Thread: Fuel additives - yes/no?

Hi Mr smokey, I have been adding Penrite TC-W3 2 stroke oil to each tank of fuel at a rate of 3.2ml per litre of fuel, for just over 12 months.
My mechanic cannot believe how clean the engine oil stays, so much so that he had the oil tested. All results came back excellent. He is now running it in his Prado.
Keep in mind that I have changed my brand of vehicle, but it does have a 3.0Lt V6 turbo diesel.
It had done 142,000 Klm's when I bought it and it is now sitting at 190,000 Klm's.
The 20Lt drum cost me $120.00 and it has lasted just over 12 months.

Cheers, Craig

Thanks Craig. I have been using a basic "diesel additive" in my other vehicles but had not really noticed ant difference and was curious as to whether I should be treating the Disc differently.

Trevor

Hi Trevor, some claim that they have noticed a reasonable change in fuel economy with adding the 2 stroke. To be honest, I haven't really noticed.....maybe slightly. Problem with doing up a 4WD is that you add so much crap onto it which adds to wind drag, weight and fuel economy.
The biggest difference to me was the quietness of the engine and the cleanliness of the oil.
I had a 'GDE Eco Tune' done on my vehicle (prior to adding the 2 stroke), which increases power & torque by about 15%. The tune also cuts off the swirl motor and deletes the EGR valve. The engine noise increase is quite noticeable once the EGR valve is deleted. By adding the 2 stroke it not only quietens it down, but more so than before the EGR delete.

My father in law is a retired diesel engineer / mechanic and he told me that they used to add 2 stroke to stationary motors to make them run quieter and last longer.

Cheers, Craig

Curious to know if anyone else is adding 2 stroke to their fuel. I'm new to the Diesel engine thing, so any more experiences appreciated.

There are two separate reasons why you would want to use a fuel additive:
1) kill algae which may grow in your tank and
2) clean fuel intake from EGR crud and clean injectors for better performance.

Something like Chemtech and similar products will do 1 and 2; two-stroke oil will do 2.

The big advantage of two-stroke oil is the cost, so I use a dose of Chemtech every few tanks and two-stroke oil every tank.

Have a read of these threads (one has exactly the same title):

http://www.aulro.com/afvb/d3-d4-rrs/...es-yes-no.html
http://www.aulro.com/afvb/d3-d4-rrs/168021-tdv6.html

I would not add anything in the way of additives to a new vehicle, that was not recommended and/or endorsed by the guys that make it...

You mention bullet proof protection, but from what?

If you use good fuel, service it regularly, and generally take care of it, what to you hope to improve by adding "extras"?

FWIW - I had a 2004 D2a. I tried the 2 stroke in the fuel for nearly 12 months, and there was no measurable difference in economy. For tax, I have to keep a record of my milage, so had all the figures of every full up for 5 years or so.

I noticed no difference in "smoothness" or "power" or anything else. Basically, for 12 months, I added 2 stroke, and it was a waste of time and money. BUT - that is my car, and I know other people have had different results.

If your in doubt, why not ring the dealer & ask what they recommend? After all, they probably know more about what will work in these vehicles better than most people.

Lets face it, no dealer or car maker is going to recommend adding 2 stroke oil to a diesel engine.
Prior to adding 2 stroke oil to my vehicle, I spoke with a chemist from one of Australia's leading oil companies and discussed my intended to use their TC-W3. As expected, he couldn't recommend it for my intended use.......however he did comment that it's cleaning and lubricating properties can only do it good.

Cheers, Craig