Used Auto Trans Fluid

[d-kuzmen]

Any of you 7.3 guys ever try running used ATF? I've read about some people who mix the ATF and Diesel fuel and run around like that. Just wondering how well it runs on it. Must smoke quite a bit.

 

[Fellro]

if you were to do so, be sure to filter it well, lots of sediment and metal can be in there..

 

[dreo2003]

i wouldn't do this at all. the risk/reward benefit is just not there. you'd be saving some money on fuel but you could possibly destroy your truck or worse.

 

[Bob Ayers]

I use a filter full of new ATF when I change the fuel filters on my Mercedes diesel.....the injectors seem to like it!!

 

[jroscop]

been running atf in 94 idi for a year.no problems only solutions.no more smoke and runs a whole lot better.just bought 97 and plan on running atf. when warm out i run 75-25.

 

[PSDfreak]

On the older IDI motors, they seem to be ok with it...The injector pumps like the extra lube.

On the PSDs with the HEUI system, I would be a little more hesitant. The injectors can be picky sometimes it seems, although some guys swear by ATF. There was a study done on additives by someone(s) on another site...Marine 2-Stroke Oil came out quite favorable. It must be an ash-less oil though (Marine). Most were seeing about a 1.5 mpg gain and quieter injectors...Still makes me a little nervous putting something "odd" in my fuel tank.

 

[Bob Ayers]

Another thing to watch out for is red diesel fuel! The offroad diesel is dyed red, and you might have some explaining to do if you get stopped, and your fuel is checked......

 

[Skandocious]

On the older IDI motors, they seem to be ok with it...The injector pumps like the extra lube.

On the PSDs with the HEUI system, I would be a little more hesitant. The injectors can be picky sometimes it seems, although some guys swear by ATF. There was a study done on additives by someone(s) on another site...Marine 2-Stroke Oil came out quite favorable. It must be an ash-less oil though (Marine). Most were seeing about a 1.5 mpg gain and quieter injectors...Still makes me a little nervous putting something "odd" in my fuel tank.

Don't listen to PSDFreak, he doesn't have any clue what he's talking about

Kidding of course. PSDFreak is my brother, Casey. Knows a crapton about diesels. Hopefully he'll post up more often

 

[Brian_B]

........PSDFreak is my brother, Casey.......

My condolences Casey.

That is all......now back to your regular thread already in progress.

 

[Gunner]

Another thing to watch out for is red diesel fuel! The offroad diesel is dyed red, and you might have some explaining to do if you get stopped, and your fuel is checked......

We had a company man on a job a while back that got fired for that EXACT thing.............Of course he was a prick and shitheeled just about all of Howell county........And I snapped the picture of him filling his truck up at that diesel tank.........But I doubt that THAT would have anything to do with it now, would it

Gunner

 

[PSDfreak]

From what I hear now, CHP are using test strips to check for off road fuel rather than the oil dipping the tank with a clear tube routine. Another thing I know some guys like to try is USED ATF or motor oil...The injectors are tungsten coated and that is some pretty though stuff, but I would hate to see the barrels and some of the other injectors internals after running a few thousand miles with used oil in the fuel...

 

[Blue Goose]

Hey Casey,
What do you know or hear about using 2 stroke oil as an additive?

 

[PSDfreak]

Hi There,

Well in my opinion, the jury is still out on the 2 stroke. I have done a lot of reading about it from others that are using it, as well as a "study" done about many different additives for diesel. I still have yet to read of a failure due to its use. There was one guy on another forum with a 6.0L that had some issues after going through ONE tank, but turned out to be a bad EGR cooler and did not appear to be related.

I guess my hesitation on using it lies with the injectors. The heui injectors in both the 7.3L and 6.0L are EXPENSIVE as I am sure you well know. I haven't seen or heard of anyone checking injector plungers and barrels after A LOT (thousands) of miles of use. If I saw that I would be more willing to recommend/use it I think.

With all that being said, the many guys out there that ARE using it seem to be very happy with the results. Most are reporting a gain of about 1.5-2 mpg and say that it really quiets/smooths out the motor (kind of like running Bio or WVO if you have ever heard a truck on that). The 2 stroke oil MUST be ash-less. Marine outboard 2 stroke oil will be what you want. Of all of the different brands tested most don't seem to think one is better than another and a lot are using the SuperTech (at Wal Mart). Conforms to the proper spec and is inexpensive.

Hope that somewhat answers your question...

-Casey

 

[Blue Goose]

Do you run any fuel additive and if so, what? I've run Diesel Kleen in my truck since new but I'm always trying to learn from others...

 

[PSDfreak]

If you can you locate it near you (or purchase online) Stanadyne is what I run. It is an OEM accepted additive a few notches up with Diesel Kleen as far as performance in increase cetane and improving lubricity. i'll see if I can't find the results of the tests done on all of the additives for you.

 

[PSDfreak]

I have found some good reading on this topic, however its from other forums...Is it ok to link other forums on this site?

 

[Skandocious]

I have found some good reading on this topic, however its from other forums...Is it ok to link other forums on this site?

Yes sir, link away

 

[PSDfreak]

This first link is the one I was referring to that did the study on different additives and their effects

http://dieselplace.com/forum/showthread.php?t=177728

This second one is a link to a thread on TDG...There is a guy on there "Mopar1973Man" who seems to be VERY passionate about 2 cycle oil as an additive

http://www.thedieselgarage.com/forums/showthread.php?t=35291&highlight=fuel+additive+test

Finally....Here is a link to MoparMan's personal site about additives and his experience...He seems to be very good at documenting/graphing etc... He is very thorough with his study on it.

http://mopar.mopar1973man.com/2002 Dodge/Tips & Tricks/2 cycle oil/2_cycle_oil.htm

I realize mopar man is doing all of this recording etc on his Cummins which is far different from a Powerstroke, but what he says makes sense none the less. I found his posts & links (contained in my 2nd link above) to be very helpful in deciphering what the testing means and what you really want to look for in an additive.

Anyhow, thats a lot of reading right there, but interesting I think....Kind of makes ya want to dump some in the tank doesn't it??

Hope this helps point in the right direction some more...

-Casey