What is a good diesel fuel additive

[John Suter]

Hi Chris,

Yes, definitely; especially at this time of the year
in Florida. You can purchase "Bio-Bor" or others at
almost any Detroit engine place and sometimes a local
NAPA store will order/have it, or similar product
(can't recall name.)

Keep the fuel tank as full of fuel as possible
during humid/hot months (therefore less percentage of
tank space can contain humid air, and the less will
condense and drop to bottom of diesel and "feed"
algae.) Stay on constant lookout for 1/4" or larger,
black, "unknown chunks" that will be visible in Raycor
glass sediment bowl, and in Aqua-hot diesel filter
bowl, if applicable.

> The 83 FC35 I purchased had set for some time with a
> full 265 of diesel
> fuel. Should I use any kind of additive to kill any
> possible algea or
> other contaminate? I replaced the Racor filter and I
> am still trying to
> get the filter on the engine off.

I assume you mean the secondary fuel filter. Try
spraying an assortment of "liquid wrench" or
"PB-blaster" type aides into the mating areas of the
filter/body assembly.

> I have noticed
> alot more pick up
> since the Racor change. I have been driving once a
> week about 20 miles
> and all seems ok. Sometimes it is a little hard to
> start though. My
> manual says not to hold the starter for more than 30
> seconds..Is it
> common to take up to 30 seconds to crank? The most I
> have had to hold
> it is anywhere from right away to maybe 7 seconds...

Probably shouldn't take 30 seconds as 30 is probably
a bit hard on the starter and it needs to cool. If
the starter doesn't spin "vigorously," it may mean
some wiring has decayed, or batteries are a bit down,
etc.

> Also, any recomendations for a coolant additive? I
> am not using the CAT
> coolant at this time.

You need to consider a Nitrite additive and test
strips. Be aware you may have up to two coolant
filters and one may be buried within the sump pickup
tank. You should drain, flush, and change coolant
about 15,000 miles or 2 yrs, whichever comes first.

Lots of folks manufacture diesel coolant and some
make coolant with the additive included. For example,
Detroit Diesel "Power Cool" which contains the
additive, Nalcool, or you can add your own additive to
the coolant and both to water. Nalcool 2000 is for
soft water, Nalcool 3000 is for hard water. Be sure
to premix with water, before adding either the
additives or the coolant to the engine.

For coolant filters, Detroit Diesel makes a nifty
approx $70 gadget which will "sense" and add coolant
one time, if needed: called a "need release auto
coolant additive filter" Detroit part #23516489. Not a
necessity, but might be helpful for the forgetful like
yours truly.

John Suter
Jacksonville, FL
2000 LXi and prior PT-40's

> Thanks
> Chris Reed
> 83 FC35 SB
> Plant City, FL.
>
>
>
>


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