What Type Of Fuel Additive Are You Guys Using?

[Aufgeblassen]

I use Fuel Power additive, that I buy by the gallon from a truck supply store in Orlando for a little over $50, which is a lot cheaper than buying 8 oz. bottles at truck stops. I've used FP on a variety of cars and pickup trucks, since I got my very 1st diesel in 1984, an Isuzu pickup.

My original Volvo truck w/ Volvo engine had 538,000 miles on it when I got it 5+ years ago, and I've used Fuel Power since then up to the 1,066,000 miles when I traded it in, and NEVER needed any work on injector pump or fuel injectors during all those miles.

[Shnerdly]

The only thing I ever added to my fuel tank was more fuel when it got low and a small amount of methyl alcohol when it got colder the -25.

When I serviced my truck, I would fill the fuel filters with ATF (automatic transmission fluid) as a cleaner for the injectors. I had to stop doing that when they started looking for red dye in the fuel to signify the use of untaxed, off road fuel. I was told you can purchase un-dyed ATF but I never pursued it.

[repete]

I don't use any unless it gets down to zero and I'm leaveing the truck for a few days (no place to plug it in) Never had a problem

[Aufgeblassen]

I had to stop doing that when they started looking for red dye in the fuel

***OR*** You could simply explain to them that you added transmission fluid, and then be on your way.

[flood]

***OR*** You could simply explain to them that you added transmission fluid, and then be on your way.

try it and let us know how much the ticket is.....

[GMAN]

I don't use additives. I think that most of them are a waste of money. I may use a little alcohol in my fuel if I get some water in my fuel. I have also been known to add some transmission fluid. That is all that I use. I have only been checked one time for dye in the tank. I still had the container for the transmission fluid. It wasn't a problem.

[Shnerdly]

***OR*** You could simply explain to them that you added transmission fluid, and then be on your way.

I've only been checked twice in over 30 years of driving but I would bet money that the DOT wouldn't care what the explanation was. I agree with flood, If they find red dye in the fuel, I think your going to get a ticket. You may beat it in court if you have all of the correct receipts but it would be a colossal headache.

[GMAN]

A fuel sample would resolve any questions about the content of your fuel tank.

[Aufgeblassen]

try it and let us know how much the ticket is.....

The dye is detected by chemical analysis, not by looks!!!

[Maniac]

The dye is detected by chemical analysis, not by looks!!!

When its done at the side of the road there is NO analysis, it is the officers discretion, you should know how that will work, and the fine is usually by the gallon based on full fuel capacity, because they will assume that the tanks were completely full of the dyed fuel at one time or another.

Try to fight it in court see whose favor it comes out for. Remember how most states are cash strapped.

As far as additives I don't use any, maybe only if its gonna be real cold.


Heres a link to an oil additive test you might find interesting though


What about Additives?

[Aufgeblassen]

We are talking about fuel, rather than oil additives. But as far as oil additives goes, I add Lucas Synthetic @ 20%.

[Shnerdly]

Heres a link to an oil additive test you might find interesting.


What about Additives?

I know I'm old and really stubborn but WOW.

I have never been a supporter or user of additives of any kind. I never put anything in my crankcase but conventional motor oil. I never put anything in my differentials or transmissions but conventional gear oil. I never put anything in my radiator but green antifreeze. I never put anything in my tires except air.

A lot of people told me I was just being stubborn but their equipment wasn't lasting any longer then mine. I guess this helps me understand why. I wish I could say I was that smart but the truth is, I couldn't see spending extra money on something that didn't have a clear return on the investment.

Even in my cars I do the same. Valvoline 5w-30 in both the wife's PT Cruiser (197,000 mile) and my Dakota (142,000). I also put cooler thermostats in both of them right after we bought them. I have always thought that the 195 degree t-stats were too hot to get serious miles out of a gas engine. They both run at 180 degrees.

I'm guess I'm just and old school, old fart.

[Steel Horse Cowboy]

I use Lucas in my fuel everyother fill-up (so twice a month)

Always add Lucas every oil change.

I'm a little over a million miles on my 74 Pete's rebuilt BIG 3 and still doesn't burn (or leak) a drop...... injectors/pump are the same, never been changed.

[flood]

The dye is detected by chemical analysis, not by looks!!!

one can tell YOU have never been stoped and had them check your fuel.....? i have been and they DON'T do any "chemical analysis" all they do is stick a tube in your fuel tank and pull up some, if it has a red tint to it you get the ticket.... they don't ask or care what you added, if it's red it's farm fuel and you get a ticket

3 or 4 times a year they do it in the town i live in. they just stop EVERY car truck or semi going thrught town

[Steel Horse Cowboy]

one can tell YOU have never been stoped and had them check your fuel.....? i have been and they DON'T do any "chemical analysis" all they do is stick a tube in your fuel tank and pull up some, if it has a red tint to it you get the ticket.... they don't ask or care what you added, if it's red it's farm fuel and you get a ticket

3 or 4 times a year they do it in the town i live in. they just stop EVERY car truck or semi going thrught town

I'm not sure about your state, but here in Indiana, they do a "dip test" with a stick and see if there is red dye. If there is, then you get a citation. On the citation, you have to sign. If you refuse to sign, then there is a spot for your comment and the officers give it to you anyways and you have to go to court. Not sure what you could do to fight it really at that point anyways, but it's an option LOL

[Aufgeblassen]

I'm not sure about your state, but here in Indiana, they do a "dip test" with a stick and see if there is red dye.

Probably similar to a pH test strip; the stick reacts with the chemical in the red dye, and turns an odd color. If it is just red transmission fluid, no such reaction occurs.

BTW: In the five years I've been an O/O, and a combined total of maybe a year on the road before that since 1991, I've NEVER had my fuel tested. Not even once.

[Steel Horse Cowboy]

Probably similar to a pH test strip; the stick reacts with the chemical in the red dye, and turns an odd color. If it is just red transmission fluid, no such reaction occurs.

BTW: In the five years I've been an O/O, and a combined total of maybe a year on the road before that since 1991, I've NEVER had my fuel tested. Not even once.

Yeah, they put it on a wooden stick and dip it (my little brother is a MCI here in Indiana)

I have only been checked 1 time and that was in Montana back in '02

[heavyhaulerss]

Iuse lucas fuel treatment every 10,000 miles when I sevice my truck. fill the primary filter with it & the rest goes in the tanks. always saw a m.p.g. increase when using.

[Aufgeblassen]

always saw a m.p.g. increase when using.

Then why not use it every tankful? (in smaller doses, of course).

[Windwalker]

It's my understanding that there are bacteria that can (and, I guess, do) grow in the bio-fuel. In states like IL, MN, and IA, you can find bacteriacide for sale as a fuel additive. I've had to change my fuel filter a couple of times after fueling in IL and MN. I did try that additive a couple of times when I fueled there and the filter did last longer, so there may be something to that. With company trucks, you simply call the shop and ask then where they want you to have the filter changed.