Diesel Additive Testing

[StephenPT]

A couple of YT channels have recently tested a handful of diesel additives that are on the market. There's some interesting results from both tests and similar correlations that show some products are better than others. I've been a long time user of Stanadyne - after watching both of these tests I see about the only thing I'm getting from it is a small boost in cetane.

I'm going to try the Opti Lube XPD the next chance I get - they seem to have the best balance of cetane boost and lubricity.

Curious what others are using and their experiences...

 

[Jay P Wy]

I have an engineering background (nuclear eng). In the 2nd video I have some issues with his method of testing. In the tests where he didn't add to diesel fuel prior to testing make the test invalid. Doing a wear test of the pure product without adding it to diesel is useless. It's ment to be added to fuel at a ratio so for wear testing it should have been added to the fuel to see the change (or compared to untreated fuel). As for the demulsify part you want the water to stay in large drops so the water separator can remove it. At the high pressure these fuel systems operate at any water can destroy the high pressure pump and the injectors. Haven't watched the 1st video yet, don't have 45 min to spare at the moment.

 

[2024 White Tahoe]

A couple of YT channels have recently tested a handful of diesel additives that are on the market. There's some interesting results from both tests and similar correlations that show some products are better than others. I've been a long time user of Stanadyne - after watching both of these tests I see about the only thing I'm getting from it is a small boost in cetane.

I'm going to try the Opti Lube XPD the next chance I get - they seem to have the best balance of cetane boost and lubricity.

Curious what others are using and their experiences...

Why wouldn’t you use the additive recommended / sold by GM (ACDelco)?

 

[Stbentoak]

This probably won't be popular, but I think additives are a complete waste of money.. I've had diesels for 25+ years. Never used anything but a little bit of power service when it's cold out. All additives do is drive up your cost per mile. All the systems on these vehicles have been engineered with Ultra low sulfur diesel in mind. The big thing is to buy quality fuel at a place that goes through it and change your filters reasonably often. Other than that, just drive them.
Never had anyone tell me "If you would have used an additive this X wouldn't have happened"....Maybe I'm just lucky...

 

[Silverado4x4]

This probably won't be popular, but I think additives are a complete waste of money.. I've had diesels for 25+ years. Never used anything but a little bit of power service when it's cold out. All additives do is drive up your cost per mile. All the systems on these vehicles have been engineered with Ultra low sulfur diesel in mind. The big thing is to buy quality fuel at a place that goes through it and change your filters reasonably often. Other than that, just drive them.
Never had anyone tell me "If you would have used an additive this X wouldn't have happened"....Maybe I'm just lucky...

I agree with you 100%, Diesel additives are a big waste of money in today's Diesel motors. But yes just stay away from those small mom and pop fuel stations and only deal with fuel stations that have alot of volume in fuel turn over.