Fuel additives - Diesel Forum

datkinsonsr · 08-01-2006, 10:49 AM

Does anyone have any experience using transmission fluid as a fuel additive? I have heard stories, but not from 1st hand. Some say good for lubrication, others don't know. Is the PS additive sufficient for this new low sulfur fuel now sold? Any input will be greatly appreciated. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shrug.gif[/img]

patternman · 08-01-2006, 11:11 AM

I'd like to hear input on this also!
What about a quart of oil every tank?
I know there are additives (PS,DK) at Walmart and truck stops
but one is not always at Walmart or a truck stop.
At the cost of fuel a quart of new oil isn't bad at maybe
one quart per tank.

CharlyJoe · 08-01-2006, 01:37 PM

I think there was a discussion on using atf as a fuel additive recently, maybe on the "General Diesel" thread, but not sure.

The new labeling regs require that any product designed as a fuel additive must state on the label whether they meet the specs for the new ulsd fuel. No doubt there is old inventory on store and truckstop shelves that was produced before the new regs, so I'm sure there's not 100% compliance. Check the label on the PS bottle to be sure.

And since atf isn't designed to be a fuel additive, it doesn't require any such labeling.

I can't see how it would hurt lubricity, but since the cetane number on atf is so much lower than diesel, using too much of it could make your engine run sluggish.

mdkarle · 08-01-2006, 03:28 PM

I have, I first heard about it from an old diesel mechanic and did not put stock into it thinking it was an old wise-tail but then I read about how good it is in an article in Diesel Power Magazine. The nice thing about it is that the cheapest automatic transmission fluid on the shelf is good enough and can cost less than diesel fuel additives.

ARIZHNT · 08-01-2006, 07:26 PM

I've been pre-filling my fuel filter with atf for years during replacement. I have never had a problem. I've heard that it will leave deposits on the injectors and affect the fuel flow but I have never had a miss or a decrease in fuel mileage.

datkinsonsr · 08-03-2006, 07:40 AM

Thanks for all the replies. I will be putting some in my tanks today when I fill up. I'll let you know later if I can find out any more information on this.

shorthair · 08-03-2006, 06:26 PM

i have used atf in the past but remember it will turn your fuel red & the feds if they dip you might claim that your running untaxed off-road fuel. so for me nowdays in the filter only.

jdobyns · 08-03-2006, 09:08 PM

Using ATF in the diesel fuel has been done for about 50 years now. The ATF will add more lubricating to the IP and injectors. In the older diesels ATF works just fine. A word of caution, do not use ATF in 6.0 engines. ATF being pressurized to the pressures of the 6.0 fuel system could caused damage.

Thanks,

J.R.

truckdrivindave · 08-03-2006, 09:22 PM

Is it just any kind of ATF? There's DextronII, the Ford ATF and the Chrysler ATF. Also for lubriccation of the injector pump would you need it for every tank full??? also how much is too much and how little is too little????

I still use Pwr Svc. But currently using Howe's since I got two gallons free....... [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smokin.gif[/img]

pnose · 08-04-2006, 06:37 AM

It MAY be ok for you guys living in the warmer climates however dont forget tranny fluid dosent have any anti-gel properties in it.Personally i wouldnt use it,after replacing my pump 3 years ago at a cost of over $900cdn(pump price only) i will contuniue to use a proper fuel additive that i know has all the properties needed for pump longetivity.BTW i use it EVERY time i fuel up.