Diesel Fuel Additives

Submitted: Wednesday, Jul 12, 2006 at 19:10

ThreadID: 35777 Views:12467 Replies:7 FollowUps:21

This Thread has been Archived

Max & Rae

Hi Guys,
After being a regular reader of this forum for several years this is my first post. Here goes!

Yesterday I phoned the local diesel specialist to make an appointment to get my 93 GQ TD42 injectors cleaned up. He said they were booked up for two weeks. Why I asked? They are flat out fixing injector pump leaks. When I pressed him on why the rush on fuel leaks he didn't seem to think it was anything to do with the so-called 'Winter fuel' from BP - but he did volunteer that most leaks were on vehicles earlier than 1996. I asked if fuel additives helped - he didn't have an opinion.

Then I did a search on this Forum for comments on additives and found quite a lot of comment from a year or more ago. Some are using additives such as Flashlube, Morey or Chemtech because of the claimed lubricating properties which could protect the mechanical pumps and the seals.

One contributor said that BP actually add a lubricant to the new Ultra Low Sulpher Fuel which was interesting. So next I sent off a question to the BP Technical Help line and almost immediately got this reply.

quote:
1. Diesel fuel lubricity; a test is conducted for fuel lubricity as part of the Australian Standard for automotive diesel fuel. BP diesel meets this standard. When the fuel is tested, if it is low in lubricity an additive is added to the fuel, if the fuel already meets the lubricity specification then no additive is added.

2. Fuel pump leakage; this is typically due to seals becoming brittle and breaking or seals swelling. These can be the result of either seal degrading due to wear and tear, but can also be exacerbated by the solvency of the fuel.

Thought that might be of interest to the Forum!!

My question to Forumites with pre-96 vehicles and using a fuel additive: have you had fuel pump seal failures? Should I be using a fuel additive to help stave off what seems to be inevitable??

Look forward to your comments.

Max.

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Reply By: cokeaddict - Wednesday, Jul 12, 2006 at 19:32

Wednesday, Jul 12, 2006 at 19:32

IMHO....NO !!!!!

BP answered the question for you. If you use BP diesel then you have what you need. So why pay extra for additives when eventually the pumps are going to leak anyway. Its not a cheap job to do, so save your money for when it happens.

Just for the record, my first GQ 600,000 kms when sold, started leaking from the seals at 480,000kms. it was still going strong at 550,000 when i noticed an increase in leakage, so i decided to do an exchange pump. But if it wasnt for the fact that it smelled fairly strongly when i got out of the car, id have left it leaking for a lot longer than i did. So dont panic when it starts to leak, just organise yourself financially and get it doen when you are ready.
P.S. I got mine done at home. They came to me and did the lot, so your options are plenty.
Ange

AnswerID: 183211

Follow Up By: Member - Jeff M (WA) - Thursday, Jul 13, 2006 at 11:49

Thursday, Jul 13, 2006 at 11:49

Yes but BP are the ones lobbying the government at the moment to change the standards of Biofuels so that they can use animals fats in it to save them 100's of millions of dollars per year and make it hard for the little guys to compete. So the "Australian standards" would appear to be what best suits the oil companies, not your vehicle...

IMHO if you are using ULSD (which you most likley are and if not will be soon enough) then your old rubber sealed fuel pumps will start leak eventually. It's a common misconception that lubricity has somthing to do with these leaks, it's actually solvancy and all of the new fuels will eat threw rubber seals.

FollowupID: 439836

Reply By: BILL from Fitch Fuel Catalyst Australia Pty Ltd - Wednesday, Jul 12, 2006 at 19:56

Wednesday, Jul 12, 2006 at 19:56

HI Max &RAE, Great question easy answer,check out the FITCH add on this forum. Lubricity in diesel is maintained by the fittment of FITCH NO leaky seals ever,no algie growth,more power gained,exhaust emissions reduced dramatically.and 50 to 100 klms further travell on each tank of fuel.AS this product has a 90 day money back guarantee(and possative) you have nothing to risk in trying it.
BUt as usual this reply will be interepted by forumites (who know Nothing about FITCH) as a plug for the product .But alas this entry is but to help you stave off the inevitable as you put it.But make your own decision in this regard,as this forum will most certainley sway you away from fitch because some are somewhat bent on discrediting mysel but one day the appolagies will flood as the truth is known.

Regards BILLS (NEVER LET A CHANCE GO BY )

AnswerID: 183218

Follow Up By: Spike me - Wednesday, Jul 12, 2006 at 20:12

Wednesday, Jul 12, 2006 at 20:12

CHA-CHING, CHA-CHING

FollowupID: 439740

Follow Up By: Member - Ian W (NSW) - Wednesday, Jul 12, 2006 at 20:14

Wednesday, Jul 12, 2006 at 20:14

Full moon tonight?

FollowupID: 439741

Follow Up By: Sand Man (SA) - Wednesday, Jul 12, 2006 at 20:18

Wednesday, Jul 12, 2006 at 20:18

J E S U S Bill, you are like a stuck record.

Instead of promising "One day....blah...blah...blah" why don't you get your act together and DELIVER on your preaching. Proof mate.

Only in this way will the sceptics amongst us give you and your product credibility.

Bill

I'm diagonally parked in a parallel Universe!

Member
My Profile My Blog My Position Send Message

FollowupID: 439743

Follow Up By: Member - Ian W (NSW) - Wednesday, Jul 12, 2006 at 20:20

Wednesday, Jul 12, 2006 at 20:20

Notice that it's only now and again. Must have something to do with home release!

FollowupID: 439744

Follow Up By: Wazza - (Vic) - Wednesday, Jul 12, 2006 at 21:29

Wednesday, Jul 12, 2006 at 21:29

My truck had a Fitch fitted by the previous owner from almost new on a 1993 80 Series 1HDT. Got it removed at the same time two years ago when the pump seals failed. Got $170 on Ebay for it, so it was good for something.

In my opinion .... the Fitch did sweet F-all ... maybe it contributed to the leak ??

FollowupID: 439755

Follow Up By: revhead307 - Wednesday, Jul 12, 2006 at 21:35

Wednesday, Jul 12, 2006 at 21:35

"Some people are only alive because its illegal to kill them"

nice bumper sticker i once saw.

Rev

FollowupID: 439758

Follow Up By: Member - John R (NSW) - Thursday, Jul 13, 2006 at 09:19

Thursday, Jul 13, 2006 at 09:19

Now stops algae! ROFLMAO!!

I thought algae grows in the fuel tank. Therefore, the F ITCH (located in the engine bay) must exert some mysterious force (perhaps good Karma) which kills the algae in the fuel tank.. BWAHAHAHA!

WE'RE STILL WAITING FOR THE INDEPENDENT REPORTS (NRMA etc) promised some months ago, which will allegedly support the ever increasing outrageous claims made about this device.

I reckon we're a patient bunch of people, us forumites :-)

Now, where's my Peter Brock Energy Polariser?

FollowupID: 439806

Follow Up By: BILL from Fitch Fuel Catalyst Australia Pty Ltd - Thursday, Jul 13, 2006 at 18:53

Thursday, Jul 13, 2006 at 18:53

HI JohnR,If you had any knowledge at all about diesel engines ,before common rail you would be aware that more fuel is returned to the tank after treatment,than is burned.
And further to that a diesel expert confirmed that the pump inspected after having FITCH fitted for approx 200,000 was clean as clean in the inside components and wear was minimal.RELIABLE DIESEL SYDNEY 0295482380.
And recent report from NRMA indicates that testing by AAA is iminent,but that report was a couple of months ago,we all know how slow wheels turn,with Governments and their associates.
And I do agree a very patient bunch,keep that up and all will be revealed in time. BUt some just cannot help themselves from comment,happy days are there for all who can help themselves.

REgards BILLS

FollowupID: 439963

Follow Up By: Member - John R (NSW) - Thursday, Jul 13, 2006 at 20:36

Thursday, Jul 13, 2006 at 20:36

Thanks for the prompt reply, Bill. Yes, I have some knowledge of diesel systems and the concept of excess fuel being returned to the tank. I understand that some, if not all CRD's recirculate excess fuel in the same manner.

You wrote: "And recent report from NRMA indicates that testing by AAA is iminent,but that report was a couple of months ago,we all know how slow wheels turn,with Governments and their associates."

I'm not quite sure what governments have to do with the testing of your product. The AAA and NRMA are independent motoring groups which are not associated with the government in any way. Nevertheless, I would have thought that it would be in your best interests to present any supportive information in a timely manner, if in fact any testing was actually under way.

We're still waiting patiently :-) Ever hopeful that some scientific supportive evidence that this device actually works is forthcoming.

In the meantime, while we're waiting there is some interesting reading at: Fuel Saving Gadgets

FollowupID: 439985

Follow Up By: BILL from Fitch Fuel Catalyst Australia Pty Ltd - Thursday, Jul 13, 2006 at 21:03

Thursday, Jul 13, 2006 at 21:03

HI JOHNR, Yes mate I have read this guys dribble and it is, in relation to fitch anyway,he obviously has never tested fitch and knows nothing of what he states about the product as I DO.
.And John if you let me know your email adress I will send more official reports on the product than you can read,in the affirmative of its reaction to any fuel.
I am going to QLD again shortley and will do fuel figures again,but ask what I should do to prove these figures to others as my word seems not to be believed???? I can have a member here on the south coast witness the fill and another member in Towoomba witness the fill there,Would that then be proof enough???? I will also have exhaust emission test results on a new gas ford and a petrol laser before fitch fitting and after,from an indipendant mechanic.

Regards BILLS

FollowupID: 439993

Follow Up By: Member - Ian W (NSW) - Friday, Jul 14, 2006 at 20:33

Friday, Jul 14, 2006 at 20:33

Dear Bill,

Have you read your own warranty blurb lately?

I'm desolated to inform you that while you were not looking someone upped your money back guarantee from 90 to 120 days.

Now I'm not quite sure just when this happened, but I note that when our esteemed member Roachie returned the product he purchased from you he was refunded his purchase price, but not 120% of what he originally payed. I do acknowledge however your munificent generosity it not having charged postage as you pointed out in your earlier post.

Bill, can you please, (at your earliest convenience of course), review your business and warranty policies and, at a time convenient to yourself issue a general communique to us peons of the market place.

I/we have no desire to distract you from your promotional activities but consider it only reasonable to have, if nothing else just some faint smidgen of what it is you are offering (if anything), so as to transfer our hard earned dollars to your wallet.

Most respectfully yours,

Iam

FollowupID: 440160

Follow Up By: BILL from Fitch Fuel Catalyst Australia Pty Ltd - Monday, Jul 17, 2006 at 11:19

Monday, Jul 17, 2006 at 11:19

HI IAN, What I am offering is oppertunity for all drivers to save a litre of fuel every 100klms they drive,or if you like travell a further 50to100klms further on each tank of fuel,Varies with tank size of course.AS for what APSI have written in their warranty on comp,I dont give a rats about I put my own personal guarantee that this unit works, "not happy," I offer a full refund,regardless of what is written I do not need something written to put forward my honesty.(which some doubt)
IN other words I put my money where my mouth is.
Now on to Roachie the 120% was not introduce when the deal went down.
By the way after fitting over 2,000 units it is a fact that I have refunded 5 units all recipients having been informed as to action required to facilitate the catalysts operation on said vehicles action to rectify DECLINED.So the other 1995 recipients all are happy and these are my personal figures not national.
Another question put to you why do you think that this product is distributed in 36countrys around the world??

Hope this answers your questions. regards BILLS

FollowupID: 440509

Follow Up By: Member - Ian W (NSW) - Tuesday, Jul 18, 2006 at 19:37

Tuesday, Jul 18, 2006 at 19:37

Dear Bill,
You say that what your offering is an opportunity to save a litre of fuel for every 100Klm driven. Wow Bill! You just knocked me of my little perch, I mean to say the opportunity to experience an improvement of 1%, (Yep that's right, ONE PER CENTUM) just leaves me feeling all nice and warm and fuzzy. Geese, I mean to say one bloody per cent. I don't know what I'll do with the money I save with an improvement of one per cent, after only a few months I'll have enough to buy a packet of Juicy Fruit.

Now Bill I'm having a bit of a problem with you your reference to what APSI have to say, this is probably because it does not seem to appear on any of the threads, however feel free to correct me, just as you have had no problems doing so in the past.

Now as far as Roachies' 120% refund (not received), is concerned, would you kindly advise as to the date that the warranty offer was amended on the official "Futch" site. You say that that was applicable at the time "the deal went down". I don't recall a time when the Futch site did not offer 120% refunds.

Bill you make claims as to the number of units sold and the number of refunds given, can you substantiate the claim?

In closing I note that you say your prepared to put your money where you mouth is, this is all well and good Bill, however I do have a suspicion that there may be more than one person who would be happy if you put your mouth where you money was.

Ian

FollowupID: 440786

Follow Up By: Alloy c/t - Tuesday, Jul 18, 2006 at 19:54

Tuesday, Jul 18, 2006 at 19:54

BillS ,YOU are a liar and a con man ,still waiting waiting waiting ,gutless wonder as well , YOU and your FITCH are supposed to be sueing me ,Im still waiting , nothing that comes out of your mouth has even the smallest amount of truth in it ,come on BillS sue me ,then the world will know you are full of s--t.

FollowupID: 440791

Follow Up By: Member - Ian W (NSW) - Tuesday, Jul 18, 2006 at 20:24

Tuesday, Jul 18, 2006 at 20:24

Bill! What makes an "Official Report" or a report "Official". Can you tell us?
What is the definition of an "Official Report".
Is the evening weather report "Official"?
Is it any more or less "Official" than your previous reports.
You have offered to send John R more official reports than he can read.
This is not at all fair Bill, all those "official reports" and many will be wasted because there will be more than John R can read.

Bill old mate' how about you post them on the open site so that there is no discrimination? I'm sure John R would be only to happy to share them with the rest of the members, especially as there are more than he can read. Just one thing Bill, I expect you to certify that they are all "official reports".

Ian

FollowupID: 440801

Follow Up By: Member - John R (NSW) - Tuesday, Jul 18, 2006 at 21:34

Tuesday, Jul 18, 2006 at 21:34

jarseman@hotmail.com is the email thanks, Bill.

Please only send the reports if you're happy for me to share them with the other readers of this forum, Bill.

FollowupID: 440812

Follow Up By: Member - Ian W (NSW) - Tuesday, Jul 18, 2006 at 21:43

Tuesday, Jul 18, 2006 at 21:43

Alloy CT,
I am going to make the assumption that you have received a member message from Bill S. The contents of which are pretty obvious.

John R,
I believe that you also, like Alloy CT and myself have received a member message.

Bill seems to like dropping messages to members rather than using the open forum.
At 20:46hrs on this date via a member message Bill has offered to come to my location and fit a Futch at no charge to me until such times as I am happy with the results. If I were uncharitable I might think that he was trying to silence me, or buy me off, or get me onside. What a waste of time and effort.

Perhaps I should be flattered, at least I've not been threatened with legal action.

Ian

FollowupID: 440815

Reply By: Maddmav - Wednesday, Jul 12, 2006 at 19:57

Wednesday, Jul 12, 2006 at 19:57

Just had the top seal on my '92 Mav diesel pump done. Only 185K on the clock and I also thought that using an additive (Moreys) would assist in pump performance.

Since replacement ($200) I have stopped using the additive as I have read on fuel sites that it is not required as low sulphur diesel sold by major refineries has an additive to assist lubricity in the fuel.

This being a Government requirement and is kept in check by relevant authorities (apparently)

Also - I wont use an additive in the oil either. If you use a good quality oil it will have all the goodies already in it. I use bleep S Titan 15W 40. The factory is just up the road and lucky I know one of the chemical gurus there. He has given me some - good oil - (: LOL on the subject.

Vinnie

AnswerID: 183220

Follow Up By: Max & Rae - Wednesday, Jul 12, 2006 at 21:38

Wednesday, Jul 12, 2006 at 21:38

Thanks for those comments.

Ange, I am encouraged to learn that it took 100,000 km for the leak to get bad enough to be fixed. My GQ has done 307,000 km and so far no sign of any leaks.

Vinnie, your comments added to my obvservation from the archives that most leaks seem to be the top seal. It might be a good idea for me to get the top seal done while the plumbing to the injectors is open.

I think I will trust BP and give the fuel additives a miss.

Max.

FollowupID: 439759

Reply By: Member - Oldplodder (QLD) - Thursday, Jul 13, 2006 at 07:50

Thursday, Jul 13, 2006 at 07:50

Just had my pump done on my 1996 model at 240,000k.
I asked the diesel people who rebuilt the pump about additives, since they gave a 12 month warranty.
They said don't use one. Straight diesel is fine.
Said to only add it now and then to control diesel bug.
So I don't use additive as much any more. Just every 3rd or 4th tank instead of every 2nd tank.
Saves me money too!
What I am doing now is draining my tank every 12 months to ensure rust, rubbish and water don't build up in the tank, which I am finding is more of a problem.

AnswerID: 183275

Reply By: Member - John R (NSW) - Thursday, Jul 13, 2006 at 09:28

Thursday, Jul 13, 2006 at 09:28

I've got a diesel 4wd which is just over 1 year old and 29000km. I use Chemtech additive purely for its biocide properties.

Not that I've really kept accurate records, but I can't see how 100ml of this stuff into 200L of fuel (the dosage I use) can make any performance difference.

But I hope it's enough to stop the bugs growing ;-)

AnswerID: 183292

Follow Up By: Max & Rae - Thursday, Jul 13, 2006 at 11:26

Thursday, Jul 13, 2006 at 11:26

Thanks Oldplodder and John R.

My main concern was regarding the reported reduction in lubrication properties with the ultra-low sulphur fuel and potential damage to the injector pump.

However, there hasn't been any strong support for fuel additives for this purpose. It seems that the biocidal properties might be the main benefits to be gained. Because I mainly fuel up in and around Perth from high turnover stations this hasn't been a problem. However, it might be a good protection when we travel.

Max.

FollowupID: 439830

Follow Up By: Leroy - Friday, Jul 14, 2006 at 21:26

Friday, Jul 14, 2006 at 21:26

John,

Here is a little food for thought. A bloke at work got a few jars of diesel and different additives that stop your fuel waxing up in freezing weather to compare. I remember him puting in like 1ml / litre of ice breaker in one jar and guess what, it didn't wax up like the other 2 brands. So as small an amount as it seems it may do the trick. For the record the Proma additive didn't stop the fuel from solidiying/waxing and I can't remember the third brand.

Leroy

FollowupID: 440167

Reply By: Geoff - Friday, Jul 14, 2006 at 15:15

Friday, Jul 14, 2006 at 15:15

I have a 1988 Mazda RF Diesel[300000 klms] that finally succumbed to the low sulphur fuel.For the last couple of months the leaking fuel pump seals were cured by using Chemtech Diesel Power additive every tankfill.Eventually I got complacent in using the additve,resulting in a small pool of fuel under the car.So for me the additive did its job.
The permanent cure was to fit a viton seal to the throttle shaft and viton gasket to the governor body cover.Cost $20 parts$105labour.
Now using Biod20 fuel from Gull with no problems.

Member
My Profile My Position Send Message

AnswerID: 183499

Reply By: Member - Ian W (NSW) - Tuesday, Jul 18, 2006 at 20:34

Tuesday, Jul 18, 2006 at 20:34

Max & Rae,

I owe you an apology!

Your first post on the forum got hijacked and dragged off into never-land.

Should you have followed this post rather than throwing your hands in the air and walking away you may well have surmised that our little "friend" who never misses a chance to self promote himself has the ability to raise the ire ire of many and probably me more than most.

Again, please accept my apologies for being a party to your post going sideways.

I, not having any direct diesel experience am unable to offer constructive comment in reply to your post. I hope that those who do, and have, have been able to assist you in making an appropriate decision

Kind regards,

Ian

AnswerID: 184138

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Diesel Fuel Additives

Max & Rae

Reply By: cokeaddict - Wednesday, Jul 12, 2006 at 19:32

Follow Up By: Member - Jeff M (WA) - Thursday, Jul 13, 2006 at 11:49

Reply By: BILL from Fitch Fuel Catalyst Australia Pty Ltd - Wednesday, Jul 12, 2006 at 19:56

Follow Up By: Spike me - Wednesday, Jul 12, 2006 at 20:12

Follow Up By: Member - Ian W (NSW) - Wednesday, Jul 12, 2006 at 20:14

Follow Up By: Sand Man (SA) - Wednesday, Jul 12, 2006 at 20:18

Follow Up By: Member - Ian W (NSW) - Wednesday, Jul 12, 2006 at 20:20

Follow Up By: Wazza - (Vic) - Wednesday, Jul 12, 2006 at 21:29

Follow Up By: revhead307 - Wednesday, Jul 12, 2006 at 21:35

Follow Up By: Member - John R (NSW) - Thursday, Jul 13, 2006 at 09:19

Follow Up By: BILL from Fitch Fuel Catalyst Australia Pty Ltd - Thursday, Jul 13, 2006 at 18:53

Follow Up By: Member - John R (NSW) - Thursday, Jul 13, 2006 at 20:36

Follow Up By: BILL from Fitch Fuel Catalyst Australia Pty Ltd - Thursday, Jul 13, 2006 at 21:03

Follow Up By: Member - Ian W (NSW) - Friday, Jul 14, 2006 at 20:33

Follow Up By: BILL from Fitch Fuel Catalyst Australia Pty Ltd - Monday, Jul 17, 2006 at 11:19

Follow Up By: Member - Ian W (NSW) - Tuesday, Jul 18, 2006 at 19:37

Follow Up By: Alloy c/t - Tuesday, Jul 18, 2006 at 19:54

Follow Up By: Member - Ian W (NSW) - Tuesday, Jul 18, 2006 at 20:24

Follow Up By: Member - John R (NSW) - Tuesday, Jul 18, 2006 at 21:34

Follow Up By: Member - Ian W (NSW) - Tuesday, Jul 18, 2006 at 21:43

Reply By: Maddmav - Wednesday, Jul 12, 2006 at 19:57

Follow Up By: Max & Rae - Wednesday, Jul 12, 2006 at 21:38

Reply By: Member - Oldplodder (QLD) - Thursday, Jul 13, 2006 at 07:50

Reply By: Member - John R (NSW) - Thursday, Jul 13, 2006 at 09:28

Follow Up By: Max & Rae - Thursday, Jul 13, 2006 at 11:26

Follow Up By: Leroy - Friday, Jul 14, 2006 at 21:26

Reply By: Geoff - Friday, Jul 14, 2006 at 15:15

Reply By: Member - Ian W (NSW) - Tuesday, Jul 18, 2006 at 20:34

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