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[~CrazyDiesel~]

This is something I wrote back in July.

Since Rudolf Diesel Patented The Diesel engine in 1898, the Diesel engine has been widely recognized for it's reliability, low-end torque and higher efficiency than Gasoline engines. This is partially due to the Higher BTU rating of Diesel fuel (140,000BTU per gal. approx.) than Gasoline (125,000BTU per gal. approx.), but is also due to the fact that Diesel engines do not operate on a "set" fuel ratio, unlike Gasoline engines. Stoichiometric for a Gasoline engine is approximately 14.7 air :1 fuel (14.7:1) all the time when it is running. Diesel engine Stoichiometric however... is not as cut and dry. It can vary tremendously, depending on the exact type of fuel used, it's Cetane rating (readiness to ignite), the amount of moisture in the fuel, and the age of the fuel among many other factors. Because diesel engines do not have a throttle, the engine intakes as much as air as it wants on the intake cycle (I am omitting Turbocharged diesels for the time being), therefore, the fuel ratio cannot remain constant, like a Gasoline engine. The actual fuel ratios in a diesel engine can range anywhere from 100.0 available air :1 fuel (100.0:1) at idle with no load, all the way to as high as 10.0 air :1 fuel (10.0:1) at full governed speed with full load. The fuel ratio itself doesn't actually vary 100:1/10:1 like that, it's actually close to the 14.7:1 "most" of the time. The reason it is said that you have a fuel ratio of "100:1" is because, you have all the air available that the intake can suck, and the Turbo/Supercharger/s can boost.

Cylinder Contribution is also very, very important in the proper and smooth operation of a diesel engine. When at idle, your diesel engine may only be injecting a droplet of fuel approximately half of the size of a .177 caliber BB. Each cylinder must inject the exact amount of fuel that all of the others inject, to achieve smooth operation.
In a perfect world, every diesel engine's injectors would be perfectly clean, all the time. However, due to the composition of diesel fuel (and because this isn't a perfect world), over time the Injector Nozzles can and do, partially clog up with fuel deposits. The symptoms of clogged Injector Nozzles are, one or more cylinders seem louder than others, the engine does not idle smoothly, reduced power levels, and in extreme cases, excessive black smoke under load.

The injectors themselves in a Diesel engine are typically almost 100% reliable, but thousands are replaced each year needlessly, because of the aforementioned symptoms, when in 99% of cases, a fuel additive would have prevented the problem before it even started, or fixed the symptoms after they started.

There are literally dozens upon dozens of different diesel fuel additives out there. From brands such as Stanadyne, Power Service, Lucas Oils, Shell Rotella, STP, Gumout, and the list goes on and on.

There are also some very important factors to consider when purchasing an additive, especially with the advent of Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel Fuel (15ppm)

The Six most important factors when purchasing a diesel fuel

additive are:

1. Will it clean my injectors well?

2. Will it increase the Lubricity of my fuel(very important with the ULSD)

3. Is it SAFE?

4. Is it worth the cost, and does the product even work?

5. Will it harm my diesel fuel filter?

6. When will I have to add the product again?

Let's address the first factor first.

Will it clean my injectors well?
In Most Cases, Yes.

Most of the diesel fuel injector cleaners will have a Flora of chemicals such as Benzene, Toluene, Mineral Spirits, and Xylene. What these chemicals do to the fuel is nothing but increase the Cetane Rating of the fuel. The majority of the diesel fuel additives will have those chemicals in different and varying quantities.
The major purpose of the cetane boosting chemicals, is as soon as you put it in your Diesel Fuel Tank and drive down the road with it, you notice "hey it is running smoother" almost immediately. This is intentional, and gives a "shock and awe value" to the additive which will make you buy it again in the future.
Power Service Diesel Kleen and also Their Fuel Supplement is a good example of this. Not to say anything bad about their product, or any other product that contains the aforementioned chemicals, but "most" of the chemicals are

Diesel Fuel Additive manufacturers also will add a proprietary blend of detergents into the Additive that actually do the cleaning of the injectors (Which happens over the course of dozens of miles). Power Service Diesel Kleen also has a Teflon lubricity additive included in the detergent package, which also helps to quiet down the injector noise.

Products such as Lucas Oils Fuel Treatment (I personally use the Lucas Oils Fuel Treatment in my 99' Ford F-250 Power Stroke Diesel), totally skip the Cetane boosters, and give you nothing but the Detergent and Lubricity Package. This can be good, or depending on your view, a somewhat not so good thing. You will not have the sudden "oh wow it's running great" happen to your Diesel Powered Vehicle with Lucas Oils Fuel Treatment, however I do believe out of all of the products available, this one is one of the best for cleaning the fuel system.

I will admit that I am biased towards the Lucas Oil Fuel Treatment, however, I have tried everything from STP to GUMOUT (Truck actually ran worse on these two!) to Rotella T DFA, and nearly everything in between. Rotella T DFA does come in a very close second to the Lucas, and is not to be taken lightly, it is a very good product, however, is a bit hard to find.

I have also tried 2- stroke oil with very good results, although not for cleaning the Fuel System, 2-stroke oil quieted down the engine overall. I ran over 5,000 miles running the 2-stroke oil every fill-up (read the "2-stroke oil" article in the "Lubricity of Diesel Fuel" Section for more info)



Will it increase the Lubricity of my fuel?
With Most Products, Yes.



Most of all of the additives contain a variant on a Lubricity Package. Power Service happens to use Teflon in their products (their name for it is SlickDiesel, but a person I spoke with at Power Service told me it is a Teflon Derivative), and the Teflon stays behind for a period of time. Even after the additive has been ran through the fuel system and the fuel tank/s are re-filled, the Teflon stays behind and works it's wonders on the injector plungers, and other fuel system parts.

This is not to say other additives are bad at all, not in the least(with the exception of the STP and GUMOUT maybe). However, to my knowledge, no other additive, except for Lucas Oils Fuel Treatment, has a lubricity package that stays behind and continues to work after the product itself is long gone out of the fuel system.


Is it SAFE?
Yes, almost always.

All products, (except for off-brands you may find at mini-marts and surplus style stores) have to pass very rigorous tests before they are put on the market. A good example of this was December of 2006, when Power Service, and most of the other additive manufacturers pulled their product from store shelves, because they were not sure that their product would be compatible with the Tier II emissions standards, and the Diesel Particulate Filters that became mandated January 1, 2007.

The Manufacturers tested their products on the engines, and fuel systems in simulated tests, in severe conditions to ensure that their products would not harm the emissions equipment.


Is it worth the cost, and does the product even work?


With the exception of the STP and GUMOUT products, I feel that every product works well in it's own way, some products may work better in different types of engines, for instance the GUMOUT may work wonders in a 2-cycle Detroit Diesel, but it made my PSD run worse, which makes me biased against it.


Will It Harm My Diesel Fuel Filter?
Fat Chance, But Still Possible.


I have never had a filter clog up on me because of a product I ran through my truck, however, every truck is different, so you may want to check/change the filter soon after you run a Diesel Fuel Additive for good measure.



When will I have to add the product again?
Soon, Very Soon.

I recommend every 15,000 miles, or every 3rd oil change, whichever comes first, or if you begin to notice the engine not performing like it did after you added the additive last time.

The Main reason I say every 15,000 miles, is because most Diesel Vehicles require the Fuel Filter to be changed every 15,000 miles, so if you add the additive just before you are going to change the oil and fuel filter, then should the filter clog up because of junk that has come off of the walls of the Fuel Tank, and other surfaces, it will not be that big of a loss, as you were about to change the filter anyway.



If you've had a good, or bad experience with a product that I have, or have not listed here, I want to hear about it! e-mail me at xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.com with your vehicle specs, what product you used, how much you used, and what brand of product you used.



© Brian Elijah Hicks 2007

[4everlearning]

Missouri bill would implement biodiesel standard A Missouri Senate panel has approved a bill that would mandate biodiesel use in the state. The state already mandates that gasoline sold in the state contain 10 percent ethanol.

The Senate Agriculture, Conservation, Parks and Natural Resources Committee voted to advance a bill that would require that all diesel fuel sold on a retail basis in the state be a biodiesel blend. Sponsored by Senate Transportation Chairman Bill Stouffer, R-Napton, the measure would require at least 5 percent biodiesel at the pumps by April 1, 2010.

Minnesota is the only other state to have implemented a biodiesel standard. Missouri is one of at least a half dozen states that have enacted ethanol mandates. Stouffer said Missouri could take a significant step forward by adopting its own biodiesel rule.

“We can put Missouri in the forefront of biodiesel technology,” he said in a released statement.

In addition to helping biodiesel producers in the state, Stouffer said the bill would benefit consumers and the state’s air quality.

The Missouri Department of Agriculture would be responsible for developing cold temperature operability standards for biodiesel.

The bill – SB759 – is headed to the Senate floor for further consideration. If approved there, it would move to the House.

– By Keith Goble, state legislative editor
keith_goble@landlinemag.com

[4everlearning]

WASHINGTON, DC - Allen Schaeffer, executive director of the Diesel Technology Forum, issued the following statement today as President Bush signed the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (HR 6):

By requiring a 40 percent increase in fuel economy and 30 percent reduction in carbon dioxide emissions from new automobiles, today’s signing of HR. 6 will transform the technologies and fuels used to power our vehicles in the years to come. Clean diesel is one such alternative energy that will play an increasing role in the future.

Diesel is an energy-dense fuel compared to gasoline – delivering both more miles per gallon (20-40 percent more) and lower emissions of greenhouse gases (10-20 percent less). Automotive forecasters at JD Power & Associates and the U.S. Department of Energy predict that clean diesel cars could account for 10-15 percent of all new vehicle sales by 2015, up from just over 3 percent today.

This anticipated expansion of clean diesel cars and light trucks in the U.S. is driven by many factors, most notably the arrival of diesel engines held to the same emissions standards as gasoline-engines. A new generation of ultra low sulfur clean diesel fuel that began flowing October 2006 now enables manufacturers to meet this challenge, and nearly a dozen automakers have announced plans to sell clean diesel versions of popular cars, pickups and SUVs in the U.S. by the end of this decade. Another major selling point for clean diesel is the well established fueling infrastructure already in place, with 42 percent of all stations in the country today selling diesel.

This new energy legislation also calls for a greater use of renewable transportation fuels such as biodiesel. Diesel engines have always been “flexible fueled”, with many years of proven experience using biodiesel blends in many different types of vehicles. The next generation of renewable diesel fuels offers additional benefits that only enhance the energy savings and environmental benefits of clean diesel.

Beyond the requirements for increased fuel economy in passenger vehicles, this legislation also will address fuel efficiency in commercial heavy-duty diesel trucks. Heavy-duty diesel engine and truck makers have made historic accomplishments in reducing emissions from diesel engines in recent years without sacrificing fuel efficiency or performance. Today’s new heavy-duty engine is 98 percent lower in emissions of particulates and about 50 percent lower in emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx), with even further reductions in NOx emissions coming in 2010.

Heavy-duty engine and truck makers are naturally driven to produce more fuel efficient trucks by customers in the marketplace. The very nature of commercial trucking places the highest value on fuel efficiency, since fuel costs are a significant portion of the overall operating expenses of a trucking company. The fact that engine and truck manufacturers have been able to maintain and improve fuel efficiency while meeting increasingly stringent clean air standards is no small accomplishment since measures to reduce emissions often reduce fuel economy.

The Diesel Technology Forum is a non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness about the economic importance and environmental progress of diesel engines and equipment. Forum members represent the three parts of the modern clean diesel system: advanced engines, cleaner diesel fuel and effective emissions control systems.

[4everlearning]

Clean Diesel To Power Washington Auto Show; Car Manufacturers Go Green in 2008 and Present Powerful, Fuel Efficient Models
Diesel Technology Forum to Participate in Green Car Summit

Washington, D.C. – No matter the car color consumers may prefer, green technology will be unmistakable at the 2008 Washington Auto Show. Many new and future vehicles will be on display at the show, but the most promising feature clean diesel powertrains, thanks to their powerful engines, exceptional fuel economy and proven technology.

“With nearly 20 new and prototype diesel vehicles on display during Detroit’s auto show, and many on their way to Washington, 2008 will be the ‘year of clean diesel.’ The unveiling of these new models shows that automakers are investing in this high performance, environmentally friendly technology,” said Allen Schaeffer, executive director of the Diesel Technology Forum, a coalition of vehicle manufacturers, engine makers, components suppliers and energy companies.

The anticipated expansion of clean diesel cars and light trucks in the U.S. is driven by many factors, most notably the arrival of diesel engines held to the same emissions standards as gasoline-powered engines. The nationwide introduction of ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD) fuel in October 2006, 97 percent cleaner than previous diesel blends, has enabled manufacturers to engineer the world’s cleanest diesel vehicles. Nearly a dozen automakers have announced plans to sell clean diesel versions of popular cars, pickups and SUVs in the U.S. by the end of this decade.

“The new diesels are clean, quiet, fun to drive and don’t require consumers to sacrifice power or performance to achieve better miles per gallon. The significant number of models introduced this year makes it an extremely exciting time for the U.S. diesel market,” Schaeffer continued.

Diesel cars, trucks and SUVs provide 20 to 40 percent better mileage and emit 10 to 20 percent fewer greenhouse gases than comparable gasoline vehicles. In addition to superior fuel economy and reduced emissions, American drivers who purchase cleaner-burning diesel cars, trucks and SUVs are eligible for similar tax incentives as purchasers of gasoline-hybrid electric vehicles.

During International Media Day, Schaeffer will participate in Green Car Journal’s inaugural Green Car Summit on a panel comprised of automotive, energy, and government leaders. The Summit will convene at 2:00 p.m. at the Washington Convention Center and will address such topics as reducing CO2 greenhouse gas emissions and exploring strategies for oil displacement and long-term sustainability. Moderators include Green Car Journal’s Ron Cogan and Warren Brown, automotive columnist for The Washington Post.

Diesel vehicle announcements made in 2008 include:

BMW Group unveiled two vehicle models equipped with the BMW Advanced Diesel with BluePerformance, the 335d and the X5 xDrive 35d, which will be available later this year.
Volkswagen will introduce an updated clean diesel Jetta into the U.S. market this year.
GM has plans to put a diesel engine in the Chevy Silverado beginning in 2009.
Audi unveiled the A4 sedan and expects to start selling the Q7 3.0 TDI by the end of 2008/early 2009.
Toyota will launch a diesel-powered Tundra pickup truck and Sequoia SUV in the U.S. soon.
Honda announced plans to put diesel engines in Acura vehicles starting in 2009, with the Honda lineup to follow.
Several automakers revealed concept cars such as the Chrysler Jeep Renegade, Mercedes GLK Freeside, Land Rover LRX, Audi R8 V12 TDI and the Mitsubishi RA, further widening the field for the future of clean diesel technology.
Key facts about diesel include:

Diesel cars, trucks and SUVs provide 20 to 40 percent better mileage than comparable gasoline vehicles.
The nationwide availability of ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD) fuel in October 2006 provided 97 percent cleaner diesel fuel, enabling manufacturers to engineer the cleanest diesel vehicles ever.
Nearly 50 percent of fueling stations nationwide sell diesel fuel.
According the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, America could save up to 1.4 million barrels of oil per day if one-third of U.S. cars, pickups and SUVs were diesel-powered.
Respected automotive web site Edmunds.com found that diesel’s slightly higher purchase price compared to a conventional gasoline vehicle is quickly offset by fuel-economy savings. Diesel drivers have recouped the initial premium in as soon as six months following the vehicle’s purchase.
Thanks to their inherent fuel efficiency, diesel engines also offer a viable and readily available strategy for policymakers interested in improving fuel economy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Diesel drivers have the option of filling their tanks with blends of biodiesel, a domestically produced, renewable fuel that reduces U.S. oil dependence and contributes to our own economy.
A study published by non-profit think tank RAND Corp. reported that diesel topped all other options in a cost-benefit analysis from both a consumer and societal perspective.
# # #

The Diesel Technology Forum is a non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness about the economic importance and environmental progress of diesel engines and equipment. Forum members represent the three parts of the modern clean diesel system: advanced engines, cleaner diesel fuel and effective emissions control systems. For more information, including a list of diesel vehicles available for sale in the U.S. and links to diesel fuel locators, visit Diesel Technology Forum: Diesel Technology Forum.

[bag3813]

there is one problem that needs to be fixed... if you look all the members that have tried to put there quarter mile times it.... it resets after you select save changes.... for instance i put in my times as 14.8 and when i saved it shows 9.9999 and i have been looking at other members it did the same thing it shows all our members running 9.999

[DuraWhat?]

How about an article on the militaries new 6.0 transport vehicle the Ultra AP? This unit was designed by Georgia Tech Research Institute and it is basically built off the F series trucks; and centered around high output diesel technology.

[RRonning1984]

Thats cool dude!

[jamstoyz]

how bout a article on performance parts testing. not what the manufacturers claim, but the true facts about them. it could be anything from lift kits, tuners, chips, tires, etc......
actual members who have tried and tested the products themselves can give there true thoughts and opinions on the quality, performance gains, and reliability. even true mpg gains. that way people don't make the mistake of buying something there gonna regret in the future and be a waste of money. i don't know how many times i've bought things and ended up sucking
also, i don't know how many times i seen threads saying is this chip any good, which intake should i buy, or what tires do you guys recommend etc....

[fyrmn]

where is the best place to place the actual sensor for an exhaust temp guage on a 7.3?