Anyone use fuel treatment / cleaner ?

[Ean Austral]

Gday All,

just curious if anyone uses a fuel treatment/ conditioner / cleaner or whatever you wish to call it.

if so which one and do you think it’s worth it.

Cheers Ean

[FisherX]

Yeah I use fuel system cleaners sometimes.

I remember watching a 5th Gear show where they tried to restore the horsepower of an older car. The biggest improvement the got was from the $10 bottle of fuel system cleaner.

So every now and again I'll put a bottle of cleaner through the cars, but only if supercheap has a good special on or I'm feeling rich.

[rar110]

What I’ve used.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190105/83a646b36873abf75ffca1739d8ef675.jpg

I use something almost every tank.

It’s difficult to know if any of them make a difference. I think they do. My L322 tdv8 has over 280k km and no fuel tank sensor, fuel pump or injector problems that I know of.

I recently used CEM FTC decarboniser which seemed to make the car run quieter/smoother. But also did a CEM oil flush which has resulted in engine oil staying much cleaner. So that may make the engine quieter/smoother too.

[Eric SDV6SE]

Yes, Penrite diesel injector cleaner every once in a while (say every 3 months or so). After a road trip where we picked up some water in the fuel, I changed the fuel filter and put through one of these cleaners, worked a treat.

I’ve also recently put in one of those complete fuel system treatments, from liquid moly, penrite or one of the other reputable brands. I stay away from the generic or store branded products.

I also use the penrite engine flush at every oil change, and just last week, for the coolant flush and change, also used the radiator flush product.

[incisor]

I use the cost effective maintenance stuff and he is a user here.

[oldsalt]

I've been using "Lucas Oil - upper cylinder lubricant & injector cleaner" for quite a few years now, the Lucas rep gave a talk
at the Victorian Landrover club meeting and handed out free samples... I tried it ....and my engine "seems" quieter and "seems" to run a tiny bit smoother
so I just keep on adding it to every tank of diesel...

cheers

[travelrover]

Yes, Penrite diesel injector cleaner every once in a while (say every 3 months or so). After a road trip where we picked up some water in the fuel, I changed the fuel filter and put through one of these cleaners, worked a treat.

I’ve also recently put in one of those complete fuel system treatments, from liquid moly, penrite or one of the other reputable brands. I stay away from the generic or store branded products.

I also use the penrite engine flush at every oil change, and just last week, for the coolant flush and change, also used the radiator flush product.

Hi all

I was doing a search on Penrite engine flush and Eric's post came up. I am considering doing this on my 300Tdi at the next oil change but when I looked on the Supercheap site it said this product is not compatible with my vehicle which contradicts the blurb on the Penrite site.

Does anyone have any experience with this product in a 300Tdi? Also considering the radiator flush....

[Odysseyman]

I use the cost effective maintenance stuff and he is a user here.

can you be more specific please?

David

[Eric SDV6SE]

Hi all

I was doing a search on Penrite engine flush and Eric's post came up. I am considering doing this on my 300Tdi at the next oil change but when I looked on the Supercheap site it said this product is not compatible with my vehicle which contradicts the blurb on the Penrite site.

Does anyone have any experience with this product in a 300Tdi? Also considering the radiator flush....

I cant see why this engine flush is not suitable. I just did the same SCA comparison and whilst it says the Penrite flush is not compatible, the Wynn’s and Nulon products are. I’m sure all are very similar. Best bet is an email to Penrite.

Personally, I wouldn’t have a problem to use it, same as the coolant flush treatment.

[travelrover]

I cant see why this engine flush is not suitable. I just did the same SCA comparison and whilst it says the Penrite flush is not compatible, the Wynn’s and Nulon products are. I’m sure all are very similar. Best bet is an email to Penrite.

Personally, I wouldn’t have a problem to use it, same as the coolant flush treatment.

Thanks Eric

I thought it would be fine and had no reservations until I saw the Supercheap statement. Think I will just go ahead. All the oils on all my Defenders are Penrite as I believe they are good products :-)

[bsperka]

Cost effective maintenance products are the beez neez!!! I've used them for petrol and diesel engines, from motor mowers to an old Hilux. Great value for money and work a treat. Recommend them to any diesel engine owner.

[Bewitched]

I've been using the CleanPower fuel additive (on the left in rar101's pic) for ever in almost every tank I put in the car (only when away and filling up that I miss it. Hard to tell if it makes a massive difference, but I also only ever use Shell Premium diesel too, which I find makes a vehicle run cleaner and use less fuel compared with lower grade fuels.

Maybe a bit of overkill, but that's my approach and so far so good on every diesel I've had.

[DiscoJeffster]

I've been using the CleanPower fuel additive (on the left in rar101's pic) for ever in almost every tank I put in the car (only when away and filling up that I miss it. Hard to tell if it makes a massive difference, but I also only ever use Shell Premium diesel too, which I find makes a vehicle run cleaner and use less fuel compared with lower grade fuels.

Maybe a bit of overkill, but that's my approach and so far so good on every diesel I've had.

It’s quite interesting when you dig deep and find that most fuels come from single suppliers. In WA, a large majority is from the BP refinery in Kwinana - in other words, in WA at least, your Shell diesel is actually BP diesel at source.

All fuel roads lead to BP Kwinana | The West Australian (https://www.google.com.au/amp/s/thewest.com.au/business/energy/all-fuel-roads-lead-to-bp-kwinana-ng-b88305100z.amp)

Fuel Industry Background (https://www.fuelwatch.wa.gov.au/fuelwatch/pages/public/contentholder.jspx?key=fuelIndustryBackground.html )

[Hugh Jars]

Nope. The only thing it does is make your wallet lighter.
If that makes you feel better, fill your boots. [emoji16]

[goingbush]

If your gong to put anything in your diesel tank make sure its got a algaecide in it. Kill the diesel bug . Anything else is a waste of money , you mightaswell be adding 2SO .

I use Moreys DSK which is probably just 2SO with an algaecide added.

[Odysseyman]

It’s quite interesting when you dig deep and find that most fuels come from single suppliers. In WA, a large majority is from the BP refinery in Kwinana - in other words, in WA at least, your Shell diesel is actually BP diesel at source.

All fuel roads lead to BP Kwinana | The West Australian (https://www.google.com.au/amp/s/thewest.com.au/business/energy/all-fuel-roads-lead-to-bp-kwinana-ng-b88305100z.amp)

Fuel Industry Background (https://www.fuelwatch.wa.gov.au/fuelwatch/pages/public/contentholder.jspx?key=fuelIndustryBackground.html )

and depending on which company’s sites i.e. BP, Shell, Mobil, Caltex etc. the fuel is going to the brand-specific additives are added while the delivery tanker is being filled. But yes, the base fuel is the same. And that’s why they are all different prices. There are clearly differences in quality between resellers.

[DiscoJeffster]

and depending on which company’s sites i.e. BP, Shell, Mobil, Caltex etc. the fuel is going to the brand-specific additives are added while the delivery tanker is being filled. But yes, the base fuel is the same. And that’s why they are all different prices. There are clearly differences in quality between resellers.

I’m still trying to find evidence that the fuels are “improved” in any way either in production or post production by any company. I don’t believe one iota of the marking gumph they pedal. Call me a cynic sure.

[Odysseyman]

I’m still trying to find evidence that the fuels are “improved” in any way either in production or post production by any company. I don’t believe one iota of the marking gumph they pedal. Call me a cynic sure.

just quoting what a tanker driver told me at Hall’s Creek a couple of years ago. He described the process in some detail while he was filling the tanks at the servo there.
If I remember correctly he also said that there were only two or three fuel storage facilities for the whole of Australia and that his company distributed from them, for all brands. He had driven from Perth on that occasion but sometimes delivered from the eastern seaboard (I can’t remember where).

[Bewitched]

and depending on which company’s sites i.e. BP, Shell, Mobil, Caltex etc. the fuel is going to the brand-specific additives are added while the delivery tanker is being filled. But yes, the base fuel is the same. And that’s why they are all different prices. There are clearly differences in quality between resellers.

It would be interesting to know for sure if the "premium" diesel is the same base diesel with additives to make it "premium" or if it is a completely different and more refined based fuel, with additives then added to differentiate between the brands of premium diesel (as with Petrol versions of the fuels, where premium 98 is a different base to regular 91, for example).

I would like to think the consumer gets a little something other than spin for the extra paid. Anecdotally, I believe there is a difference in performance (marginal but noticeable) and a definite economy improvement using the premium diesel over the base version, even within the same brand (I did some pretty thorough testing way back when, and the economy gains were in the order of 10 percent, maybe a tad less - on the Shell product in my case). Hopefully they also run cleaner, improving the situation inside the engine as well.

Fuel conditioners on top of all this may be wasteful, but that's a personal choice and the cost penalty is not great compared with many others of life's expenses, so be it!

[Odysseyman]

It would be interesting to know for sure if the "premium" diesel is the same base diesel with additives to make it "premium" or if it is a completely different and more refined based fuel, with additives then added to differentiate between the brands of premium diesel (as with Petrol versions of the fuels, where premium 98 is a different base to regular 91, for example).

I would like to think the consumer gets a little something other than spin for the extra paid. Anecdotally, I believe there is a difference in performance (marginal but noticeable) and a definite economy improvement using the premium diesel over the base version, even within the same brand (I did some pretty thorough testing way back when, and the economy gains were in the order of 10 percent, maybe a tad less - on the Shell product in my case). Hopefully they also run cleaner, improving the situation inside the engine as well.

Fuel conditioners on top of all this may be wasteful, but that's a personal choice and the cost penalty is not great compared with many others of life's expenses, so be it!

i don’t know about that one however I suspect it’s probably just additives rather than a different base fuel.

I’ve had a similar experience to you with in several vehicles, both with economy and performance, using BP fuel. Unless I can’t buy it, or Shell, as is often the case unfortunately in remote areas, I very reluctantly use other brands.

[Bewitched]

i don’t know about that one however I suspect it’s probably just additives rather than a different base fuel.

I’ve had a similar experience to you with in several vehicles, both with economy and performance, using BP fuel. Unless I can’t buy it, or Shell, as is often the case unfortunately in remote areas, I very reluctantly use other brands.

I reckon you might be right there. Not a better base fuel, just the additives pack, which may or may not be worth much - certainly not in the short term probably. I found this article which seems plausible, and Club 4x4 appear to have conducted at least some research (claimed). Tends to infer limited benefit other than a bit of a clean up for the engine innards and less foaming.

Is Premium Diesel Worth It? - CLUB 4X4 (https://www.club4x4.com.au/premium-diesel-worth-it/)

Ultimately, I will likely continue with my approach as cleaner is better IMO and I've not found anything to say it will harm the engine, so I think I will do some more research and see if there are warnings against either premium diesel for our LR engines. I will report back if I find anything disconcerting for us.

[AK83]

It would be interesting to know for sure if the "premium" diesel is the same base diesel with additives to make it "premium" or if it is a completely different and more refined based fuel ...


Mate of mine worked for two distribution companies for a number of years.
Same base diesel, and additives added to differentiate.

Can't exactly remember the mix ratio, or if it would mean anything anyhow, but it's well under 1000lt per 8000lt base fuel as he recalls it.
So they'd pull the tanker up to the gantry, it's all automated, so he pushes some order number and the gantry fill the tanks as needed.
Only thing some operators have to do is open close hatches manually, otherwise it's all automated .. so no way to tell what the additive could actually be(say by smell).

BUT!, what happens, not all the time, but regularly, is that say the tanker needs to fill both regular station diesel tank and also the premium tank.
Most times they need to estimate how much actual capacity remains, as orders are taken day before, and demand after order is taken can vary .. so they sometimes have excess premium diesel(due to lower than expected demand), and more usually slightly more remaining capacity in the regular diesel tanks.
So they're told not to bring excess fuel back, and in some cases, if the station has no allowance to dump all the tankers capacity, the tanker may be diverted to another station on the way back to get rid of all load.
Otherwise it's a longer process to dump excess fuels at the terminals.

So what usually happens is that the regular diesel tanks can get a dose of the premium additives via the premium diesel.
But obviously this is a much more diluted additive to the regular tank, so don't expect it to be as premium as the regular premium.

Basically, if the station sells a premium diesel, chances are that the regular diesel may contain traces of premium too. Whether it makes any difference is another question, but highly unlikely too.

From memory, whilst diesels use the same base stock, petrols are all sources from different tanks ... so higher octane is a different fuel.
He never got the chance to get inducted into the Caltex depot, but they get their diesel from either Shell or Mobil. Same with BP(here in Melb/Vic).
Not sure if all the BPs get Mobil/Shell diesel, or if he only did overflow orders, but definitely many BP stations around Vic get either Shell or Mobil diesels.
He never did any Shells, only some rural Mobils, but those two definitely don't interchange their fuels(not in the years that he worked the industry).

What never made sense to me, is the price of Costco deisel, I got my last tank at 134.7, and everyone in the area for about 50sq klms other than some indies here and there are up in the high 140's low 150s .. so about 15cpl cheaper than all the majors in the area, and about 6cpl cheaper than the cheapest indie.
Costco gets Mobil fuel from secondary distributors, can't remember all the names of them, but Monaro Fuels comes to mind, as does Petrogas(Mobil offshoot).
One of the mobs he used to work for Petrogas deliver to Costco .. so you if buy Costco, you're just buying Mobil diesel .. just 15cpl cheaper!

[DiscoMick]

Fuel has to meet certain minimum standards, I believe, so it is at least the same everywhere, plus additives.

[Dagilmo]

I saw this a couple of weeks ago and thought about it in relation to this discussion so I dug it up. About 15 mins.

The Truth About Premium Diesel Fuel — Auto Expert by John Cadogan - save thousands on your next new car! (https://autoexpert.com.au/posts/the-truth-about-premium-diesel-fuel)

[Bewitched]

I saw this a couple of weeks ago and thought about it in relation to this discussion so I dug it up. About 15 mins.

The Truth About Premium Diesel Fuel — Auto Expert by John Cadogan - save thousands on your next new car! (https://autoexpert.com.au/posts/the-truth-about-premium-diesel-fuel)

Yeah saw that one on my journey. Interesting association he has drawn between buying the wrong diesel and sleeping with your wife's sister, but that is Mr Cadogan I guess... [biggrin]

[rick130]

Just be very aware that most fuel additives can be quite corrosive to engine bearings.

Do a forum search, I've written quite a bit about it in the past.

[PerthDisco]

Yeah, and all those expensive creams and lotions my wife buys will keep her looking 21 forever right?

[Ean Austral]

Yeah, and all those expensive creams and lotions my wife buys will keep her looking 21 forever right?


:Rolling::Rolling::Rolling:

Cheers Ean

[DiscoMick]

Have you tried whitening cream? Very popular with Asian girls.

[AK83]

I saw this a couple of weeks ago and thought about it in relation to this discussion so I dug it up. About 15 mins.

The Truth About Premium Diesel Fuel — Auto Expert by John Cadogan - save thousands on your next new car! (https://autoexpert.com.au/posts/the-truth-about-premium-diesel-fuel)

Personally would put any credence into what he says!
For a self proclaimed engineer, where engineering is a science, he makes too many claims but has no data to prove the claims.
First rule any good scientific mind would follow is that when claims are made, have evidence to back those claims.

He's all huff and puff, trying to make an easy buck off the internets, being 'controversial' ... but not put in the hard yards for it.

eg. he makes stupid claims such as:

Premium diesel’s alleged benefits are … fluffy … at best. It has an allegedly superior additive package that is allegedly designed to make your engine allegedly cleaner. Whatever that means.

as an engineer, he should either put up, or shut up(lose credibility) .. where the proof of his claim?
Has he tested it.
He may well be spot on, but without data to back his claims, it's just meaningless drivel.

Too much of that kind of garbage content creation out there, only makes the internet a less valuable resource.

FWIW: I personally prefer truck diesel. It fills better in my D1. Not faster due to the high flow, just less foamy.
At work, we get BP delivered fuel .. I assume truck diesel because it doesn't foam. You can hold the flow full-on till the very last drop, zero foaming, so you don't get the click back.

In the D1, it's seriously annoying filling with consumer diesel(of any kind) takes 5 mins to fill the first 60-70 lt, then about 10 mins of spurt/click/spurt/click .. just to top up the last 10lt or so.
Not all that many easy to get too truck stations between work and home, but a min or two from work is a 7/11-Mobil servo where I usually fill if I'm not up a the Costco.
The consumer pumps use whatever it is, and gives me the grief with the slow last 10lt issue. So I started using the truck pumps, the attentdent gives me grief, and stops the pump, so I go in and give him a BS story of how I was just there about 15 mins ago filling the work truck . blah blah .. now a few of them remember me. They don't like cars hogging the truck pumps, but now I get through a bit more easily.
Even taking into account the time it takes from when he stops the pump, and me gettign back into it, it's still quicker than using the regular pumps and their annoying foaming.

And this Cardogan chap wants me to believe that car diesel and truck diesel are the same stuff!

I can tell you without a shadow of doubt .. BP and Mobil truck diesel are different products to their regular pump diesels(in terms of foaming)

[DiscoJeffster]

AK83. You are unquestionably (and I say this was all respect possible) as un-credible as the aforementioned. You cannot back up anything you say with any scientific evidence that truck diesel and car diesel are different. I have filled up at both and see no difference. I use both were the truck and general are shared with the old diff is I can press a high flow button. Again, I don’t claim one way or another as to what’s coming out, yet you do, without any FACTUAL evidence other than a perception of foam leading to a conclusion. If you’re going to call someone out for unscientific analysis, get your evidence. Go into the station and confirm it’s different. It makes zero commercial sense to have two products. Commonsense says that. I guess however believe what you want.

[Meccles]

It’s interesting to read all this i use cheapest diesel I can find which is typically United. Or Puma. I run cleaner through occasionally to try and get rid of algecides or water. But does premium diesel make a difference? Until someone shows me sdv6 or TDV8 on a dyno with real numbers it’s all BS. Seat of the pants is just misleading we want to believe we made a good choice. Nobody likes to know that maybe our impressions aren’t as good as we think. So no dyno numbers no zero to 100 kms numbers - then it’s bs

[DiscoJeffster]

Same Meccles. 265,000km and fuel pump is fine, injectors are still injecting, etc. I’ve never used a single fuel treatment. I’ve bought diesel from everywhere and anywhere. Maybe I am lucky.

Rick130 who’s I’d is the most scientific on person on here has the best feedback which, via oil analysis, shows treatments risk doing more harm than good.

[AK83]

AK83. You are unquestionably (and I say this was all respect possible) as un-credible as the aforementioned. ....

Fair 'nuff, and I totally expected this view, and accept folks belief of it.
I don't have a youtube channel trying to make a buck off it, with the consequent broad outreach Cardogan has.
I've never claimed to be an engineer, like it's some form of authoritative position, that I was somehow more believable than the next guy.

As for factual evidence .. next time I'm at the pump I may video the last 10lt fill for 'ya to visualise the foaming differences .. but either way it'll be meaningless.
Still not proof that the fuels are different other than they foam differently.

Does make commercial sense for Mobil to have two different products .. they're truck diesel is 2cpl cheaper than their car diesel, at this 7/11(near work .. on the Melb Ring Road just in case more factual evidence).
I'm also 99.99% sure at this station, they don't have a premium(and a normal) diesel product .. ie. 3 diesel fuels. They only show two prices on their board, truck diesel and diesel.

Like I said, I normally fill at Costco, but I sort of have to be up that way, otherwise a bit of a waste, so the 7/11 is my other option when I need a fill up.

I don't think it's the delivery system, but the way some diesels foam up in my D1 makes me believe that some are entirely different.
I'm thinking maybe remnants of winter diesel in the truck diesel at this Mobil .. same with the BP fuel we have at work.
Could be the pump, but unlikely.

Strangely tho, the car has some effect on foaming of the fuel too.
Many times out with bro in the Td5 DII, and we fill at the same pump(double handled pump) at a servo somewhere in the country, and where I struggle with the last 10lt his DII doesn't.
And just so we're clear here, I fill to the neck(and so does bro) and scoot off pretty much immediately, and always fill at a place where I also have a bit of a drive before I stop again.
eg. the Mobil is about 20klm from home, so I fill to the neck and then use about 2-3lt to get home so she don't overflow.

Would be interesting to see analysis of the different fuels.

[kero]

H
Fair 'nuff, and I totally expected this view, and accept folks belief of it.
I don't have a youtube channel trying to make a buck off it, with the consequent broad outreach Cardogan has.
I've never claimed to be an engineer, like it's some form of authoritative position, that I was somehow more believable than the next guy.

As for factual evidence .. next time I'm at the pump I may video the last 10lt fill for 'ya to visualise the foaming differences .. but either way it'll be meaningless.
Still not proof that the fuels are different other than they foam differently.

Does make commercial sense for Mobil to have two different products .. they're truck diesel is 2cpl cheaper than their car diesel, at this 7/11(near work .. on the Melb Ring Road just in case more factual evidence).
I'm also 99.99% sure at this station, they don't have a premium(and a normal) diesel product .. ie. 3 diesel fuels. They only show two prices on their board, truck diesel and diesel.

Like I said, I normally fill at Costco, but I sort of have to be up that way, otherwise a bit of a waste, so the 7/11 is my other option when I need a fill up.

I don't think it's the delivery system, but the way some diesels foam up in my D1 makes me believe that some are entirely different.
I'm thinking maybe remnants of winter diesel in the truck diesel at this Mobil .. same with the BP fuel we have at work.
Could be the pump, but unlikely.

Strangely tho, the car has some effect on foaming of the fuel too.
Many times out with bro in the Td5 DII, and we fill at the same pump(double handled pump) at a servo somewhere in the country, and where I struggle with the last 10lt his DII doesn't.
And just so we're clear here, I fill to the neck(and so does bro) and scoot off pretty much immediately, and always fill at a place where I also have a bit of a drive before I stop again.
eg. the Mobil is about 20klm from home, so I fill to the neck and then use about 2-3lt to get home so she don't overflow.

Would be interesting to see analysis of the different fuels.

Around home the diesel gets frothier around this time of year I think it’s the winter diesel being used

[travelrover]

Spotted this while on a bike ride this morning...

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190430/38df47b0c6bf052b1ea995d5816b5731.jpg

[DiscoMick]

Diesel standards are explained below. They are about limiting emissions, not about improving performance.
There was a difference between diesel for light vehicles (Euro 4) and diesel for heavy vehicles (Euro 5), but it seems all will have to meet Euro 5 soon.
There is a proposal to move to the Euro 6 standard.

I don't see any reference to 'premium diesel', so I don't know what that is.

Emission Standards: Australia: On-Road Vehicles and Engines (https://www.dieselnet.com/standards/au/)

There's a detailed technical standard at the link below. I notice Australian diesel has a cetane rating of 46, but have read elsewhere that European diesel is rated 51.

Fuel Quality in Australia - Diesel fuel quality standard (https://www.environment.gov.au/protection/fuel-quality/standards/diesel)

There are some good links here:

Vehicle Emission Standards (https://infrastructure.gov.au/vehicles/environment/emission/index.aspx)

I usually just buy the cheapest diesel available, mostly Puma. I have used a fuel treatment a few times, but I was mainly interested in making sure no bacteria bred in my tank. I have been told ethanol is used in some treatments, as a cleaner for the fuel system, but not sure how correct that is.

[Discodicky]

I use Fuel Doctor in my Disco 4 and Lucas fuel additive in wife's Subaru. Have read various Technical articles over the years about such additives and am in no doubt they do assist in prevention of wax, water, (condensation) and other nasty buildup in fuel systems and more particularly, fuel injectors, which can be VERY costly to replace! They also increase the Cetane rating slightly which gives some performance improvement. I am also convinced that the higher specced BP/Caltex (Vortex)/Shell diesel fuels have either higher Cetane rating or SOMETHING in their additive package which makes the engine appear to run better than with, say, United fuel. I have proven this to myself quite unintentionally a year ago. I sold my TDV8 RRS and (very stupidly) owned a new Isuzu mux prior to selling it last October to buy a MY13 disco 4.
Whilst owing the mux I got ARB to fit a long range fuel tank as the original is a pathetic 65 litres. ARB told me i had to deliver it with bugger all fuel in the tank to make it easier for them, and also that they'd fill the new LR tank with fuel to ensure no leaks etc. Fine.
I'd always used United here in Hobart as being a RACT member United give 6cpl discount to members.
Upon collecting the mux from ARB with full tank I immediately within 5 klms detected the car seemed more perky off the traffic lights and after the 40 odd klm trip home I felt it was running sweeter.
Long story short, I rang them and found they'd filled it with BP diesel from the servo down the road from their shop.
Now, read into that whatever you will, and call me a silly old bugger and anything else you like, but I was ( in another work life many years ago), a diesel mechanic and motor mechanic. Had a workshop employing 4 mechs and specialising in Jaguar, R-Rover, Bentley and all English cars, so I am quite conversant with cars, engines, and whatever. I am convinced that whilst United may sell their fuel with correct (legal Govt) Cetane rating, some of the other fuels are definitely superior in performance they deliver.

[Bewitched]

I use Fuel Doctor in my Disco 4 and Lucas fuel additive in wife's Subaru. Have read various Technical articles over the years about such additives and am in no doubt they do assist in prevention of wax, water, (condensation) and other nasty buildup in fuel systems and more particularly, fuel injectors, which can be VERY costly to replace! They also increase the Cetane rating slightly which gives some performance improvement. I am also convinced that the higher specced BP/Caltex (Vortex)/Shell diesel fuels have either higher Cetane rating or SOMETHING in their additive package which makes the engine appear to run better than with, say, United fuel. I have proven this to myself quite unintentionally a year ago. I sold my TDV8 RRS and (very stupidly) owned a new Isuzu mux prior to selling it last October to buy a MY13 disco 4.
Whilst owing the mux I got ARB to fit a long range fuel tank as the original is a pathetic 65 litres. ARB told me i had to deliver it with bugger all fuel in the tank to make it easier for them, and also that they'd fill the new LR tank with fuel to ensure no leaks etc. Fine.
I'd always used United here in Hobart as being a RACT member United give 6cpl discount to members.
Upon collecting the mux from ARB with full tank I immediately within 5 klms detected the car seemed more perky off the traffic lights and after the 40 odd klm trip home I felt it was running sweeter.
Long story short, I rang them and found they'd filled it with BP diesel from the servo down the road from their shop.
Now, read into that whatever you will, and call me a silly old bugger and anything else you like, but I was ( in another work life many years ago), a diesel mechanic and motor mechanic. Had a workshop employing 4 mechs and specialising in Jaguar, R-Rover, Bentley and all English cars, so I am quite conversant with cars, engines, and whatever. I am convinced that whilst United may sell their fuel with correct (legal Govt) Cetane rating, some of the other fuels are definitely superior in performance they deliver.

I did a similar test quite a few years back when I had my 100 Series turbo diesel. It had the long range tank fitted, so unless I was touring with it, the range around town meant long periods between fills, so I was always a little concerned about algae growth etc. I did seat of the pants testing on different fuels (with a little science regarding fuel range). At the time I was doing regular commuting along the same roads at the same time each day, so pattern of use was pretty uniform. I found a similar smoothness improvement between Shell and BP compared to the no name branded outlets (two of them near me) which I assume use Caltex fuel being the major supplier in Bris. Results were a consistent economy improvement with the Shell and BP diesels. Cannot explain why, just was. Up to 10 percent better. I would run at least two tanks of fuel in each tank before checking the range. It was easy with the two tanks as you could run it almost dry for the purposes of testing, before filling. It also had the instant comparison between fuels by flicking the switch between main and sub tanks which are separate on the 100 series. This could be done back and forth to gauge the effects virtually straight away.

Not fully scientific, but enough to convince me beyond doubt that there is a difference between fuels.

So as far as I'm concerned, I will keep using Shell (closest servo to me) or BP if not near a Shell station, and premium unless I can find information to prove it is bad for the vehicle. I will read closely the info provided by rick130 as it may be that on the LR engines premium fuel is a bad move, but Shell or BP is a given for me regardless. On the Toyota engine, it did lots of kms (I think over 400,000 when finally sold, and will still running strong). Didn't miss a beat in the entire time it was in our family, and spent the last five years or so of that time with my folks dragging a 21 foot van around the nation. They, too, only used Shell or BP fuel (must have convinced them somewhere along the line) but typically that was regular grade diesel I believe.