Diesel fuel Additives

Submitted: Sunday, May 04, 2003 at 09:46
ThreadID: 4716 Views:23100 Replies:11 FollowUps:9
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Hi All, I’m a bit confused regarding conflicting advice re use of diesel additives. I have been using one – "ChemTec Diesel Power” with every fill for the last 100,000 K's without any problems and thought I was doing the right thing. Recently spoken to a couple of mechanics and “diesel experts” who strongly suggested not using any additives as they eat away at the ‘linings’ and will reduce the life of the fuel pump etc. Does anyone have any factual information on whether to use or not to use a diesel additive and if so which ones and why.
Thanks for your help
Cheers
Alex
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Reply By: herkman - Sunday, May 04, 2003 at 10:19

Sunday, May 04, 2003 at 10:19
If you listen to all the experts, you will quickly find out, that you are damned if youdo, and damned if you do not.

We have in our diesel vechicles, always used some sort of additive.

The problem is that in many fuels, it is easy to pick up water, which it reaches your injectors, can quickly do serious damage. Additionally in diesel fuel lives a little microbe, which quickly can block your fuel filters, and do damage to your pump.

Most injection or fuel pumps, require the diesel to act as a lubricant, crud will quickly reduce that lubrication, to where damage to the pump can occur.

I would always use any products, which disperse water and cruds, which love to live in your fuel tank.

Regards

Col Tigwell
AnswerID: 19081

Reply By: Dozer - Sunday, May 04, 2003 at 13:04

Sunday, May 04, 2003 at 13:04
Hi
Best advice we heard in our diesel course was to choose a reputable brand garage, newer the better (newer tanks) and keep filling from there.
Use additives but only every 4 tanks or once a month, and dont over dose with the strength.
Change fuel filters regularly and enjoy long life from the motor.
Andrew
AnswerID: 19088

Reply By: crowie - Sunday, May 04, 2003 at 13:16

Sunday, May 04, 2003 at 13:16
Alex

I agree with Andrew. Use it sparingly but use it. I use Chem Tec also but only every five fills or so. It was recommended and sold to me by a reputable diesel workshop in Canberra

Don't forget your aux tank also if you have one. If you don't fill it regularly your likely to get condensation. Installing a water trap on the tank side of the fuel filter is also a good idea.
AnswerID: 19091

Reply By: chopper - Sunday, May 04, 2003 at 13:32

Sunday, May 04, 2003 at 13:32
I use Pro-ma every 2nd or 3rd fill. It gets me an extra 50-60kms for 100ml of mix.
AnswerID: 19093

Follow Up By: Oil Burner - Sunday, May 04, 2003 at 18:58

Sunday, May 04, 2003 at 18:58
Chopper sure you do. Now pull the other leg as well.

If you could possibly add anything to fuel to extend the range the fuel companies would add it.

What you are quoting is technically absolutely impossible.
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FollowupID: 11999

Follow Up By: chopper - Sunday, May 04, 2003 at 20:53

Sunday, May 04, 2003 at 20:53
Whatever you say Oil Burner, you obviously know more about my mileage figures than i do.

I just wonder though wether you misread my first reply, the 100ml i refer to is 100ml of the Proma Mixture.

100ml treats 100 litres.

So.. if you misread, I hope that the situation is now clarified,

On the other hand If you just have trouble believing me, invest the princely sum of $25 for a litre of this stuff and see for yourself.

I reckon that it works, and I'm not pulling anything!
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Reply By: The Crow - Sunday, May 04, 2003 at 14:39

Sunday, May 04, 2003 at 14:39
I have been using pro- mar diesel additive in the last 4 diesel 4x4's that I have owned these included 3 pajeros and 1, 80 series turbo cruiser now I have a current series 3LTR patrol and I am using it in it and have not had any problems with it in any of themwhile using it. I use it every time I fill using 1ml per Ltr of diesel.
AnswerID: 19096

Follow Up By: Member - Alex B - Sunday, May 04, 2003 at 14:57

Sunday, May 04, 2003 at 14:57
Thanks for all the reply’s and info.
Based on what you have all said I'm going back to using it but not for every fill.
Once again thanks Col, Andrew, Crowie, Chopper & Crow - much appreciated
Cheers
Alex
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FollowupID: 11989

Reply By: Truckster (Vic) - Sunday, May 04, 2003 at 17:33

Sunday, May 04, 2003 at 17:33
Ive been using NULON diesel stuff for 18+mths.

First tiem I used, after 30 mins after putting it in, black crap peed out the pipe, but then the car seemed smoother..

Does it work? Who knows..
Will it kill your engine? Well would they sell it still?


You know an "expert" is a drip under pressure...







AnswerID: 19100

Follow Up By: Frederick - Sunday, May 04, 2003 at 19:01

Sunday, May 04, 2003 at 19:01
Bruce you are a sucker for anything with a decent add with a real sheila on it. Only way you will get one. Nulon Proma Wynns are products only butterfly collectors and you buy.
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FollowupID: 12000

Follow Up By: Truckster (Vic) - Sunday, May 04, 2003 at 20:39

Sunday, May 04, 2003 at 20:39
Nice Troll..... Wont work.
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Reply By: David N. - Sunday, May 04, 2003 at 19:11

Sunday, May 04, 2003 at 19:11
I've been using BP "Diesel Go" for about 10 years on two different vehicles and have had no problem during that time with fuel related problems. Have just done the injectors for the first time on our Diesel Gemini (had since new) with nearly 300,000klms on the clock. Has the additive helped-- I think so, but can't prove it.
TD42 still hasn't had the injectors touched since new- but it's low on klms compared to the Gemini.
AnswerID: 19104

Follow Up By: Member - Alex B - Sunday, May 04, 2003 at 19:30

Sunday, May 04, 2003 at 19:30
Thanks David, appreciate your input
Cheers
Alex
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Reply By: Kev - (Cairns,QLD) - Sunday, May 04, 2003 at 21:07

Sunday, May 04, 2003 at 21:07
I also use Chem-tech but dont think it is nessary to use it every fill just third or forth.

BTW- Do you guys accuratly measure the additive or near enough will do ? (Have not got a 25ml measuring container)
AnswerID: 19113

Reply By: Steve - Sunday, May 04, 2003 at 22:54

Sunday, May 04, 2003 at 22:54
I've got one of those water separator units and since fitting don't use any of those tricky bleep stuffs that are peddled around the shows.... got to say i tried a whole range of additives and would have been better off playing with myself.. Reckon i wouldn't be the only one on this site !!
AnswerID: 19127

Reply By: Member - Royce- Sunday, May 04, 2003 at 23:36

Sunday, May 04, 2003 at 23:36
It's obvious really..... did I miss this? Someone must have said it already..... If this stuff was any good then they would add it to the fuel and sell it for a premium. People who pay out money will always believe they have had a good result. My wife did.... then I measured her improved performance [diesel 4runner Not her!]..... yep..... no difference. Same k's and because I was sceptical.... I couldn't find any improvement in performance. [she still can..... 4runner.... Not me!]Royce www.funshow.com.au
AnswerID: 19130

Follow Up By: Kev - (Cairns,QLD) - Monday, May 05, 2003 at 10:52

Monday, May 05, 2003 at 10:52
You dont use an additive for extra performance, just to keep the water and alge at bay.(keeping the system clean)
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FollowupID: 12039

Follow Up By: Member - Kevin (NSW/ACT) - Monday, May 05, 2003 at 13:44

Monday, May 05, 2003 at 13:44
Recently copped a bad load of fuel in my GUIII 4.2TD. Since then, at Nissan's recommendation, I have been using their own branded diesel additive. Costs about $9 100ml and I use it roughly every 5,000 km. Two fuel filters later and the vehicle is running well. I intend to keep on using it as removing the tanks to try and clean them out doesn't appeal. I put a splash in the auxilliary tank and the bulk in the main tank.

The product is made by Fuel Treat Australia for Nissan. Their web site is: www.fueltreat.com.au and the product is BC-250.

Cheers

KevinKevin - sitting here, thinking of there
------------------------------------------
2002 GU Patrol ST 4.2TD
2000 15' Supreme Getaway
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FollowupID: 12044

Follow Up By: David N. - Tuesday, May 06, 2003 at 13:23

Tuesday, May 06, 2003 at 13:23
Shell used to put in an additive and charge a premium price for their diesel.
I think they discovered people don't like paying extra as I believe the additive is no longer in Shell diesel- and the price is now competitive with other brands.
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FollowupID: 12081

Reply By: tex1972 - Saturday, May 10, 2003 at 20:26

Saturday, May 10, 2003 at 20:26
fit a high quality water seperator, use reputable brand filters(eg fleetguard). keep tanks as full as possible to reduce condensation, use a biocide to control algea growth in tanks(on and off vehicle) make sure whichever additive you use causes water to settle to the bottom of the tank so it can be drained off.beware of additives that claim to preform miracles, they are full of it.
AnswerID: 19625

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