Why Does Diesel Fuel Need Additives? Unlike gasoline, diesel fuel needs additives because it contains more properties that need protection from external factors. Gasoline is a highly refined fuel, while diesel is heavier fuel that's more prone to change over time, even in storage.
Additives work to lower the number of crystals in diesel fuel and to lower fuel's pour point. You should use an additive any time temperatures reach or drop below 32 F, or if temperatures drop drastically. The lower the temperature, the more anti-gelling additive you should add to your fuel.
If you're new to having a diesel truck or heavy equipment, there's a critical additive you need to know about. It's called Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF). This additive is also called aqueous urea solution 32% or AUS 32.
When temperatures drop, diesel forms crystals that clog fuel fuel filters and fuel lines. Not only does this cause engines not to start, it can also lead to costly repairs if engines get damaged. To prevent diesel fuel from gelling (or crystallizing) you should use an anti-gel fuel supplement.
You can easily add too much of a high-quality diesel fuel additive. What happens when you over-treat your diesel fuel? Overdosing can lead to a whole new list of fuel and engine issues from clogged filters to overall decreased engine performance and efficiency. If you're losing lubricity, don't over-treat.
Use your diesel fuel anti-gel every time you fill up during the winter. Try to remember to add the anti-gel before pumping the fuel. This will help ensure a good mixture of the anti-gel throughout the fuel. This could be a sign that your fuel is gelling.
CRD Fuel Enhancer is Australia's number 1 diesel injector cleaner. It's the go-to additive when you need to get results. Cleans and maintains dirty fuel injectors. Improves spray patterns on worn injectors.
Most automotive experts agree that properly maintained newer cars won't benefit much from aftermarket fuel additives (the kind you add to your gas tank). These vehicles may show small benefits in longevity and efficiency from pump gasoline with additives such as detergents.
The best time to add Power Service diesel additives is while you are filling up with fuel to ensure the quickest mixture of the additive to the fuel. However, the recirculation of fuel back to the engine means proper mixture will occur regardless of the time the product is added.
All diesel fuels need a storage stabilizer.
This can be a great strategy. By securing your premium diesel fuel supply, you don't need to worry about time-consuming fuel tank refills during planting and harvest. You can also stock up when demand is low to avoid the price spikes of peak season.
A high quality additive package can help diesel engine oil to enhance fuel economy, prevent deposits, and maintain proper flow and viscosity in both hot and cold temperatures. This is important with the increased use of SAE 5W-30, 10W-30, 5W-40, and even SAE 0W-40 for extreme cold.
Using a fuel additive will also boost the cetane levels and increase lubrication across the fuel system. In addition, running an additive will make sure that even when “stuck” with poor-quality diesel fuel, your injection system will be protected.
The ideal conditions for storing diesel fuel include keeping fuel dry and at a cool temperature (below 70 degrees Fahrenheit). Such conditions ensure storage life between six to twelve months. To extend fuel life beyond twelve months, fuel stabilizers are required.
The engine may be fine but the crucial components that contribute to the combustion cycle could be faulty. For instance, a faulty spark plug or O2 sensor in a petrol engine and a dirty fuel injector in a diesel engine can cause more consumption of fuel resulting in low fuel mileage.
Fuel Injector Cleaner Benefits
Is it worth adding to your gas tank? In short, when used regularly, fuel cleaners work. They can help remove harmful deposits, prevent new deposits from forming, and enhance vehicle performance.
Preventative Measures. Power Service Diesel Fuel Supplement + Cetane Boost is a popular anti-gel that actually resists wax formation by lowering both the cloud point and the gelling point. This product should be added to your fuel when temperatures drop below 30°F.
At least quarterly or as-needed: Add Clear-Diesel Fuel & Tank Cleaner to remove water, disperse contaminants and stabilize fuel for long-term storage.
Indefinitely in a sealed container. Once the seal has been broken, the best practice is to use the product within 12 to 18 months.
The fuel tanks can actually gel while driving. Diesel fuel gelling happens when the paraffin usually present in diesel starts to solidify when the temperature drops. To help prevent this from happening, it is important to always treat your fuel system with a reputable anti-gel additive.
Gelling: Situations where the fuel literally turns to jelly are fairly rare. Gelling occurs when the paraffin wax in diesel solidifies because of a drop in temperature, and the temperature of the fuel generally has to stay below something like minus 10 degrees F for extended periods, like 48 to 72 hours.