What should be used during the year to keep your diesel fuel clean and pure. Thank you, Richard (Duke)
Diesel Additives
- Thread starter Duke13540
- Start date
- Status
not needed
Duke Diesel fuel from the refinery comes with additives to prevent algae bugs from growing as long as the fuel stays dry, i.e., no water layer. As long as you keep it fresh and dry, the only additive needed with U.S. refined diesel is a cetane booster, This isn't to say there aren't millions of dollars spent by folks buying all types of additives, most of which won't hurt anything when used in moderation as directed but none are really needed. If anyone tells you they have had no fuel problems with a specific additive, ask how they know the results are directly related and you'll hear some interesting responses. You might also want to delete two of the three replicate posts.
Duke Diesel fuel from the refinery comes with additives to prevent algae bugs from growing as long as the fuel stays dry, i.e., no water layer. As long as you keep it fresh and dry, the only additive needed with U.S. refined diesel is a cetane booster, This isn't to say there aren't millions of dollars spent by folks buying all types of additives, most of which won't hurt anything when used in moderation as directed but none are really needed. If anyone tells you they have had no fuel problems with a specific additive, ask how they know the results are directly related and you'll hear some interesting responses. You might also want to delete two of the three replicate posts.
nothing
The experts at Torrensen's have told me that no additives are needed and they don't rec. any for their customers. Clean fuel, clean air, proper bleeding, all that's needed. They said as long as the fuel in the tanks stays clear of algae, water, and debris, they have seen fuel that sat 10+ years and ran when tried. Many problems have been created by owners adding things to fuel with the idea being preventing a problem they don't have. Pray for Wind, Lugeman
The experts at Torrensen's have told me that no additives are needed and they don't rec. any for their customers. Clean fuel, clean air, proper bleeding, all that's needed. They said as long as the fuel in the tanks stays clear of algae, water, and debris, they have seen fuel that sat 10+ years and ran when tried. Many problems have been created by owners adding things to fuel with the idea being preventing a problem they don't have. Pray for Wind, Lugeman
Don't use them
Don't waste your money. Additives can do more harm if not used properly or too often. A long time MB diesel owner, MB recommends against additives. My friend had a Lehmen in his Irwinn and he would religiously add additivives. After 2 years the engine began to smoke. Had Mack boring come in, remove the injectors, bench test them. Called him up and asked if he used any additives and how often. Cost him $1000.00 Buy fuel from a good clean source. When boat is put up in winter, I do use the recommended amount of diesel Sta-Bil to the tank. Good luck! SH
Don't waste your money. Additives can do more harm if not used properly or too often. A long time MB diesel owner, MB recommends against additives. My friend had a Lehmen in his Irwinn and he would religiously add additivives. After 2 years the engine began to smoke. Had Mack boring come in, remove the injectors, bench test them. Called him up and asked if he used any additives and how often. Cost him $1000.00 Buy fuel from a good clean source. When boat is put up in winter, I do use the recommended amount of diesel Sta-Bil to the tank. Good luck! SH
Depends on how much you use your boat...
If you burn at least a tank or two a year than don't use them. If not and you don't want to use them drain you tank over the winter and fill up with fresh fuel. Use a little algae stuff to keep the filters from clogging unless on a trip and burning all the fuel over a short period of time.
If you burn at least a tank or two a year than don't use them. If not and you don't want to use them drain you tank over the winter and fill up with fresh fuel. Use a little algae stuff to keep the filters from clogging unless on a trip and burning all the fuel over a short period of time.
A lot depends on how much
you know about the quality of the fuel you are putting in your tank and burning in your engine. Since the majority of engine related problems seem to come from fuel issues, I triple filter all the fuel (with a BaHa-like water/crud separating filter) I buy and I buy it at a busy truck stop, hoping it will be fresher than fuel that sits for long periods of time at many marinas. My Yanmar diesel also calls for fuel that has a minimum cetane rating of 45. In my area, all of the ULSD fuel outlets I've seen are selling fuel with a cetane rating of 40 so I add a cetane booster. This improves ignition and reduces smoke. All of the fuel polishers I know in this area have long recommended adding the right amount of "Pri-D," a combination stabilizer, injector clearner, and lubricant and so I add a dash of that, too (see link). Short of having your fuel polished (I think you would be better off disposing of old fuel rather than trying to clean it) the best things I think you can do keep your fuel "clean and pure" is to buy the best quality fuel you can find, filter it, and change your primary and secondary filters at recommended intervals.
you know about the quality of the fuel you are putting in your tank and burning in your engine. Since the majority of engine related problems seem to come from fuel issues, I triple filter all the fuel (with a BaHa-like water/crud separating filter) I buy and I buy it at a busy truck stop, hoping it will be fresher than fuel that sits for long periods of time at many marinas. My Yanmar diesel also calls for fuel that has a minimum cetane rating of 45. In my area, all of the ULSD fuel outlets I've seen are selling fuel with a cetane rating of 40 so I add a cetane booster. This improves ignition and reduces smoke. All of the fuel polishers I know in this area have long recommended adding the right amount of "Pri-D," a combination stabilizer, injector clearner, and lubricant and so I add a dash of that, too (see link). Short of having your fuel polished (I think you would be better off disposing of old fuel rather than trying to clean it) the best things I think you can do keep your fuel "clean and pure" is to buy the best quality fuel you can find, filter it, and change your primary and secondary filters at recommended intervals.
Fresh Fuel!!!!
Never fill up your tank. Only put the amount of fuel that you will use in a few months. Fresh fuel is better than old fuel with a bunch of additives. Especially since the additives are often snake oil mixtures of unknown chemicals. The new ultra low sulfur diesel seems to stay clean longer. I haven't changed my primary filter for over a year!!!! I do add some of the boron based biocide and cetane booster. But I really don't think that it is needed. I just haven't been motoring very often and haven't added in fuel in six months. I motored a couple hours last weekend just to use the engine. I have about 1/4 tank and will add 5 gallons when the needle gets closer to empty. I have a 20 gallon tank so 1/4 is about 5 gallons and will run my engine for at least 10 hours. Probably closer to 15 hours.
Never fill up your tank. Only put the amount of fuel that you will use in a few months. Fresh fuel is better than old fuel with a bunch of additives. Especially since the additives are often snake oil mixtures of unknown chemicals. The new ultra low sulfur diesel seems to stay clean longer. I haven't changed my primary filter for over a year!!!! I do add some of the boron based biocide and cetane booster. But I really don't think that it is needed. I just haven't been motoring very often and haven't added in fuel in six months. I motored a couple hours last weekend just to use the engine. I have about 1/4 tank and will add 5 gallons when the needle gets closer to empty. I have a 20 gallon tank so 1/4 is about 5 gallons and will run my engine for at least 10 hours. Probably closer to 15 hours.
- Status