FYI Fuel Additive chemical analysis and discussion

[Joe Hogan]

Here is an interesting video on the different fuel additives and chemical analysis.

 

[Crazydog]

All these fuel additives are a waste of $$ other than anti-gel for diesels in extremely cold climates.
While they most likely won't do any harm they absolutely do nothing for you.

 

[Texas Clodhopper]

All these fuel additives are a waste of $$ other than anti-gel for diesels in extremely cold climates.
While they most likely won't do any harm they absolutely do nothing for you.

After experiencing a lot of smoke when starting the generator, I added Deisel Kleen to my fuel tank and in 3 or 4 hours of runtime on the generator, the smoke was gone when starting the generator. I now add 10-12 ounces of Deisell Kleen to my fuel tank on every fill-up.

 

[Joe Hogan]

Unfortunately due to low quality of fuel in the USA, some additives are helpful.

 

[Joe Hogan]

Europe has figured this out and has reduced “grade” of fuel to one, all you can purchase is reasonable quality fuel, both petrol and Diesel.

 

[Joe Hogan]

BTW additives appear to be added at various times from the refiner to final distribution

Additives are typically added to fuel-grade products, such as gasoline or diesel, at various stages of the production and distribution process, depending on the specific additive and its intended purpose. Here’s a breakdown of when and where this usually happens:

1. **At the Refinery**: Many additives are blended into the fuel during the refining process or just before the fuel leaves the refinery. This is common for additives like detergents, corrosion inhibitors, and octane boosters (e.g., in gasoline) or cetane improvers (e.g., in diesel). Refineries mix these additives into large batches of fuel to meet regulatory standards, improve performance, or enhance stability.

2. **At the Terminal**: After the fuel is transported from the refinery to distribution terminals (via pipelines, ships, or trucks), additional additives may be injected. This step often involves branded fuel companies adding proprietary additive packages to differentiate their products (e.g., Shell V-Power or BP Invigorate). These might include performance enhancers or marketing-specific formulas.

3. **During Transportation or Storage**: Some additives, like anti-oxidants or stabilizers, may be added to prevent degradation during storage or transport, especially if the fuel will sit in tanks for extended periods before reaching consumers.

4. **At the Pump (Rarely)**: In rare cases, certain additives might be introduced at the fuel station itself, though this is less common. Most fuels are fully formulated by the time they reach the pump.

The exact timing depends on the additive’s purpose—whether it’s to meet fuel quality regulations (e.g., sulfur content limits), improve engine performance, reduce emissions, or ensure shelf life. For example, ethanol (a common biofuel additive) is often blended at the refinery or terminal to comply with renewable fuel standards.

If you’re curious about a specific fuel type or additive, let me know, and I can dig deeper!

 

[Crazydog]

Unfortunately due to low quality of fuel in the USA, some additives are helpful.

What makes you believe we have low quality fuel here?

 

[Kevin D Pem]

What makes you believe we have low quality fuel here?

Because he saw a YouTube or read it on the internet. As well as snope only says what they get paid enough to say!!!

What about you? What makes you believe the quality is good?

 

[Crazydog]

I believe the quality is good anywhere in the country because there is no evidence that is isn't.
Only what we are told by the companies that want us to buy their product to fix what they claim is poor quality fuel.
There are millions upon millions of drivers who NEVER use any additives and suffer no ill-effects.

 

[team bradfield]

Been driving diesels over 30 years, Cat, Ford, Cummins, never used additives other than anti-gel in the winter

 

[Kevin D Pem]

No lab to back up your thoughts! What a pity! No worries mate. I only use fuel injector cleaner once in a blue moon (whatever that means). Think that means 3 times in my 2016 truck.

Anyhow I got told to fact check before I posted. I can't remember posting anything I didn't go within before posting so it has to be the truth!!!

 

[eZAK]

Well I thought I would chime in here, got nothing else to do.
Watching that video, the guy states that he doesn't use additives, But if he did he would use "Power Service"
(seems like a big statement to me)

As far as the actual fuel goes, saying the US has better or worse fuel is a matter of opinion!
The video states that in the US, ULSD has very low Sulphur (lubricity) and lower Cetane. [an additive will help with this] While in the EU they have a premium diesel with added lubricity and cetane.

In my opinion, I would rather be the simple guy that uses an additive (no matter what others say) and never have a problem, then to be the 'one' guy on the side of the road wishing he had!

As for me; I use (and carry along) Stanadyne and Power Service products.

 

[team bradfield]

Never been on the "side of the road"

 

[Joe Hogan]

U.S. diesel fuel quality is generally comparable to Europe's but differs in key aspects due to regulations and market preferences.

**U.S. Diesel**:
- **Sulfur Content**: Ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD) standard since 2006, with a max of 15 ppm sulfur, matching Europe's strictest limits.
- **Cetane Number**: Typically 40-45, lower than Europe's 51 minimum. Lower cetane can lead to less efficient combustion and slightly worse cold-start performance.
- **Additives**: Varies by supplier; fewer mandates for lubricity or cold-flow additives compared to Europe, which can affect engine performance in extreme conditions.
- **Biodiesel Blending**: Common (5-20% blends), which can impact fuel stability and energy content but improves lubricity.

**European Diesel**:
- **Sulfur Content**: Also ultra-low sulfur (10 ppm max under EN 590 standard), slightly stricter than the U.S.
- **Cetane Number**: Minimum 51, often 55+, leading to better combustion efficiency, smoother engine operation, and lower emissions.
- **Additives**: More standardized, with mandates for lubricity, detergency, and cold-flow properties, ensuring consistent performance across regions.
- **Biodiesel**: Also blended (up to 7% typically), but stricter quality controls minimize stability issues.

**Key Differences**:
- Europe's higher cetane and tighter additive standards result in marginally better engine performance and efficiency, especially for modern diesel vehicles optimized for these specs.
- U.S. diesel may have more variability in quality due to less stringent additive requirements and lower cetane, which can affect high-performance diesel engines.
- Cold weather performance can be better in Europe due to standardized cold-flow additives, though U.S. refiners adjust for regional climates.

**Practical Impact**:
- European diesel vehicles may underperform slightly in the U.S. unless tuned for lower cetane fuel.
- U.S. diesel is cheaper on average ($3.50-$4/gal vs. $6-$8/gal in Europe, adjusted for taxes), reflecting less processing for higher cetane and additives.
- Both meet modern emission standards (EPA Tier 3 in U.S., Euro 6 in EU), so environmental impact is similar for new vehicles.

If you need specifics (e.g., for a vehicle or region), let me know!

 

[Crazydog]

Never been on the "side of the road"

I've been driving a vehicle of some kind since 1978 and have NEVER used any additives. I have also NEVER had any kind of negative effect from not using them.
Some of you I'm sure remember back when leaded gasoline was being phased out and all the gear-heads were running around with their hair on fire. Telling us all our engines would be destroyed by the lack of lead in the fuel.
Well fast forward 50 years and none of it happened.
It's the same thing with the BS fuel additive companies are feeding us today.

 

[Kevin D Pem]

I've been driving a vehicle of some kind since 1978 and have NEVER used any additives. I have also NEVER had any kind of negative effect from not using them.
Some of you I'm sure remember back when leaded gasoline was being phased out and all the gear-heads were running around with their hair on fire. Telling us all our engines would be destroyed by the lack of lead in the fuel.
Well fast forward 50 years and none of it happened.
It's the same thing with the BS fuel additive companies are feeding us today.

Thank you "crazy", I always like a good laugh!

Question have you ever heard of stellite?

 

[Joe Hogan]

To the point of additives, there does not seem to be an issue with Branded fuel, i.e. Mobil, Shell, even WAWA, or for diesel, Loves, Flying J etc.
Historically I have used Premium Gasoline not for the Octane but for the additive package included by the refiner. For diesel, Loves, RacTrak, etc.

Typically I have driven my vehicles for 200K miles without issue any engine issues. In the Diesels I use Diesel Clean for a number of personal reasons. My VW diesels easily make it to 200k without issue.
The RV Cummins has a history of dropping valves in the #6 hole due to lubrication issues on engines that sit for long periods unused. Not interested in the debate, it is well documented.

 

[Mrhoofer]

Well I thought I would chime in here, got nothing else to do.
Watching that video, the guy states that he doesn't use additives, But if he did he would use "Power Service"
(seems like a big statement to me)

As far as the actual fuel goes, saying the US has better or worse fuel is a matter of opinion!
The video states that in the US, ULSD has very low Sulphur (lubricity) and lower Cetane. [an additive will help with this] While in the EU they have a premium diesel with added lubricity and cetane.

In my opinion, I would rather be the simple guy that uses an additive (no matter what others say) and never have a problem, then to be the 'one' guy on the side of the road wishing he had!

As for me; I use (and carry along) Stanadyne and Power Service products.

Our fuel IS low in lubricators, the old fuel used to become very dusty on our farm machinery and now it does not. My work trucks run 40,000 per year and I only add Lucas to my bulk fuel for more lubrication. My last truck had 400 K with ZERO pump or injector issues.

 

[JRS]

Last 2 winters spent 4 months in one spot and 5 months last summer (hip replaced). I did and will add Biobor to a full tank prior to this time frame. Cheap insurance IMHO.