These products were tested using funds collected by diesel enthusiasts at “dieselplace.com”.
Additionally, unconventional additives such as 2-cycle oil and used engine oil were tested for their abilities to aid in diesel fuel lubricity.
These were also paid for by members of “dieselplace.com”.


The study was conducted in the following manner:

-The Research firm obtained a quantity of “untreated” ULSD fuel from a supplier.
This fuel was basic ULSD fuel intended for use in diesel engines, however, this sample was acquired PRIOR to any attempt to additize the fuel for the purpose of replacing lost lubricity.
In other words, it was a “worst case scenario, very dry diesel fuel” that would likely cause damage to any fuel delivery system.
This fuel was tested using the HFRR at the Southwest Research Laboratory.
This fuel was determined to have a very high HFRR score of 636 microns, typical of an untreated ULSD fuel. It was determined that this batch of fuel would be utilised as the baseline fuel for testing all of the additives. The baseline fuel HFRR score of 636 would be used as the control sample.
All additives tested would be evaluated on their ability to replace lost lubricity to the fuel by comparing their scores to the control sample.
Any score under 636 shows improvement to the fuels ability to lubricate the fuel delivery system of a diesel engine.


BLIND STUDY:

In order to ensure a completely unbiased approach to the study, the following steps were taken:
Each additive tested was obtained independently via internet or over the counter purchases.
The only exceptions were Opti-Lube XPD and the bio-diesel sample.
The reason for this is because Opti-Lube XPD additive was considered “experimental” at the time of test enrolment and was not yet on the market.
It was sent directly from Opti-Lube company.
The bio-diesel sample was sponsored by Renewable Energy Group.
One of their suppliers, E.H. Wolf and Sons in Slinger, Wisconsin supplied us with a sample of 100% soybean based bio-diesel.
This sample was used to blend with the baseline fuel to create a 2% bio-diesel for testing.
Each additive was bottled separately in identical glass containers.
The bottles were labeled only with a number.
This number corresponded to the additive contained in the bottle.
The order of numbering was done randomly by drawing names out of a hat.
Only Spicer Research held the key to the additives in each bottle.
The additive samples were then sent in a box to an independent research firm.
The only information given them was the ratio of fuel to be added to each additive sample.
For example, bottle “A” needs to be mixed at a ratio of “480-1”.
The ratio used for each additive was the “prescribed dosage” found on the bottle label for that product.
Used engine oil, and 2-cycle oil were tested at a rationally chosen ratio of 200:1.
The Research Laboratory mixed the proper ratio of each “bottled fluid” into a separate container containing the baseline fuel.
The data, therefore, is meaningful because every additive is tested in the same way using the same fuel.
A side-by-side comparison of the effectiveness of each additive is now obtainable.



THE RESULTS:

These results are listed in the order of performance in the HFRR test.
The baseline fuel used in every test started at an HFRR score of 636.
The score shown is the tested HFRR score of the baseline fuel/additive blend.
Also included is the wear scar improvement provided by the additive as well as other claimed benefits of the additive.
Each additive is also categorised as a Multi-purpose additive, Multi-purpose + anti-gel, Lubricity only, non-conventional, or as an additive capable of treating both gasoline and diesel fuel.
As a convenience to the reader there is also information on price per treated tank of diesel fuel (using a 26 gallon tank), and dosage per 26 gallon tank provided as “ounces of additive per 26 gallon tank”.


In Order Of Performance:

1) 2% Regular SoyPower biodiesel
HFRR 221, 415 micron improvement.
50:1 ratio of baseline fuel to 100% biodiesel
66.56 oz. of 100% biodiesel per 26 gallons of diesel fuel
Price: market value

2)Opti-Lube XPD
Multi-purpose + anti-gel
cetane improver, demulsifier
HFRR 317, 319 micron improvement.
256:1 ratio
13 oz/tank
$4.35/tank

3)FPPF RV, Bus, SUV Diesel/Gas fuel treatment
Gas and Diesel
cetane improver, emulsifier
HFRR 439, 197 micron improvement
640:1 ratio
5.2 oz/tank
$2.60/tank

4)Opti-Lube Summer Blend
Multi-purpose
demulsifier
HFRR 447, 189 micron improvement
3000:1 ratio
1.11 oz/tank
$0.68/tank

5)Opti-Lube Winter Blend
Muti-purpose + anti-gel
cetane improver
HFRR 461, 175 micron improvement
512:1 ratio
6.5 oz/tank
$3.65/tank

6)Schaeffer Diesel Treat 2000
Multi-purpose + anti-gel
cetane improver, emulsifier, bio-diesel compatible
HFRR 470, 166 micron improvement
1000:1 ratio
3.32 oz/tank
$1.87/tank

7)Super Tech Outboard 2-cycle TC-W3 engine oil
Unconventional (Not ULSD compliant, may damage 2007 or newer systems)
HFRR 474, 162 micron improvement
200:1 ratio
16.64 oz/tank
$1.09/tank

8)Stanadyne Lubricity Formula
Lubricity Only
demulsifier, 5% bio-diesel compatible, alcohol free
HFRR 479, 157 micron improvement
1000:1 ratio
3.32 oz/tank
$1.00/tank

9)Amsoil Diesel Concentrate
Multi-purpose
demulsifier, bio-diesel compatible, alcohol free
HFRR 488, 148 micron improvement
640:1 ratio
5.2 oz/tank
$2.16/tank

10)Power Service Diesel Kleen + Cetane Boost
Multi-purpose
Cetane improver, bio-diesel compatible, alcohol free
HFRR 575, 61 micron improvement
400:1 ratio
8.32 oz/tank
$1.58/tank

11)Howe’s Meaner Power Kleaner
Multi-purpose
Alcohol free
HFRR 586, 50 micron improvement
1000:1 ratio
3.32 oz/tank
$1.36/tank

12)Stanadyne Performance Formula
Multi-purpose + anti-gel
cetane improver, demulsifier, 5% bio-diesel compatible, alcohol free
HFRR 603, 33 micron improvement
480:1 ratio
6.9 oz/tank
$4.35/tank

13)Used used engine oil, Shell Rotella T 15w40, 5,000 miles used.
Unconventional (Not ULSD compliant, may damage systems)
HFRR 634, 2 micron improvement
200:1 ratio
16.64 oz/tank
price: market value

14)Lucas Upper Cylinder Lubricant
Gas or diesel
HFRR 641, 5 microns worse than baseline (statistically insignificant change)
427:1 ratio
7.8 oz/tank
$2.65/tank

15)B1000 Diesel Fuel Conditioner by Milligan Biotech
Multi-purpose, canola oil based additive
HFRR 644, 8 microns worse than baseline (statistically insignificant change)
1000:1 ratio
3.32 oz/tank
$2.67/tank

16)FPPF Lubricity Plus Fuel Power
Multi-purpose + anti-gel
Emulsifier, alcohol free
HFRR 675, 39 microns worse than baseline fuel
1000:1 ratio
3.32 oz/tank
$1.12/tank

17)Marvel Mystery Oil
Gas, oil and Diesel fuel additive (NOT ULSD compliant, may damage 2007 and newer systems)
HFRR 678, 42 microns worse than baseline fuel.
320:1 ratio
10.4 oz/tank
$3.22/tank

18)ValvTect Diesel Guard Heavy Duty/Marine Diesel Fuel Additive
Multi-purpose
Cetane improver, emulsifier, alcohol free
HFRR 696, 60 microns worse than baseline fuel
1000:1 ratio
3.32 oz/tank
$2.38/tank

19)Primrose Power Blend 2003
Multi-purpose
Cetane boost, bio-diesel compatible, emulsifier
HFRR 711, 75 microns worse than baseline
1066:1 ratio
3.12 oz/tank
$1.39/tank

CONCLUSIONS:

Products 1 through 4 were able to improve the unadditized fuel to an HFRR score of 460 or better.
This meets the most strict requirements requested by the Engine Manufacturers Association.
Products 1 through 9 were able to improve the unadditized fuel to an HFRR score of 520 or better, meeting the U.S. diesel fuel requirements for maximum wear scar in a commercially available diesel fuel.
Products 16 through 19 were found to cause the fuel/additive blend to perform worse than the baseline fuel. The cause for this is speculative. This is not unprecedented in HFRR testing and can be caused by alcohol or other components in the additives.
Further investigation into the possibilities behind these poor results will investigated.
Any additive testing within +/- 20 microns of the baseline fuel could be considered to have no significant change.
The repeatability of this test allows for a +/- 20 micron variability to be considered insignificant.

CREDITS:

This study would not have been possible without the participation of all companies involved and dieselplace.com. A special Thank You to all of the dieselplace.com members who generously donated toward this study and waited longer than they should have for the results. You folks are the best.
Arlen Spicer, organizer.