Member - Paul P (Bris) replied:

Greetings

I use a fuel conditioner occassionally ( 3-4 tanks) on my diesel. In a recent 20,000k trip I had some rubbish in the filter at a normal change interval (fuel filter). Did not use a conditioner the whole trip.

My suggestion would be carry a spare filter and halve the filter change period ( fuel) whilst on your trip. If you see rubbish at a filter change put conditioner in at the next fill. ( With a view to killing any remaining unfiltered nasties)

Regards

Paul

guzzi replied:

Norm,
dont you just love toyotas priceing policys, seems theyve learned well off holden/isuzu :((
You will always get some water in fuel, condensation in the inground tank, condensation in your tank etc.
The algea grows in the water that settles in the bottom of the tank not in the fuel itself.
At 30 bucks a liter, which from memory treats a 1000 liters, prevention is better than cure IMO, it also should keep your injectors cleaner and compensate for low sulfur fuel which doesnt lubricate your fuel pump as well as the older less green stuff.
Also add a couple of fuel filters in your spares kit, just in case.
I use the flash lube additive and have had no problems over the last 4 years, Ive yet to try the chem tech.

Pete-3139 replied:

Norm,

I'm no expert on this stuff, but $30 of additive (along with the cost of a filter if necessary) vs possibility of engine troubles due to water, etc. I think for peace of mind the cost is worth it. You'll only kick yourself if you don't and something happens.

Anyway that's my two cents.

Cheers,

Pete

Member - Andrew W (SA) replied:

It is worth reading the details of how they work - look at the manufacturer's instructions about it.

Some fuel conditioners are alcohol based and thus attack the seals and flex rings in pumps, reduce the life of injectors through promoting early ignition, and reduce lubrication.

Some are petroleum distillate based and reduce the BTU (lower power).

Some are concentrate ether based and really focused on anti-gel qualities.

Unless you know you need to disperse water (the latter is the only solution for this short of cleaning your tank) and that, more than your fuel filter can handle, it seems there are as many drawbacks from using this stuff as benefits.

I have looked into the issue after picking up a litre or so of water in my tanks from the Queensland Fuels Group truckstop at Dalby in January. Had to pump the fuel filter about 6 times, but after about 10,000ks my mechanic says there is little sign of any water problem and everything is running smoothly again.

Ciao for now
Andrew.

glenno(qld) replied:

Diesel engines are made to run on 100 % diesel . Goodbye .

Keith_A (Qld) replied:

Since the introduction of low sulpher diesel, I have looked into this also.
There seems to be 2 main differences between the Chemtech product and Flashlube.
1. Chemtech state they contain a biocide to kill agae. Flashlube don't.
2. Chemtech state they burn the moisture. Flashlube separate it.

The chemtech lable states ' disperses and absorbes moisture in the fuel allowing it to be harmlessly burnt off.' end quote.

I asked Flashlube how their product worked - ' contains an additive that separates the water from diesel fuel, it should then be drained off each morning, removing water from the system. Water & heat are the two products that allow algae to grow, by removing the water algae is unable to grow.' end quote.

Other than that, both products claim similar benefits.
Not being a chemical engineer, I have to rely on the printed info and emails.
So - I would rather save my filter some work and burn the moisture off - hence Chemtech gets my vote.
Where moisture is concerned in a diesel, I would rather have both the filter and an additive working for me. It is cheap extra protection.
regards..................Keith

Member - Roachie (SA) replied:

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Peter replied:

Norm C
I've been using Chemtech for over 8 years now. First in my Defender and now in my Patrol. I don't know whether is does any good, but it certainly doesn't appear to do any harm either. I've never had a fuel problem in over 200,000km, and that includes filling up in some dodgy areas. 1 bottle does me about 12-15 months, and that's putting in the correct amount at each fill up. I'm happy to pay the bit extra (about $27 a litre from Supercheap).

Member - Norm C (QLD) replied:

Thanks guys. I think I'll use it on a regular basis for our upcoming 16 week trip where we expect to do about 20,000 KM including some pretty remote places. Seems a pretty cheap insurance policy. I'll reassess on our return.
Thanks
Norm C

Brett_B replied:

Hi Norm

I use the Chemtech in my D4D, one small dose (25ml I think ?) every 3-4 tanks, I believe its ok.

I have had no problems or water in the trap.

I have the 1Lt bottle, it will last me a long time.....

Brett

rickwagupatrol replied:

Norm, i use the Chemtech in my truck, never had a problem.........well except one.

every time i fuel up i put in a thousand litres....lololol

take it with you mate , its good cheap insurance against crappy fuel.

rick.

Willem replied:

I use 50mm of Flash Lube with every tankfull. The engine runs very sweetly and I have not had water problems to date. Changed the filter after 25,000km and it was still quite servicable. Flash Lube is $15 litre here in the bush.

100TD replied:

funny u say $110 for 500ml because i bought a new can of toyota conditioner last week and they tried to charge me $77 so my reply was how about $16.50 like it says on the label under the cans?bit of ummmming and arrrrhing later i walk out with conditioner for $16.50 cheers Paul

Geoff M (Newcastle, NSW) replied:

Cack, the Toyota stuff has had a bloody good price rise!
Last time I bought it, within the last 12 months I paid less than $20.00 for the 500ml tin!

Geoff.