Additives for Diesel engines?

Magicman · December 19, 2009, 07:54:08 AM

I don't think that it gets cold enough here for Diesel to gell. I have no problem using PS or something if the injector pump needs additional lube. But, I don't want to overdo anything.

Thankfully, I found my starting problem with the Lombardini with the loose connection at the glow plug relay. It's really poping off now....

With the glowplugs, I can't use any of the "start fluid" (ether) products on the mill. Although my JD loves it,

and the Oliver is addicted to it..... :D

jpgreen · December 19, 2009, 10:43:17 AM

Better to trace down a starting problem than to risk using ether on diesels. Could cause some big repair bills down the road.

Diesels are such simple beasts, but one little air leak or a little funky fuel and they are as stubborn as a mule.

LeeB · December 19, 2009, 01:43:24 PM

Quote from: jpgreen on December 19, 2009, 10:43:17 AM
Better to trace down a starting problem than to risk using ether on diesels. Could cause some big repair bills down the road.

Diesels are such simple beasts, but one little air leak or a little funky fuel and they are as stubborn as a mule.

I have to agree on this. Only use the starter fluid as a last resort. If you ever start bottle feeding one you will never ween it.

bandmiller2 · December 20, 2009, 07:31:24 AM

Lee is right once a diesel gets strung out on ether its hard to wean them.A block heater hooked up properly will add years to the life of a cold started diesel.No elect, make up a copper coil heated by a small gas burner to circulate the heated coolant in the engine.You want circulation not hampered by the thermostat.Frank C.

Magicman · December 20, 2009, 08:57:28 AM

Quote from: bandmiller2 on December 20, 2009, 07:31:24 AM
No elect, make up a copper coil heated by a small gas burner to circulate the heated coolant in the engine.You want circulation not hampered by the thermostat.Frank C.

You want to 'splain that ??

bandmiller2 · December 20, 2009, 03:52:52 PM

Non electric engine heater,works like the external canister type electric , thermosyphen cold coolent in the bottom hot to top of engine.A copper coil in a housing with a small propane burner under it.The warm coolant will rise and make its own pumping action.I don't use one because I have 115v electric at the mill and use that on an external canister.I would sooner use an internal heater that fits in a freeze plug hole but the old Dagenham didn't have any freeze/core plugs.Of course a flame around a mill is cause for great care and should only be used as a last resort.Frank C.

barbender · December 20, 2009, 09:21:34 PM

Someone want to explain this "ether addiction" thing to me. I that why I need to use a fuel "treatment"? ;D Seriously, I really don't understand this concept. I have heard of diesels being really loaded up with ether and than throwing a rod, probably because one cylinder was flooded with it and another fired. Fluid doesn't compress and bang you have a ruined engine. I saw a Mercedes diesel out of a ponsse forwarder, the operator had tipped the machine on it's side. When they tipped it back up, they tried to start it right away, well one cylinder had filled with engine oil, another cylinder fired and sent a rod right through the block. But I don't understand, unless you burned a ring or something, how ether is going to affect your engine if used sparingly "Just a sniff, grandson" my Grandad always used to tell me.

LeeB · December 20, 2009, 09:52:21 PM

I don't know how or why. I'm just relating personal experiance. If you get em started on the stuff on a regular basis, before long you'll need it to start them at all. I'm sure an occasional start with a short blast doesn't hurt a thing. Long term use will addict them to it.

Ironwood · December 20, 2009, 10:29:32 PM

Diesels have a film built up on the walls of the cylinder and the ether evidentally burns off that film. At least that is what I am told.

I did talk to an Amish diesel expert and he said he could put a "preheating" element in the intake manifold of my Perkins (non glow plug) and this would preheat/partially ignite the diesel to warm it enough to fire. The unit originally came w/ ether injection thru this tapped hole, but this is now frowned upon (and the hole plugged). The guy who owned it before me had just spent $5000 on an engine rebuild (gave me the reciept AFTER we made a deal :

,), so why ruin a good motor w/ ether.

Ironwood

ohsoloco · December 20, 2009, 10:36:08 PM

Reid, that sounds like the way my New Holland skid steer is set up. The NH mechanic was out here working on it a few years ago, and explained that the preheater works by squirting a little diesel fuel in the intake manifold and then igniting it to warm the air while starting it. Wish it had a block heater on it. It gets tough to start when it gets into the 20's :(

Ironwood · December 20, 2009, 10:48:18 PM

Yeah, my Perkins hasa heater, but NEEDS that manifold preigniter. I try not to use the "unit" too much in the winter. I really need some indoor heated storage :D like that will EVER happen.

Ironwood

ohsoloco · December 21, 2009, 11:43:51 AM

Yeah, I'm going to start parking the skid steer in my new shop, whenever that gets built :

Bringing back the synthetic oil in the diesel fuel...how much would that actually help lubricity? According to that study that Sprucebunny posted a link to, the motor oil in the diesel fuel gave no improvement. Of course, it was used oil, and probably dino oil...

Gary_C · December 21, 2009, 02:09:49 PM

Quote from: Ironwood on December 20, 2009, 10:48:18 PM
Yeah, my Perkins hasa heater, but NEEDS that manifold preigniter. I try not to use the "unit" too much in the winter. I really need some indoor heated storage :D like that will EVER happen.

Ironwood

Indoor heated storage is not always a good thing. For one thing, you must completely fill your fuel tank when its cold and before you bring it in the shop or you will fight fuel line freeze ups constantly. That condensation can really cause problems.

ladylake · December 21, 2009, 03:37:39 PM

I'd have too agree with you Gary, back in my trucking days the guys who had heated garages seemed to have way more fuel related trouble than mine in a unheated shed. Steve

submarinesailor · December 21, 2009, 04:34:40 PM

Ok, I will try to steer this back to diesel additives. ;) :D ;D ;) :D ;D

I have a 2003 PS F 250, had it for just over 6 years and it has 202,300 miles on it. I have had 2 problems inside the engine compartment. The first was the alternator went at about 102,000. The second was a mechanical failure on 1 of the fuel injectors – a nut came loose on top of the injector causing it to fail.

I have been using AMSOIL and Power Service in it right from when I bought it new back in September 2003. Believe the motor is still solid because back in August 2009 I drove to Providence, RI and I got 21.8 MPG until I hit the GW Bridge going into NYC. That was using the cruise control set for 1 needles width above 65 MPH. Been adding about 3 oz of PS per fill up. And I know it helps keep the water out of the fuel because I had the water in fuel light come on with my second tank of fuel. After that I, started added PS and have never had a problem since then. All my buddies running diesels, both GM and Ford, use it and they love it.

Bruce

NHHillbilly · December 21, 2009, 10:26:44 PM

PS works wonders. Use it in all our diesel rigs. The other thing you can to to help with cold start is drop your oil weight. Not sure on the Lombardi. But many manufacturers have a different weight for cold weather. Wont help with the fuel burning but will help with it turning over.

Gary_C · December 22, 2009, 12:42:48 PM

Quote from: stonebroke on December 17, 2009, 02:23:54 PM
Hey ,I know some people from from long island and they aren't all crooks.

Stonebroke

Ya, I know but that company just called again this morning, looking for a logging company under my name. He had both my phone and fax number. I'm sure he got it from some listing they are searching thru. For some reason his company name and phone number came up this time as he must have forgot to block it. I'm sure he was selling that same diesel fuel supplement as he claimed to be a diesel mechanic from some Northgate Diesel in Lancaster, MN, a city that does not exist.

So after I told him he had the wrong number, I looked on the caller ID and the name is Northgate Ranch at 631-218-2955.

The listing in the search results shows:

Supply In Northgate Ranch
1580 Lakeland Ave.
Bohemia, NY 11716
631-218-2949

So give them a call if you want some diesel additive or whatever. :

But I don't think they will ever send it COD again.

They are a slippery bunch. I know for a fact that the Attorney Generals in at least two states have been after them for their business practices. And my number is on the "do not call" list, but that seems to be a joke anymore cause there is no enforcement. Those telemarketers just claim that you sent a card in requesting information. ;)