Additives ... What do you use ... Why and When?

Like beastr123 said "it seemed to keep my injectors cleaner and it pulled stronger." Mechanics/techs who have had injectors out, been into the emissions etc. of any engine that used additives will tell you that you can see the difference. As in cleaner and less soot, less regens etc. so it is doing something. Better fuel mileage would be a bonus. Howes guarantees a 5% increase (they have a savings calculator on their website), another brand 7% and state that the test was by an independent manufacturer but they don't name the lab/tester and don't show the report. 5% is only .3 mpg at 6mpg or .35 at 7 mpg. But it adds up. Ex: 100k miles, say normally 6.5mpg so that is 15,385 gallons per yr. if 4% increase in mpg that is 615 gallons, at $4 per gal that is savings of about $2,500 yr. So the additive would pay for itself plus the other benefits.

I've searched and searched and the motortrend test is all I could find. If the additive companies wanted free advertising all they would have to do is supply some truckers with their elexir. Any gains in mpg would spread like wildfire.

While this test is somewhat old and limited it is informative. Motortrend even used 2 cycle oil (like singlescrewshaker) and it made a noticeable difference.
Fuel Additive Test - ULSD (motortrend.com)
"Please check out our results, which should dispel any rumors that all fuel additives are a gimmick, or a myth. At least in our '97 Power Stroke's case, the myth has been proved, rather than busted-the fuel additives we tested did increase fuel economy."

 

I run MaxMileage… 740k miles on original dpf and scr. Seems like the “snake oil” is working better than covid vaccine

 

In the company truck I use whatever is cheapeast, because they don't seem to care what brand we use.

In my pickup (12 valve Cummins) I use Power Service Diesel Fuel Supplement as an anti-gel, and I usually run some Clear-Diesel through the last tank before I change my fuel filters.

One time I tried running some Hot Shot's Secret products. I added some Stiction Eliminator during an oil change and Diesel Extreme in the fuel tank. It didn't help my fuel mileage and while the engine did run a little bit better it wasn't enough to justify the cost - Hot Shot's Secret products are NOT cheap.

 

Power service white in winter grey in summer

splash of 2 stroke oil every other tank

 

Those of y'all saying you put 2-stroke oil in your tanks, what's it for?

I've heard some old-timers say to put a cup of ATF in the fuel if you have an older CAT, but I don't why they said to do it.

 

I know of a farm locally that always uses 2 stroke oil in the fuel for there equipment. Was told it adds lubricant to the cylinders because ultra low sulfur fuel doesn't lube good enough in old engines. 2 stroke is made to be burned so you don't get build up of other additives

 

Before emissions came along we used to put gas in Detroit's to make them get up and go.
Blended the used oil into the tanks to get rid of used oil and improve your miles and lube up the top ends.
When the government went to low sulfur fuel it cut the lube in your motors top end.
Shops up North put in oil burners to heat the shop in the winter when you could no longer blend .

 

Diesel should be formulated for the older models. But I could be wrong.

Gas is formulated for the older cars that require leaded gas. And they're still driving today.

 

My truck has a DD15. I usually fill local when I'm parking so I don't have to mix in the anti-gel. Local Kwik Trip has a couple options for winterized fuel.
I try to time it so I can fill up at least 100 gallons when parking at home.
ON the road I will put in PowerServe if I get caught in a surprise cold front.

 

Actually when they went to low sulfur fuel algae started to eat the aluminum and the sumps in the tanks.
Which started them leaking.