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Howdy Richard,
FINALLY! Something I can weigh in on.
Just had my injuector pump adjusted today (that's a whole 'nother story!!) and had a talk with the fellow who did it. He told me that about 20 years ago, the refiners started reducing the sulfur content in automotive diesel fuels so that now there is none or virtually none in two of the three types. If you don't know about the types, here goes:
RED Diesel--This type of diesel is for non-highway use like farm vehicles, etc. It has no sulfur and is not taxable. This fuel is a LOT cheaper (since it has no taxes added in) but you get in a heap o' trouble if you use it on the highway. Ain't NO difference, 'ceptin' it's dyed red to make it easier to catch unauthorized personnel usin' it.
WHITE (clear) Diesel--This is the diesel that you and I have to use on the highway, no sulfur, lots of taxes and reportedly eats away at all surfaces that the liquid phase comes into contact with (injector pumps, injectors, etc.).
BLUE Diesel--This fuel is allegedly for use in heavy industrial equipment of the stationary type, such as field pumps, power plant generators, etc. This fuel still has its sulfur content, is not taxable and cannot be used in any application but those types indicated.
As to additives: Several diesel certified Volvo Master Techs, the Bosch Service Center folks here in Lubbock (yep, I DID find it!! for whoever it was that pointed out that there was one here.) and the two or three independents who will work on diesels AND their fuel systems, have all told me that the major losses when the sulfur went was that the c-tane number went down and the lubricity went almost completely away. Heretofore, I was under the impression that a once-in-a-while application of Techron, BG44, ATF (recommended by a Volvo diesel Master Tech, by the way!) would do whatever was needed. However, now that I have had detailed discussions with several diesel-wise mechanics, it appears that additives that INCREASE c-tane AND lubricity, should (must?) be used in every drop of fuel burned. Also, there is a difference between what should be used in the winter versus the summer. The detail on this I have not explored with precision yet, but will.
I'd recommend that you take all that I have outlined above and add your own research to it. Talk to diesel smart mechanics in your area and fold in what they tell you with what I've found out in my area. You didn't say where you were, but your climatic requirements may be a lot different than here (more humidity, more constant temps, etc.) I am constantly looking at products for addition to my fuel to prolong life and enhance performance. I have not been able to examine any specs on the Redline or Amsoil product lines, but they have both been recommended to me by a number of folks. My additives have all come from diesel shops where they work on all of them and make specific recommendations according to what is needed and in which season and type of driving. I have a high degree of confidence in places and people who work on diesels for a living. SOME things are different between my car and an OTR rig, but not where fuel is the main issue. They use the same as I do.
Good luck and keep in touch. Th'ain't many of us "Rock Crushers" left. I'll be glad to share anything I find out for the common good of us all.
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