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    Fellow Diesel Guys, A Little Food For Thought

    Lubricity Additive Study Results

    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The following are the preliminary results of a research study on diesel fuel Lubricity Additives. There is likely to be further commentary and explanation added at a future time.

    PURPOSE:

    The purpose of this research was to determine the ability of multiple diesel fuel additives to replace the vital lubricity component in ULSD (Ultra Low Sulfer Diesel) fuel.

    HISTORY:

    ULSD fuel is the fuel currently mandated for use in all on road diesel engines. This fuel burns cleaner and is less polluting than it’s predecessor, called Low Sulfer Diesel Fuel. Low sulfer fuel contained less than 500 ppm of sulfer. ULSD contains 15 ppm or less.
    As diesel fuel is further refined to remove the polluting sulfer, it is inadvertently stripped of its lubricating properties. This vital lubrication is a necessary component of the diesel fuel as it prevents wear in the fuel delivery system. Specifically, it lubricates pumps, high pressure pumps and injectors. Traditional Low sulfer diesel fuel typically contained enough lubricating ability to suffice the needs of these vital components. ULSD fuel, on the other hand, is considered to be very “dry” and incapable of lubricating vital fuel delivery components. As a result, these components are at risk of premature and even catastrophic failure when ULSD fuel is introduced to the system. As a result, all oil companies producing ULSD fuel must replace the lost lubricity with additives. All ULSD fuel purchased at retail fuel stations SHOULD be adequately treated with additives to replace this lost lubricity. The potential result of using inadequately treated fuel, as indicated above, can be catastrophic. There have been many documented cases of randomly tested samples of diesel fuel. These tests prove that often times the fuel we purchase is not adequately treated and may therefore contribute to accelerated wear of our fuel delivery systems. For this reason it may be prudent to use an after market diesel fuel additive to ENSURE adequate lubrication of the fuel delivery system. Additionally, many additives can offer added benefits such as cetane improver, and water separators or emulsifiers.

    CONTENT:

    In this study we will test multiple diesel fuel additives designed to replace lost lubricity. The primary component of this study is a side-by-side laboratory analysis of each additive’s ability to replace this vital lubricity. Additionally, claims of improving cetane, water separation or emulsification, bio-diesel compatibility and alcohol content will be noted. These notes were derived from information that was readily available to consumers (via the label and internet information) and none of this information has been evaluated for validity and/or performance. Cetane information has only been noted if the word “cetane” was used in the advertising information. The words “improves power” has not been translated to mean “improves cetane” in this evaluation. Information on alcohol content is provided by indicating “contains no alcohol”. Omission of the words “contains no alcohol” does not imply that it does contain alcohol. This information was simply missing in the information available to a consumer. However, the possibility of a form of alcohol in these products is possible. Additionally, information on dosages and cost per tankful are included for comparison purposes.

    How Diesel Fuel Is Evaluated For Lubricating Ability:

    Diesel fuel and other fluids are tested for lubricating ability using a device called a “High Frequency Reciprocating Rig” or HFRR. The HFRR is currently the Internationally accepted, standardized method to evaluate fluids for lubricating ability. It uses a ball bearing that reciprocates or moves back and forth on a metal surface at a very high frequency for a duration of 90 minutes. The machine does this while the ball bearing and metal surface are immersed in the test fluid (in this case, treated diesel fuel). At the end of the test the ball bearing is examined under a microscope and the “wear scar” on the ball bearing is measured in microns. The larger the wear scar, the poorer the lubricating ability of the fluid. Southwest Research runs every sample twice and averages the size of the wear scar.
    The U.S. standard for diesel fuel says a commercially available diesel fuel should produce a wear scar of no greater than 520 microns. The Engine Manufacturers Association had requested a standard of a wear scar no greater than 460 microns, typical of the pre-ULSD fuels. Most experts agree that a 520 micron standard is adequate, but also that the lower the wear scar the better.

    METHOD:

    An independent research firm in Texas was hired to do the laboratory work. The cost of the research was paid for voluntarily by the participating additive manufacturers. Declining to participate and pay for the research were the following companies: Amsoil and Power Service. Because these are popular products it was determined that they needed to be included in the study. These products were tested using funds collected by diesel enthusiasts at “dieselplace.com”. Additionally, unconventional additives such as 2-cycle oil and used motor oil were tested for their abilities to aid in diesel fuel lubricity. These were also paid for by members of “dieselplace.com”.
    The study was conducted in the following manner:
    -The Research firm obtained a quantity of “untreated” ULSD fuel from a supplier. This fuel was basic ULSD fuel intended for use in diesel engines. However, this sample was acquired PRIOR to any attempt to additize the fuel for the purpose of replacing lost lubricity. In other words, it was a “worst case scenario, very dry diesel fuel” that would likely cause damage to any fuel delivery system. This fuel was tested using the HFRR at the Southwest Research Laboratory. This fuel was determined to have a very high HFRR score of 636 microns, typical of an untreated ULSD fuel. It was determined that this batch of fuel would be utilized as the baseline fuel for testing all of the additives. The baseline fuel HFRR score of 636 would be used as the control sample. All additives tested would be evaluated on their ability to replace lost lubricity to the fuel by comparing their scores to the control sample. Any score under 636 shows improvement to the fuels ability to lubricate the fuel delivery system of a diesel engine.

    BLIND STUDY:

    In order to ensure a completely unbiased approach to the study, the following steps were taken:
    Each additive tested was obtained independently via internet or over the counter purchases. The only exceptions were Opti-Lube XPD and the bio-diesel sample. The reason for this is because Opti-Lube XPD additive was considered “experimental” at the time of test enrollment and was not yet on the market. It was sent directly from Opti-Lube company. The bio-diesel sample was sponsored by Renewable Energy Group. One of their suppliers, E.H. Wolf and Sons in Slinger, Wisconsin supplied us with a sample of 100% soybean based bio-diesel. This sample was used to blend with the baseline fuel to create a 2% bio-diesel for testing.
    Each additive was bottled separately in identical glass containers. The bottles were labeled only with a number. This number corresponded to the additive contained in the bottle. The order of numbering was done randomly by drawing names out of a hat. Only Spicer Research held the key to the additives in each bottle.
    The additive samples were then sent in a box to An independent research firm. The only information given them was the ratio of fuel to be added to each additive sample. For example, bottle “A” needs to be mixed at a ratio of “480-1”. The ratio used for each additive was the “prescribed dosage” found on the bottle label for that product. Used motor oil and 2-cycle oil were tested at a rationally chosen ratio of 200:1.
    The Research Laboratory mixed the proper ratio of each “bottled fluid” into a separate container containing the baseline fuel. The data, therefore, is meaningful because every additive is tested in the same way using the same fuel. A side-by-side comparison of the effectiveness of each additive is now obtainable.

    THE RESULTS:

    These results are listed in the order of performance in the HFRR test. The baseline fuel used in every test started at an HFRR score of 636. The score shown is the tested HFRR score of the baseline fuel/additive blend.
    Also included is the wear scar improvement provided by the additive as well as other claimed benefits of the additive. Each additive is also categorized as a Multi-purpose additive, Multi-purpose + anti-gel, Lubricity only, non-conventional, or as an additive capable of treating both gasoline and diesel fuel.
    As a convenience to the reader there is also information on price per treated tank of diesel fuel (using a 26 gallon tank), and dosage per 26 gallon tank provided as “ounces of additive per 26 gallon tank”.

    In Order Of Performance:

    1) 2% REG SoyPower biodiesel
    HFRR 221, 415 micron improvement.
    50:1 ratio of baseline fuel to 100% biodiesel
    66.56 oz. of 100% biodiesel per 26 gallons of diesel fuel
    Price: market value

    2)Opti-Lube XPD
    Multi-purpose + anti-gel
    cetane improver, demulsifier
    HFRR 317, 319 micron improvement.
    256:1 ratio
    13 oz/tank
    $4.35/tank

    3)FPPF RV, Bus, SUV Diesel/Gas fuel treatment
    Gas and Diesel
    cetane improver, emulsifier
    HFRR 439, 197 micron improvement
    640:1 ratio
    5.2 oz/tank
    $2.60/tank

    4)Opti-Lube Summer Blend
    Multi-purpose
    demulsifier
    HFRR 447, 189 micron improvement
    3000:1 ratio
    1.11 oz/tank
    $0.68/tank

    5)Opti-Lube Winter Blend
    Muti-purpose + anti-gel
    cetane improver
    HFRR 461, 175 micron improvement
    512:1 ratio
    6.5 oz/tank
    $3.65/tank

    6)Schaeffer Diesel Treat 2000
    Multi-purpose + anti-gel
    cetane improver, emulsifier, bio-diesel compatible
    HFRR 470, 166 micron improvement
    1000:1 ratio
    3.32 oz/tank
    $1.87/tank

    7)Super Tech Outboard 2-cycle TC-W3 engine oil
    Unconventional (Not ULSD compliant, may damage 2007 or newer systems)
    HFRR 474, 162 micron improvement
    200:1 ratio
    16.64 oz/tank
    $1.09/tank

    8)Stanadyne Lubricity Formula
    Lubricity Only
    demulsifier, 5% bio-diesel compatible, alcohol free
    HFRR 479, 157 micron improvement
    1000:1 ratio
    3.32 oz/tank
    $1.00/tank

    9)Amsoil Diesel Concentrate
    Multi-purpose
    demulsifier, bio-diesel compatible, alcohol free
    HFRR 488, 148 micron improvement
    640:1 ratio
    5.2 oz/tank
    $2.16/tank

    10)Power Service Diesel Kleen + Cetane Boost
    Multi-purpose
    Cetane improver, bio-diesel compatible, alcohol free
    HFRR 575, 61 micron improvement
    400:1 ratio
    8.32 oz/tank
    $1.58/tank

    11)Howe’s Meaner Power Kleaner
    Multi-purpose
    Alcohol free
    HFRR 586, 50 micron improvement
    1000:1 ratio
    3.32 oz/tank
    $1.36/tank

    12)Stanadyne Performance Formula
    Multi-purpose + anti-gel
    cetane improver, demulsifier, 5% bio-diesel compatible, alcohol free
    HFRR 603, 33 micron improvement
    480:1 ratio
    6.9 oz/tank
    $4.35/tank

    13)Used Motor Oil, Shell Rotella T 15w40, 5,000 miles used.
    Unconventional (Not ULSD compliant, may damage systems)
    HFRR 634, 2 micron improvement
    200:1 ratio
    16.64 oz/tank
    price: market value

    14)Lucas Upper Cylinder Lubricant
    Gas or diesel
    HFRR 641, 5 microns worse than baseline (statistically insignificant change)
    427:1 ratio
    7.8 oz/tank
    $2.65/tank

    15)B1000 Diesel Fuel Conditioner by Milligan Biotech
    Multi-purpose, canola oil based additive
    HFRR 644, 8 microns worse than baseline (statistically insignificant change)
    1000:1 ratio
    3.32 oz/tank
    $2.67/tank

    16)FPPF Lubricity Plus Fuel Power
    Multi-purpose + anti-gel
    Emulsifier, alcohol free
    HFRR 675, 39 microns worse than baseline fuel
    1000:1 ratio
    3.32 oz/tank
    $1.12/tank

    17)Marvel Mystery Oil
    Gas, oil and Diesel fuel additive (NOT ULSD compliant, may damage 2007 and newer systems)
    HFRR 678, 42 microns worse than baseline fuel.
    320:1 ratio
    10.4 oz/tank
    $3.22/tank

    18)ValvTect Diesel Guard Heavy Duty/Marine Diesel Fuel Additive
    Multi-purpose
    Cetane improver, emulsifier, alcohol free
    HFRR 696, 60 microns worse than baseline fuel
    1000:1 ratio
    3.32 oz/tank
    $2.38/tank

    19)Primrose Power Blend 2003
    Multi-purpose
    Cetane boost, bio-diesel compatible, emulsifier
    HFRR 711, 75 microns worse than baseline
    1066:1 ratio
    3.12 oz/tank
    $1.39/tank

    CONCLUSIONS:

    Products 1 through 4 were able to improve the unadditized fuel to an HFRR score of 460 or better. This meets the most strict requirements requested by the Engine Manufacturers Association.
    Products 1 through 9 were able to improve the unadditized fuel to an HFRR score of 520 or better, meeting the U.S. diesel fuel requirements for maximum wear scar in a commercially available diesel fuel.
    Products 16 through 19 were found to cause the fuel/additive blend to perform worse than the baseline fuel. The cause for this is speculative. This is not unprecedented in HFRR testing and can be caused by alcohol or other components in the additives. Further investigation into the possibilities behind these poor results will investigated.
    Any additive testing within +/- 20 microns of the baseline fuel could be considered to have no significant change. The repeatability of this test allows for a +/- 20 micron variability to be considered insignificant.

    CREDITS:

    This study would not have been possible without the participation of all companies involved and dieselplace.com. A special Thank You to all of the dieselplace.com members who generously donated toward this study and waited longer than they should have for the results. You folks are the best. Arlen Spicer, organizer.

    #2
    So to some all that up.

    Price of fuel continues to rise, while quaility is sacrificed to make more profits. While we are rediculous repair bills for failes engine componets. And fuel additive is no longer a smart protection choice but instead now required to keep my engine from locking up and breaking down my high dollar injectors and oil pumps.

    Wouldnt surprise me if you.could trace ownership of most these fuel additive companys back to oil money or goverment.

    Comment


      #3
      Originally posted by txsuperdad23 View Post
      So to some all that up.

      Price of fuel continues to rise, while quaility is sacrificed to make more profits. While we are rediculous repair bills for failes engine componets. And fuel additive is no longer a smart protection choice but instead now required to keep my engine from locking up and breaking down my high dollar injectors and oil pumps.

      Wouldnt surprise me if you.could trace ownership of most these fuel additive companys back to oil money or goverment.
      Most of that is probably true but I have enough money in mine that a couple of bucks a tank is a small price to pay for longevity

      Comment


        #4
        I read this a couple of years ago. I keep telling myself Im gonna order a case of the Opti -lube, but still havent. Maybe Ill get some today.

        Comment


          #5
          Older truck drives would put a quart of atf in their tank at every other fill up or so. My dad does it instead of the other options above in his 02 cummins. I am a little scared to be doingthat with the emissions stuff on mine. But there is no dont the low sulfur full has little to no lubrication, you gotta add something to make the fuel systems last.

          Comment


            #6
            My diesel mechanic told me to add a quart of ATF fluid at least once a month if not every fill up. He said the cheapest ATF fluid has the most detergents and keeps everything clean.

            Comment


              #7
              Ordered a gallon of Opti-Clean XPD.

              Comment


                #8
                I use the BG additive in my truck. It really makes a difference and takes out the knocking in the duramax that occurs below 1500 rpm. I wish they would have included this one in the test.

                Comment


                  #9
                  I own amoving company, been using Power boost since 2002....only engine I have had issues with is the ford 6 liter.....and that was probably due to the excessive mods....currently running a 5.9 and a 6.7 cummins and putting in power boost with cetane....combined over 500,000 miles and still goinggggggggggggggg!!!

                  Comment


                    #10
                    The GM dealer I use recommended Stanadyne. No problems so far and I see that is is $1 per tank cost. I figured what I pay and it came to 0.875 cents.

                    Comment


                      #11
                      I have an 2006 5.9 Cummins Diesel, and my Mechanic advised me to add Marvel Mystery Oil to my Diesel, and My Oil.....
                      I cannot believe How Great This Stuff Works!!!!! And The Price Is Very Low!!!!
                      My Truck is Running Alot Smoother, I have more Power and Acceleration, and Im getting Better Mileage!!!!!!! I have tried some of the additives listed, and Nothing Worked As Well as Marvel Mystery Oil!!!!
                      Huge Difference!!!! I Would Highly Recommend!!!!!!!!

                      Comment


                        #12
                        Originally posted by M16 View Post
                        I use the BG additive in my truck. It really makes a difference and takes out the knocking in the duramax that occurs below 1500 rpm. I wish they would have included this one in the test.
                        Me too. My dad has a shop that deals in BG and can get it at cost. May give it a try after I burn through this gallon of opti-lube XPD.

                        Comment


                          #13
                          Originally posted by timbobowhunter View Post
                          I have an 2006 5.9 Cummins Diesel, and my Mechanic advised me to add Marvel Mystery Oil to my Diesel, and My Oil.....
                          I cannot believe How Great This Stuff Works!!!!! And The Price Is Very Low!!!!
                          My Truck is Running Alot Smoother, I have more Power and Acceleration, and Im getting Better Mileage!!!!!!! I have tried some of the additives listed, and Nothing Worked As Well as Marvel Mystery Oil!!!!
                          Huge Difference!!!! I Would Highly Recommend!!!!!!!!
                          I posted up a thread about my 7.3 and tiny's say to put in.Marvel Mystery but now the research up above says worse thing to use because it shows no improvement???

                          Anybody?

                          I am getting a cetane boost and some lube for it, was about to get Marvel Mystery now Im not sure???

                          Comment


                            #14
                            I usually run a little two cycle oil in mine. Ran it in my 6.no and now my 5.9. I run it in every tank.

                            Comment


                              #15
                              Lubrication is always important with diesels.

                              I have for years used my and my wifes used oil and strained it, then put it right in the tank.

                              The ATF fluid additive always works well too.

                              I haven't tried Marvels'.

                              On my 95 and 02 Cummins I used Power Service, but not anymore.

                              Comment

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