Anyone Use Power Service Cetane Boost

[drillagent]

I have read on a blog or two that using Power Service Cetane Boost helps diesel trucks run better. Anyone here use it? Does it work like they claim? Is it worth using on a 2012 F250 or just on older trucks? I know that watching my speed and not having a lead foot is the best way to get good gas mileage, but I'm still looking for any way to squeeze out an extra MPG or two.

[retired-tech]

per ford use as much cetane boost as you like but not anything with anti gel. the anti gel works weird with the wax in the fuel. the higher the cetane the better the burn.

[bpounds]

laknox wrote:
What is the approx. cetane rating of a 99/1 biodiesel? (99% bio/1% petro) I ran several tanks in my '02 D'max and noticed several things. Engine was more quiet, exhaust was more mellow, mileage about the same, smelled like french fries going down the road and it fixed the issue I was having with my fuel sending unit. Since these guys quit selling retail, I don't buy it any more and use a dose of Diesel Kleen every couple tanks. I only drive it every other week for errands unless I'm towing.

Lyle

The wiki article I posted has a section for alternate fuels. Looks like Bio generally has a pretty high CN. But since it isn't regulated, it probably varies a lot. 99/1% - makes me wonder why they even bother with the 1% petroleum. Seems insignificant.

[laknox]

What is the approx. cetane rating of a 99/1 biodiesel? (99% bio/1% petro) I ran several tanks in my '02 D'max and noticed several things. Engine was more quiet, exhaust was more mellow, mileage about the same, smelled like french fries going down the road and it fixed the issue I was having with my fuel sending unit. Since these guys quit selling retail, I don't buy it any more and use a dose of Diesel Kleen every couple tanks. I only drive it every other week for errands unless I'm towing.

Lyle

[GoPackGo]

According to my 2013 Ford owner's manual, the fuel must meet the standards of ASTM D975. Within that document it's stated that the minimum cetane number for diesel fuel is 40, which is the federal minimum standard. So I'm not worried.

I know that higher is better. Just saying that I'm confidant that any fuel I get along the interstate should meet the MINIMUM cetane requirement for my engine.

And I agree 100% about running an additive. I always do. Mostly to enhance lubricity. Anything else is gravy.

Tim

[bpounds]

GoPackGo wrote:
I believe there is a minimum cetane level that all diesel fuel needs to meet. I don't think you will find any diesel fuel that is below the minimum that is required for your truck.

I don't think we can assume that. Check this reference:
Cetane - Wikipedia

It will depend on the state where you buy the fuel, and the manufacturer of the engine. I don't have a reference at hand right now, but I know that Navistar designed their diesel engines for an optimal cetane rating of 45. In many areas of the country, you will routinely get diesel with a rating lower than that. Legally as low as 40.

We're fortunate in CA that they are mandated to produce fuel with a minimum cetane number of 53. Even so, if I have run a tank without any additive, and then add a dose of either DK or Optilube, I can hear the reduced diesel knock. Even on top of, I assume, fuel with a CN of 53.

But mostly I am interested in increasing the lubricity of the ULSD fuel, because of the finicky injectors in the 6.0. That is why I stopped using DK, which was easy to pickup at Walmart, and switched to Optilube that has to be mail ordered. Having popped for a few injectors already, I'm doing what I can to maintain injector life. This is the price we pay to drive the last of the best diesel engines.

[Vulcaneer]

I use the Ford PM-22. Just for the lubricity content for the injectors. About $9.00/20oz Bottle. Recommended 4oz/tank. So < $2.00/tank. Pretty cheap, compared to the others. And recommended by Ford.

My son has a 05 D/A. Never used anything and no problems what-so-ever. 160K miles so far.

[GoPackGo]

I believe there is a minimum cetane level that all diesel fuel needs to meet. I don't think you will find any diesel fuel that is below the minimum that is required for your truck.

[richfaa]

Been using Diesel kleen since day one in the 08 6.4 F ord. recommended to use it or similar by Ford. It is in the User manual. Need to use in in every tank.
Check on the centine and lubricity levels your truck needs then the levels the different brands of diesel fuel say they have.

[TakingThe5th]

mowermech wrote:

45Ricochet wrote:
Spicer Report

A VERY interesting report. IMO, it should be read by every diesel owner!

X2. I wish the results of the waste oil test would have turned out better - that would have been sweet. 😄

[mowermech]

45Ricochet wrote:
Spicer Report

A VERY interesting report. IMO, it should be read by every diesel owner!

[rtazz17]

The Mad Norsky wrote:

vietvet66-67 wrote:
I have never used any additive at all since my owners manual said DO NOT USE
ANY ADDITIVE IN THIS ENGINE. The only other comment is if you encounter a special problem, your dealer will advise a special product. In this case it is Standyne. Never had a problem, never needed any additive.

You know, owners manual is a good thing to read.

According to your signature, your truck is a 2006, so seems your owners manual would be the same age.

Here's my point.

In 2006, the diesel fuel your truck generally used was high sulfur, because the ULSD we use now was just getting started.

The high sulfur diesel then had a wear scar rating in the 420 range. Which meant good lubricating qualities.

That was then. NOW; ULSD sold in the United States has a wear scar rating of 520.

Poor lubricating quality.

Bosch and other diesel component manufacturers have said diesel fuel with a wear scar rating of 460 or higher will have long term detrimental affects on diesel components.

Europe and Canada mandate ULSD with a wear scar rating of 460. Our standards in the US are just too poor when compared with those standards.

Remember, that 2006 owners manual was not written with ULSD in mind.

This is very true and an excellent point.Times and fuels have changed.

[Turbo_Diesel_Du]

Just bought a house in Ocala,Fl so no worry about fuel gelling and will just blow the lines out for winterizing.

[ol_Bombero-JC]

drillagent wrote:
I have read on a blog or two that using Power Service Cetane Boost helps diesel trucks run better. Anyone here use it? Does it work like they claim? Is it worth using on a 2012 F250 or just on older trucks? I know that watching my speed and not having a lead foot is the best way to get good gas mileage, but I'm still looking for any way to squeeze out an extra MPG or two.

Since you have a newer than 2006 diesel - suggest you *only* use an approved additive (if any).

For more info - suggest you post on the *Tow Vehicle* Forum here (or ask Mods to move this thread).

Second - go to one of the "brand specific" diesel forums for lots and lots more info.

Several out there for every brand.

Ford

~

[willutfid]

Have a 2007 GMC Duramax and have never used an additive. From reading this thread and others I've seen about additives, Ford truck owners seem to be the most frequent users. Have no idea if there's any significance in this.

[FishOnOne]

The only fuel additive that actually improved fuel economy in my trucks is the Motorcraft product and that was in my 6.0 psd.

My '12 6.7 psd it doesn't seem to improve fuel economy on a already steller fuel economy performer as is.