I've heard that ATF added to the fuel will restore lubricity. I am aware of Stanadyne's product, but frankly, it is fairly expensive, and am looking for an effective alternative, especially when running #1 low sulfur fuel oil in our northern climate. Does anyone have any info on using ATF, and if so, how much should be used?

 

I put in a qt or 2 if it looks like the costumers eng. oil is not being changed enough ,for about 100-500 miles before an oil change, this helps to clean it out but I've only done it to gasers so far, I've never seen a diesel get gummy inside the engine like gaser can, the next thing is cummins does not recomend adatives, witch may be a lawyer thing more than an enginnier thing.

 

You can use ND30w to restore lubicity in diesil. I use it. I also use power service on occasion to clean things up.

 

only atf type "F" none others though.

 

Adding ATF is a leftover from the days when it was just oil, not the modern ATF with friction modifiers and other additives. ATF is designed not to burn and will leave damaging ash deposits in your engine. Most times it's use is recommended by an old timer.
If you want added lubricity just use 2% biodiesel.
If BD isn't available use 2 cycle engine oil or better yet an additive designed for diesel fuel.

I tend to agree with what Chevron has to say about additives:

Aftermarket Additives It would be convenient for the user if a finished diesel fuel could satisfy all his or her requirements without the use of supplemental additives. Although this is most often the case, some users must use additives because the low temperature conditions in their region are more severe than those for which the fuel was designed, or because of other special circumstances. Other users feel that they need a higher quality diesel than regular diesel.

A large number of aftermarket additive products are available to meet these real or perceived needs. Some are aggressively marketed with testimonials and bold performance claims that seem "too good to be true." So, as with any purchase, it is wise to remember the advice, caveat emptor – let the buyer beware.

It may be helpful to regard additives as medicine for fuel. Like medicine, they should be prescribed by an expert who has made an effort to diagnose the problem. And they should be used in accordance with the recommendations of the engine manufacturer and the instructions of the additive supplier. Sometimes indiscriminant use of additives can do more harm than good because of unexpected interactions.

http://www.chevron.com/products/prod.../L2_7_2_fs.htm

 

Do not use the "Micron" stuff. Nothing with moly.

 

ATF is real hard on injector pumps...this aint your daddy's diesel.

Use proper fuel conditioner...especially where you live, you NEED antigel properties of a good fuel conditioner. Order it by the case and it is cheaper.

 

Correct me if I'm wrong but adding ATF to your fuel tank will "dye" the fuel red. This is bad if you ever get dipped for running red fuel. The thousands in taxation fines makes Stanadyne or any other real additive look pretty cheap.

On top of that, ATF is not what it used to be when guys were originally adding it to fuel.

As easy as it is to do, not worth the hassle. Use the proper additives.

Jeff

 

ATF dyeing the fuel is a non-issue. Fuel dye also contains a chemical tracer to specifically identify it and the percentage of it in the tank. Once it goes though testing you would be off the hook. Same goes for people who add things like used motor oil to the tank to hide fuel dye, they can still detect it.

 

Several reasons not to run it :

1. ATF (any flavor) is red in color. It also turns your fuel red. It would be hard to explain red fuel if you ever get dipped.

2. ATF also has friction modifiers in it meant for clutch paks in trannies, not in injection pumps with tight tolerances.

3. This kinda falls under "right tool for the right job". There are much better and cheaper additives to put in the tank designed for diesel engines.

And number 4. This is a quote from another forum. The guy that posted this works in the petrochem industry.

 

Excellent advice from all of you! Thanks to everyone for your input!

 

That is true about the chemical tracer. However it would still be a big hassle explaining red fuel to the guy that dipped your tank even if it is red from the ATF.

 

OK...thanks!