Friend of mine has a powerstroke and puts Howes fuel additive in it. He's tellin me to do the same and is gonna give me a bottle. Before i go dumpin it in my tank, is there anything that you guys prefer? Sumtin a little more CTD specific?

 

I have not tried Howes, I did use Stanadyne for awhile. I have switched to a mix of Power Service Kleen(3 Parts) and Marvel Mystery Oil(1 Part). I add 16oz to every tank.

Seems to help, cant prove it, but with the added lubrication and injector cleaning it cant hurt.

I think any of the diesel additives with lub and cleaning are better than none. Just my .02.

 

I have done a fuel economy test using Diesel Kleen (PS), Stanadyne, Lucas, Howes, Diesel Kleen/MMO mix, and Howes. I averaged the fuel economy over 2K miles for each product, filling at the same station when possible and always filling to the top of the neck. For economy, Stanadyne was the least at 16.9 MPG. Lucas was the best with 18.6 MPG with Howes a close second at 18.2 MPG. Notice that the variance between worst and best is only 1.7 MPG. I did notice that my truck was less noisey with Howes but that is relative because these engines are quiet anyway. Bottom line, I use Lucas now and am happy with the added lubrication and slight mileage increase.

 

I do a Lucas / Power service mix and am very happy with it, 1-2mpg+.

Wife runs the lucas in her van, 2mpg increase.

 

Got the Lucas...will post results. I avg about 18.4-.6 now

btw it comes to about 1.20$ per fill up....it's worth it just for the treatment but if I can get even 1mpg more....woohoo

 

IMO lucas is a cover-all generic product, that isn't specifically designed as a diesel fuel additive. I prefer additives that are designed specifically to deal with diesel fuel. Lucas does not contain any anti-gels for winter use and doesn't disperse water in any way.

For most folks that really understand additives, they place importance on three things - anti-gel properties if it's winter, a gain in lubricity for injection equipment, and water dispersal. There's a perpetual debate between those that emulsify/solubize or demusify water....however most agree that water should be addressed with the additives. Powerservice demulsifies/solubizes and is by far the most widely used DFA, capturing some 60% of the market. I also believe strongly (with much research to back it) that emulsifiers/solubizers are the way to go. I stick with Redline Diesel Fuel Catalyst or 85+ if I can help it, or primrose powermaster 405. Otherwise I'll just go to any local auto parts store and get the white bottle of powerservice .

I don't buy anyone's subjective mpg testing one bit, no offense. There are too many variables, including trailer towing, temperature, fuel quality, etc, to determine whether or not the additives help.

 

I run the Power Service Diesel Kleen (silver bottle) in the summer, and Power Service white bottle in the winter time. Don't really have any difference in mileage that I've been able to get consistently. Do it more for peace of mind as to the lift and injector pumps. And for the anti-gel qualities in the winter time of course. It's available pretty much everywhere, unlike some others. Only thing I had against Howe's is the size of the bottle it comes in, I can't stick it into my door to take with me. The new 16 oz. bottle of Power Service are perfect, 3 fit in the rear pocket nicely.

 

Lucas is very good, and a company called Schaeffers makes a product called Diesel treat, I have used it too, it seems to add mileage.

 

I haven't been sold on Lucas stuff ever since I read some BAD tests for their oil additives. I am using PS Diesel Kleen w/ Cetane booster (16oz per tank) and while I haven't noticed any difference, it is nice for peace of mind. And it only costs about $2.50 / tank

 

Yes the bottles fit nice in the door pocket.
I like that
Howes fits no where
Lucas fits in the drink holder

I'm sure no one thought of the door pocket storage in design but it fits nicly