I know that everyone likes something different for a conditioner but I was wondering is there a chart or some actual info of which fuel additive is the best. I am now using Stanadyne performance in my Dodge and Howes lubricator in the work trucks. Both seem to be doing the job but I need more than "he said, she said, we did", if you know what I mean.

 

It's just my opinion but I think they all come out of the same barrel.

 

I've used the Stanadyne for about a year. I can't tell if its doing anything or not. My dad used redline conditioner in his benz for 15 years and 280K and never experienced a fuel issue. The only diff he noticed was that it didn't smoke as much w/ the conditioner. That car now has over 1 million miles on it. I ran out of conditioner on a trip last summer and noted a 15mile drop in total mileage between fill ups. but that is negligable because it was only 1 tankful. I use it for the peace of mind that I'm doing something good for my engine.

 

I use Lucas, which is basically just a fine lubricant. No pump issues for the last 4 1/2 years. I would probably use Howe's if it was easier to find here.

 

Cummins says you don't need any additives. And, I take them at their word. Almost 60,000 miles with no problems.

I think it is all snake oil just to take your money.

 

SO WHAT ARE YOU GOEN TO DO WHEN YOUR FUEL GELS

 

Such data is hard to come by. One of the few comparisons that I've seen is from Stanadyne, via a research institute with a good reputation, but the study is now over 10 years old.

http://www.stanadyne.com/new/ppt/showfile.asp?id=1156

 

I'd prob buy something if I was in single digit temps or colder, but that isn't a concern around North Texas. I don't think it has been below low 20's yet this winter here.


I did try a couple of tanks of conditioner in my truck once just to see if it made any difference. I couldn't tell any.

 

It may be "snake oil", but for a 3mpg gain I'll use it. Note, it was tested on same driving habits, speed, and same stretch of road I have tested before. I started using Howes after using PS and saw that increase. Or maybe I'm just crazy.

 

If you guys are using additives to increase the life of your engine why not consider biodiesel? Not only does it burn cleaner, and clean out all the sludge in your fuel system, it is a great lubricant. I have heard of people using it in their parts cleaners because it doesn't evaporate and is such a good solvent. It really is slicker than snot too. I spilled a small amount on my garage floor and just about fell on my face when I stepped in it!!!

I live in a fairly mild climate so I rarely need to worry about my fuel gelling, but it seems to me that you could plug in your block heater when you get home and I even thought about getting one of those oil radiator heaters that home depot sells and putting under my truck. That way warm air would drift up around the fuel tank. However, when the temp did dip down (we had a week and a half where the high temp here was 27 degrees, which is extremely cold for this area) I simply added a quarter tank of regular #2 diesel. With my 75% bio blend, I didn't have any problem with the fuel gelling. That was without using the block heater or anything else too.

Anyway, just a thought.

 

Try getting a hold of Gary Pipenger at Amalgamated Inc. He can send you their independent testing data. It compares quite a few(not all but quite a few) against their products, testing done by an independant lab. They put together a special blend for the TDR group several years ago. I have been using it for approx 5 years. Only problem is they are not a retail company you have to buy a 5 gallon pail. A 5gl pail will treat 1920 gallons of fuel and no need to double dose to get the desired results. I got half a dozen msr type fuel bottles from a camping store and fill them all up at once toss them in the toolbox and use them as needed and repeat process when all bottles are empty. A 5gl pail lasts me a year however I drive a fair amount.

http://www.amalgamatedinc.com/

 

Which one is the custom blend from "That Other Diesel site"?

 

SkiWaNOw,

You can ask the people in MN how well they like the mandated 2% Bio in there fuel when it gets cold, they Don't. Not all Bio is made the same and in cold weather it has become a big problem plugging up filters and turning in to a big mess. In fact the state of MN had to suspend the 2% Bio mandate law until they can get it to work in colder weather. Until they can fix the problems with Bio I sure would not want it in the winter time even if it gave me 10 extra MPG.

 

The bio was tried in the diesel powered buses that service the ski area, etc. in Crested Butte, CO and they could not keep them running due to gelling but at -anything to -30 adding some conditioner to regular diesel was not a factor in this case. They quit the bio right quick.

 

I dont know that it is listed on their products page but it is just called the TDR Blend