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Best fuel additive for a 7.3L

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44K views 28 replies 20 participants last post by  Dennis Darley  
#1 ·
Ok fellas, what in your opinion is the best fuel additive for the price? ATF, 2 cycle oil, seafoam,etc. Thanks
 
#2 ·
I use the archoil every few fill ups. Dunno if it makes a difference but 235k injectors and she starts at 35 degrees (rarely even gets that cold in Savannah). New relay and GPs help too.

Who the he77 puts atf or anything else that isn't intended in their truck. @forthehalibut just dropped $12k on a new motor so I wouldn't put anything in that wasn't intended to be a additive as I don't have an extra $12k in my wallet.

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#10 ·
A 7.3 will run on straight ATF.
 
#3 ·
I use 2 cycle oil. Hoping it helps with lubricity

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#7 ·
when i change oil i make sure i have 1/4-1/2 tank of gas.(i call diesel fuel gas. and i have gas) i pour the used oil in gas tank and then fill up at gas station. never had smoke. have done the same with my 06 6.0 psd that i bought new and have almost 190,000 miles on it
 
#13 ·
I've run Diesel Kleen for years, but just started using Opti-lube and I've already noticed a difference in the injectors, they sound quieter.
 
#20 ·
@NoRalPh - explain what we are doing wrong. We don't know as much as many other members.

For example, what's wrong with the archoil fuel additive that I use every few tanks? I also have the oil treatment for the next oil change.

What's wrong with the different additives?

One guy said he would run waste oil. That one is sketchy because the oil is filthy. It would need much filtration before I'd use it as a fuel.

Clear us up dude.
I guess I've just become so frustrated with these "BEST" threads (Best Oil - Best Battery - Best Tires - etc... etc... etc...)

Lazy people who don't want to take the trouble to do a simple SEARCH on Very Common Questions :(

I've spent SO MANY HOURS typing on this subject, I refuse to do anymore (plus, there's really no testing, but rather everybody thinks what they're currently using is the "Best" and just want to tell you so). I mean seriously, ATF? Engine Oil?

https://www.powerstroke.org/forum/9...rum/99-03-7-3l-general-discussion/1371119-discussion-fuel-additives-please.html
https://www.powerstroke.org/forum/9...-7-3l-general-discussion/1368493-2002-7-3-coolant-additive-recommendations.html
https://www.powerstroke.org/forum/99-03-7-3l-general-discussion/1371165-diesel-additive-test.html
https://www.powerstroke.org/forum/99-03-7-3l-general-discussion/1366981-myth-good-idea.html
https://www.powerstroke.org/forum/99-03-7-3l-general-discussion/1344213-hot-shots-secret.html
https://www.powerstroke.org/forum/99-03-7-3l-general-discussion/1356837-archoil.html
https://www.powerstroke.org/forum/9....org/forum/99-03-7-3l-general-discussion/1268106-opti-lube-xl-anyone-tried.html
https://www.powerstroke.org/forum/9.../forum/99-03-7-3l-general-discussion/1351651-fuel-additive-will-scour-tank.html
https://www.powerstroke.org/forum/99-03-7-3l-general-discussion/1303314-atf.html
https://www.powerstroke.org/forum/99-03-7-3l-general-discussion/1303314-atf.html
https://www.powerstroke.org/forum/9...e.org/forum/99-03-7-3l-general-discussion/1207193-gasoline-prevent-gelling.html
https://www.powerstroke.org/forum/9...eneral-discussion/1188169-what-best-additive-year-around-use-99-f350-7-3-a.html
https://www.powerstroke.org/forum/99-03-7-3l-general-discussion/1087321-archoil-works.html
https://www.powerstroke.org/forum/9...rg/forum/99-03-7-3l-general-discussion/1161353-should-i-useing-2cycle-fuel.html

I don't know how some of you people get across the Street without getting run-over, you guys always have someone to Hold Your Hand??? :p
 
#22 · (Edited)
Well, someone sure woke up on the wrong side of the bed this morning....

Ok, ok. Let me rephrase. 35+ years ago, ATF was the go to solution for lubricating pumps and injectors. Made a big difference in pump longevity in my experience. And you gained a few BTU’s. I’m sure you can talk to some old timers around your area, you might find I’m not making this up.

Maybe not in today’s new engines. But in a 7.3, I wouldn’t see the harm. I don’t know about used oils though, without really filtering them. Never done it or seen it, I have seen in it furnaces designed for it. A little dirty on the injectors imho.

Anyway, that’s my whole 2c’s on the topic. Have a drink, and watch the sunrise tomorrow! It’s good to be on the right side of the grass, and nothing else really matters.
 
#26 ·
Who the he77 puts atf or anything else that isn't intended in their truck. @forthehalibut just dropped $12k on a new motor so I wouldn't put anything in that wasn't intended to be a additive as I don't have an extra $12k in my wallet.

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ATF being died red could/must likely cause authorities to charge you with running untaxed diesel fuel on the highway. I don't know where you live but in rural areas that have farms, ranch's etc that use untaxed, died red diesel for the farm equipment. Using that on the highway can get you a $10,000 fine. ATF is just a ten weigh oil with high detergents and red die.
I've heard horror stories where old farmers would get rid of their used ATF by putting it in their truck/equipment fuel tanks. That might be okay way back when diesels were not even close to the machines of today. Don't let anyone talk you into doing that.
 
#29 ·
Please do Some Research before Blasting Folks about things you are Obviously not Schooled!! I have personally during the Days when Diesel was $4.85 per gallon had a Friend who was a Master Ford Diesel mechanic who advised me that I should try if I had a Transmission Shop friend filter and run it as Fuel. I Filtered it through Double Filters and ran it at a Rate of 25% Diesel Fuel and 75 % Transmission Fluid for 2 1/2 Years and if my Friend had not gone out of Business I would still be Running it. The 7.3L diesels and before were advertised by International to be able to run on Multiple Oil Based Fuels. I personally experienced Great Mileage and It Never Smelled or Smoked in my 2000 F-350 and Ran until it had 783,000 miles before I had any major Breakdown with the Turbo Shaft Failing . I optioned to replace the motor with a 24,000 mile motor and now have over 860,000 miles on my Truck.