SSM - cetane additive to check fuel quality

Keith Browning · August 3, 2005

4605 - MULTIPLE VEHICLES 6.0L/7.3L - USE CETANE ADDITIVE TO CHECK FUEL QUALITY

SOME 1999-2005 SUPER DUTY F-SERIES, ECONOLINE, EXCURSION AND F650/750 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 7.3L OR 6.0L DIESEL ENGINES MAY EXHIBIT LOW POWER, POOR FUEL ECONOMY, FUEL GELLING IN COLD WEATHER, EXCESSIVE WHITE SMOKE ON COLD START, HARD START, OR COKING OF COMPONENTS EXPOSED TO EXHAUST. THESE CONDITIONS MAY BE DUE TO LOW FUEL QUALITY. IF NO ROOT CAUSE IS FOUND DURING NORMAL DIAGNOSTICS, ADVISE THE CUSTOMER TO VERIFY FUEL QUALITY BY PURCHASING A NON ALCOHOL ADDITIVE THAT WILL IMPROVE CETANE LEVELS, SUCH AS THE JUST RELEASED "DIESEL CETANE BOOST AND PERFORMANCE IMPROVER" MOTORCRAFT PM-17-A (PM-17-B CANADA), OR "DIESEL FUEL ANTI-GEL AND CETANE IMPROVER" MOTORCRAFT PM- 18-A (PM-18-B CANADA). HAVE THE CUSTOMER MONITOR PERFORMANCE WHILE USING AT LEAST ONE BOTTLE OF ADDITIVE.

pcassidy111 · September 1, 2005

Can the cetane boost and performance improver be used as a preventative maintainence item (with every fill up) without causing any problems? Is this the same chemical as the Stanadyne Performane Formula? Will damage occur if I use too much of this product (too high a concentration) like 8 oz for 40 gallons-8 oz is easier than trying to measure out 6.5 oz for 40 gallons.

Keith Browning · September 3, 2005

Pete,

I am not an expert on fuels and additives but then again who is? I would imagine those who live in colder northern climates are a bit more knowledgeable. I don't think that an extra 1.5 ounces would make any difference. I suppose we could do some searching on the Internet - Google "diesel+fuel+ additives" and start reading up. Most fuel additives contain lubricity improvers, cloud and pour point suppressants and other chemicals that improve ignition quality. How the specific chemicals actually work requires a degree in chemical engineering. When I wrote an article earlier in the year on diesel fuel "Understanding Diesel Fuel" I read a lot of pages of technical chemical explanations that only made me down a few aspirins and lay down until my headache went away. /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/frown.gif I ended up with only a very basic article but who needs to know all about the chemistry?

As for what is acceptable, I would say follow the instructions but I too would like to know the affects, if any, of too much additive in fuel. Good post. If anyone does do some research, please be sure and tell us your findings!