Hi,

Am new to the diesel game - did a quick search and it seemed there hasn't been any discussion of the worthiness of 3rd party additives in diesels (injector cleaners, fuel system cleanses, etc etc) for nearly a decade. Additives in diesels

In general it could be any additive - e.g fuel additives, oil additives, transmission/gearbox/oil or flush/cleanse - SCA additives

In that decade it seems like the number of additives on the market has gone through the roof - and I wonder if any of them are of much use at all or are they all marketing BS and unproveable crap i.e 'makes your system cleaner' - that you'll never be able to really tell has worked or not.

Love to know what you've used, how it went etc - for better or worse is both good.

Thanks in advance.

[CraigB]

Some of your questions from this and your previous topic might be answered reading the Enviro + FAQs section at Penrite Find the right oil for your vehicle | Penrite Product Selector | Penrite Oil

Like 5W-30 is more expensive due to testing for OEM licensing, which answers why they use the 30 as opposed to 40.

[mickd]

At previous address in Sydney,  I used local independent servo that used some "killer" used in mining sector with independent test certs on display.  Sorry can't remember name, just use local caltex or independent here now.

Some of your questions from this and your previous topic might be answered reading the Enviro + FAQs section at Penrite Find the right oil for your vehicle | Penrite Product Selector | Penrite Oil

??? Sorry but a manufacturer's promo blurbs isn't the same as members saying what they acutally found did and didnt work.

And why are you referencing this in a totally different thread?  Sorry but that makes no sense particularly as I myself READ THAT section and referenced it and even directly quoted from it which you would have seen in the original post. So even for that other thread what you said is incorrect.

Like 5W-30 is more expensive due to testing for OEM licensing, which answers why they use the 30 as opposed to 40.

Sorry but you're 100% incorrect and please don't drag my thread on additives back to another thread thats on oil grades - it's chalk and cheese. If i did that it'd be clearly offtopic....and FWIW your 'point' of 'why they use the 30 as opposed to the 40' makes no sense in the context of either this thread or the other one.

[CraigB]

I thought you wanted specifics which is what you'll find on their website, I probably should have posted it in the other topic but as additives are also mentioned on their site I felt it was six of one or half dozen of the other as to where it was placed

I thought you wanted specifics which is what you'll find on their website, I probably should have posted it in the other topic but as additives are also mentioned on their site I felt it was six of one or half dozen of the other as to where it was placed

And again with all due respect IF you read my OP in that thread  you'd see I quoted extensively from that site and referenced it - and several repeated contradictions they make - I also say multiple times I had written to Penrite to seek clarification - so giving me that website was redundant and in this thread not applicable at all to it nor what I stated in the OP of this thread.

Anyway................ so is anyone with a diesel using additives at all?  I can't believe there's not quite a few folks putting this stuff through or atleast have tried it as it seems the market is absolutely flushed with them nowadays, whereas 20yrs ago maybe there'd be a few injector cleaners but that was it.

Like I said if you found something was no good thats handy to know or if you're not using them I'd welcome knowing why you felt they weren't worth the price of admission.

[nzenigma]

Like I said if you found something was no good thats handy to know or if you're not using them I'd welcome knowing why you felt they weren't worth the price of admission.

Mate, I have a suspicion that we are in lock step.

But, spell out what additives ( over the decade) you are referring to. 

Personally, the only additive I use is a bug killer , and  only if I suspect that I might have fuel from a dubious source.

[mickd]

Like I said if you found something was no good thats handy to know or if you're not using them I'd welcome knowing why you felt they weren't worth the price of admission.

Mate, I have a suspicion that we are in lock step.

But, spell out what additives ( over the decade) you are referring to. 

Personally, the only additive I use is a bug killer , and  only if I suspect that I might have fuel from a dubious source.

Hello mate,
do you think the bug  is a real problem?
As stated,  local servo added it to its tanks as area was flood prone and tanks and pipes were know to leak prior to refurbishment by new owner post flood.
 Cert was done every 2 months. Would a killer be added at refinery  ?
Cheers

[Dazzler]

Anyway................ so is anyone with a diesel using additives at all?  I can't believe there's not quite a few folks putting this stuff through or atleast have tried it as it seems the market is absolutely flushed with them nowadays, whereas 20yrs ago maybe there'd be a few injector cleaners but that was it.

Like I said if you found something was no good thats handy to know or if you're not using them I'd welcome knowing why you felt they weren't worth the price of admission.

Hi Nikko,

I suspect with the decreasing popularity of the diesel since the PD version was released we don't have the active diesel owner base that we used to on here. Most of the long term core active members had an FD (series 1) CRDi early in the life of this forum (including me). But many have since updated to a petrol model or some other Hyundai model or God forbid a different brand.

These days Hyundai are pushing the N-Line (previously SR) Petrol Turbo and 2.0 Petrol Go versions. Not saying you won't get any feedback about it, but you'll need to be patient.

BTW, just for the record, there have been times when I've wondered if I should have got a PD Diesel Elite instead of the SR as I am still a big fan of that great little motor with its addictive torque and amazing economy.

But, spell out what additives ( over the decade) you are referring to. 

Personally, the only additive I use is a bug killer , and  only if I suspect that I might have fuel from a dubious source.

Hi, sorry I probably should have been more descriptive - as from what I'd originally written it sounded like I was really only open to hearing about additives for diesel fuel......so I've tried to adjust the subject and also the OP to show that I'd be interested to gather feedback on good or bad:
- fuel additives
- Oil additives
- Transmission and gearbox
- Flush

Basically anything that SCA or similar has thats for diesels I'd be interested in hearing about.

I am not a huge user of them - though with my previous petrol Corolla I'd pick injector cleaners up when they were on special and use every now and then just for peace of mind - though I was never able to discern that they made much of a difference and I used a whole range of them over many yrs.  I always tended to think that a better use of $$$ was to use the best possible quality of engine oil and good tyres.

But I dunno maybe diesels are a lil different hence open to hearing if folks use additives much or feel they're of marginal benefit & essentially wasted money.

Coming to CRDi's - you do hear how critical it is not to get blocked injectors, hence I wonder if good injector cleaner is more important to use or is that really of little benefit and a blockage will occur only iuf crap fuel is used.

[sundiz]

I have used redline diesel additive now about 5 years / 100tkm. I wanted to make sure the fuel pump gets good lubrication. The winter diesel does not have such a good lubrication features as summer diesel. We say that the winter diesel is a bit dry. In older cars it was actually said in the manual that you could add some 2-stroke oil during winter with some petrol. That would lower the viscocity (due gasoline) but still get enough lubrication (due 2-stroke oil). Of course modern common rail diesels are much advanced and you should never add gasoline in your diesel. With older diesel engines you can actually hear the difference with winter and summer diesel. Also you can hear the difference with or without the additive. With additive the diesel sound is much smoother. Also with one 20 year old diesel we got the smoke value to the smallest one ever In the MOT when testing the redline stuff. Smoke value is the only parameter measured in the MOT with older diesels.

But basicly I am still adding it to every tank I go fill up and I want to do experimental test with that. The engine sounds a bit smoother, but I do not believe I would have achieved anything else without adding it. The engine sounds a bit smoother, but I believe it would still work normally without it. In MOT I saw lower smoke value in one old diesel. No scientific results on my behalf. Just a subjective opinion.

The price of additive does not play any role in my driving. I do about 20 000km/year and I can get usually that amount of kms with one bottle of additive. It only costs about 20€// bottle. Diesel bug is not a big issue here. The normal pump diesel is usually protected against it and the climate does not favour diesel bug. Only heard it appear in some boats, as they are in much more moist environment, and the diesel may have stayed long in the tank due low usage.

[nzenigma]

Hello mate,
do you think the bug  is a real problem?
As stated,  local servo added it to its tanks as area was flood prone and tanks and pipes were know to leak prior to refurbishment by new owner post flood.
 Cert was done every 2 months. Would a killer be added at refinery  ?
Cheers

Hi Mick,
Mainly my caution comes from past experience in the USA. There, most diesel utes and trucks carry fuel additive. Texas where I was more often than not, has an extreme weather change from summer to winter.

Sundiz spells out a similar message saying how it affects fuel in Scandinavia. Perfect

You would think we in Oz are immune, but that legendary bug in fuel case that I had ($16000 DEALER quote for new motor) originated from diesel from a BP servo on the major Brisbane to Toowoomba highway.

[nzenigma]

I suspect with the decreasing popularity of the diesel since the PD version was released we don't have the active diesel owner base that we used to on here. ......................................These days Hyundai are pushing the N-Line (previously SR) Petrol Turbo and 2.0 Petrol Go versions.

  As a GD crdi owner,  I have become deeply offended by your comments. 

Having recovered from this shock, I defend the i30 diesel by highlighting Hyundai's push toward petrol.
Their showrooms only have petrol, if you ask for diesel, they say wait until we get one in.

Petrol popularity cant be proven. Its like 15 years ago, when buyers were said to be knocking down showroom doors so that they could buy drab grey-ish cars  .. That was all that was offered.

It comes down to making $$$$$$ TODAY . To be competitive HY needs to sell a cheaper base car.  Especially with lowering new and used car sales, plus a low AU$ exchange rate.

The petrol car has always been cheaper to produce, but the diesel has the brilliant reliability record. 

You would think we in Oz are immune, but that legendary bug in fuel case that I had ($16000 DEALER quote for new motor) originated from diesel from a BP servo on the major Brisbane to Toowoomba highway.

Yikes, first time I've read up on such a thing and quite alarming - so very few reported cases of it in Oz eh?   Thats a horrendous bill - free car came with the engine I'm assuming?  Certainly the type of thing where legal action gets involved though sounds tough to prove & thus win.

[nzenigma]

$16000 was Bartons Wynnum Dealership, quote. Owner lost his car. I repaired it for $500.

[mickd]

@sundiz
Thanks, huge temp diffs for you to consider for your daily motoring .
@nzenigma
Thanks, my SIL was looking about that $$ after  water contamination in 4wd.
After proving only fuel used was with fuel card, insurance co came through.
haveagoodweekend gents 

[nzenigma]

@mickd

Mate, just to clarify. That BP bug incident was a million to one event. As I remember they were closing the station down.
I just fill at high volume servos. No need to add anything. no worries.

[NotaN]

For a new vehicle under warranty they are an absolute waste of money. My take on additives is
Engine Oil additives-  Modern good quality oils are heavily refined and developed. They do not require any extras that could potentially damage DPF filters.
Transmission additives- Same complexity and development goes into trans fluid as engine oil but using them could seriously damage the transmission.
Fuel system/injector cleaners-  Well fuels act as a cleaner so there is not much an additive will do except possibly add some extra lubrication or help in breaking up water contamination.
Engine oil flush- If the oil is changed on time there is no need for it.

If you have an older car with a noisy diff or gearbox some of the additives will help for a very short time but certainly won't fix the problem.

The best thing you can do is use quality fuels and lubricants and service your vehicle on time.

There is one additive of sorts that is of benefit to modern Di vehicles and that is the foaming intake cleaners that will help clean the gunge out of the inlet tract and the carbon build up on the back of the valves. But for the most part new car under warranty don't waste your money.

The best thing you can do is use quality fuels and lubricants and service your vehicle on time.

Great post, you confirmed what I suspected - much thanks for sharing.

[Mutley]

Hello mate,
do you think the bug  is a real problem?
As stated,  local servo added it to its tanks as area was flood prone and tanks and pipes were know to leak prior to refurbishment by new owner post flood.
 Cert was done every 2 months. Would a killer be added at refinery  ?
Cheers

Hi Mick,
Mainly my caution comes from past experience in the USA. There, most diesel utes and trucks carry fuel additive. Texas where I was more often than not, has an extreme weather change from summer to winter.

Sundiz spells out a similar message saying how it affects fuel in Scandinavia. Perfect

You would think we in Oz are immune, but that legendary bug in fuel case that I had ($16000 DEALER quote for new motor) originated from diesel from a BP servo on the major Brisbane to Toowoomba highway.

I had water in my fuel one time on the way to work in North Brissy, from a Shell servo, which rendered my car undriveable until I had a friend (mech) come and put a fuel cleaner in - I think? Was about 10 years ago now... I still relive the experience! Was not cool...

[NotaN]

We do have algae build up in Diesel here in Australia but it is generally confined to small stores like on farms. Water contamination can occur from time to time but usually at poorly maintained sites or after a very heavy deluge. My Diesel filter is replaced every 10k on my Ford Everest and is usually relatively clean but I buy from the same outlets unless on a very long trip.

We do have algae build up in Diesel here in Australia but it is generally confined to small stores like on farms. Water contamination can occur from time to time but usually at poorly maintained sites or after a very heavy deluge. My Diesel filter is replaced every 10k on my Ford Everest and is usually relatively clean but I buy from the same outlets unless on a very long trip.

Wow 10k? Hopefully thats an easy filter to access, the i30 PD one is a bit of a PITA and apparently the FD's were even worse. Still user do-able but no cinch to just easily check.

Yes, I think one thing I picked up from this is to get a receipt with any diesel fuel and retain incase of issues - never bothered with that for petrol but seems to make sense on the TINY chance the fuel was crap.......that and also stick with busy distributors.

[Mutley]

We do have algae build up in Diesel here in Australia but it is generally confined to small stores like on farms. Water contamination can occur from time to time but usually at poorly maintained sites or after a very heavy deluge. My Diesel filter is replaced every 10k on my Ford Everest and is usually relatively clean but I buy from the same outlets unless on a very long trip.

Wow 10k? Hopefully thats an easy filter to access, the i30 PD one is a bit of a PITA and apparently the FD's were even worse. Still user do-able but no cinch to just easily check.

Yes, I think one thing I picked up from this is to get a receipt with any diesel fuel and retain incase of issues - never bothered with that for petrol but seems to make sense on the TINY chance the fuel was crap.......that and also stick with busy distributors.

To this day, because of my incident, I have kept a receipt for at least a week...better safe than sorry! I never did that before..

[NotaN]

I always keep all fuel receipts for until I next fill up.  On my wife's old SantaFe the service schedule for the fuel filter was 60k but I replaced it every 30 and it was absolutely filthy by then.

[nzenigma]

Hello mate,
do you think the bug  is a real problem?
As stated,  local servo added it to its tanks as area was flood prone and tanks and pipes were know to leak prior to refurbishment by new owner post flood.
 Cert was done every 2 months. Would a killer be added at refinery  ?
Cheers

Hi Mick,
Mainly my caution comes from past experience in the USA. There, most diesel utes and trucks carry fuel additive. Texas where I was more often than not, has an extreme weather change from summer to winter.

Sundiz spells out a similar message saying how it affects fuel in Scandinavia. Perfect

You would think we in Oz are immune, but that legendary bug in fuel case that I had ($16000 DEALER quote for new motor) originated from diesel from a BP servo on the major Brisbane to Toowoomba highway.

I had water in my fuel one time on the way to work in North Brissy, from a Shell servo, which rendered my car undriveable until I had a friend (mech) come and put a fuel cleaner in - I think? Was about 10 years ago now... I still relive the experience! Was not cool...

When men were men, and knew about the thing under the bonnet ( engine)...we poured half a bottle of mentholated spirits in the fuel tank. The metho combined with and absorbed the water. We swigged the other half of the bottle on the way to the pub.

[The Gonz]

We swigged the other half of the bottle on the way to the pub.

[Mutley]

Hello mate,
do you think the bug  is a real problem?
As stated,  local servo added it to its tanks as area was flood prone and tanks and pipes were know to leak prior to refurbishment by new owner post flood.
 Cert was done every 2 months. Would a killer be added at refinery  ?
Cheers

Hi Mick,
Mainly my caution comes from past experience in the USA. There, most diesel utes and trucks carry fuel additive. Texas where I was more often than not, has an extreme weather change from summer to winter.

Sundiz spells out a similar message saying how it affects fuel in Scandinavia. Perfect

You would think we in Oz are immune, but that legendary bug in fuel case that I had ($16000 DEALER quote for new motor) originated from diesel from a BP servo on the major Brisbane to Toowoomba highway.

I had water in my fuel one time on the way to work in North Brissy, from a Shell servo, which rendered my car undriveable until I had a friend (mech) come and put a fuel cleaner in - I think? Was about 10 years ago now... I still relive the experience! Was not cool...

When men were men, and knew about the thing under the bonnet ( engine)...we poured half a bottle of mentholated spirits in the fuel tank. The metho combined with and absorbed the water. We swigged the other half of the bottle on the way to the pub.

Haha 😄 Twas back when I was more of a noob than now. But we all have specialities. 😉

[mickd]

We swigged the other half of the bottle on the way to the pub.

[mickd]

I always keep all fuel receipts for until I next fill up.  On my wife's old SantaFe the service schedule for the fuel filter was 60k but I replaced it every 30 and it was absolutely filthy by then.

Sounds like a plan. 
Was thinking of doing Santa's this service.  Will check engine & cabin filters too.