Tail_Gunner
CRJ & ERJ A&P Mech.
I was "window shopping" over at one of the over forums and stumbled across a VERY INTERESTING discussion thread. (Note for "Mods", I elected to start this thread here because it applies to all our diesels IDI, 7.3, 6.0 & 6.4. Feel free to move it if you feel it fits in better elswhere.)
Since the introduction of ULSD fuel, we have all been at least a little bit concerned about the sulfur that has been practictly eliminated from diesel fuel and the possible resultant harm that may be caused to our expensive engines. Many have resorted to various fuel additives in the hopes of preventing wear & damage that would otherwise be caused by the lack of lubricity of the new ULSD.
One of the members of the other forum, had done some research and found out that most diesel fuel additives, while improving cetane ratings somewhat, do little if anything to improve the lubricity of ULSD. He posted his findings on his webpage. Soon afterwards, he was "forcibly convinced" by the manufacturer of one of the more popular brands to remove mention of their product from his website.
What this individual does suggest (and very cleverly, I might add) was to use typical 2 stroke engine oil as an lubricating additive to diesel fuel. As a former boater and snowmobiler, I know that 2 stroke oil comes in different "grades or ratings", namely TCW2 & TCW3. Two stroke oil is by design, of a highly lubricating nature, reducing friction between close tolerance moving parts. TCW3 is the cleaner, ashless oil that most two stroke manufacturers recommend for their engines made in recent years. He also suggested adding no more than about 1oz of TCW3 oil per 1 gallon of diesel fuel. Any more than that, and it'll be too "rich" and negative performance effects will be realized. Others on the same discussion thread have reported slight economy improvements and quieter engine operation.
Overall, I found this concept highly intriguing and too important to not "borrow" the subject, and bring it over here.
Since the introduction of ULSD fuel, we have all been at least a little bit concerned about the sulfur that has been practictly eliminated from diesel fuel and the possible resultant harm that may be caused to our expensive engines. Many have resorted to various fuel additives in the hopes of preventing wear & damage that would otherwise be caused by the lack of lubricity of the new ULSD.
One of the members of the other forum, had done some research and found out that most diesel fuel additives, while improving cetane ratings somewhat, do little if anything to improve the lubricity of ULSD. He posted his findings on his webpage. Soon afterwards, he was "forcibly convinced" by the manufacturer of one of the more popular brands to remove mention of their product from his website.
What this individual does suggest (and very cleverly, I might add) was to use typical 2 stroke engine oil as an lubricating additive to diesel fuel. As a former boater and snowmobiler, I know that 2 stroke oil comes in different "grades or ratings", namely TCW2 & TCW3. Two stroke oil is by design, of a highly lubricating nature, reducing friction between close tolerance moving parts. TCW3 is the cleaner, ashless oil that most two stroke manufacturers recommend for their engines made in recent years. He also suggested adding no more than about 1oz of TCW3 oil per 1 gallon of diesel fuel. Any more than that, and it'll be too "rich" and negative performance effects will be realized. Others on the same discussion thread have reported slight economy improvements and quieter engine operation.
Overall, I found this concept highly intriguing and too important to not "borrow" the subject, and bring it over here.
