Allowed Fuel Additives

• Detroit™ engines are designed to operate satisfactorily on a wide range of diesel fuels. The regular use of aftermarket fuel additives is not required or recommended due to potential fuel injector system or engine damage. The use of such additives may increase operating costs without providing benefit. Aftermarket fuel additive supplements available at most retail stores are intended to be added to the fuel by the customer. These include a variety of independently marketed products which claim to be:

  • Cold Flow Improvers (prevents fuel jelling). Lower CFPP (help prevent fuel filter plugging)

  • Biocide

  • Fuel injection system deposit cleaners or removers

  • Oxidative stability

  • Cetane Improvers (booster)

  • Emission Control Additives

  • Fuel Economy

  • Smoke Suppressants

  • Detergents

  • Combustion Improvers

  • Icing preventers

Detroit™ recognizes some of the above listed additives may be beneficial in addressing temporary fuel quality issues, but they should not replace proper fuel selection and handling as described in this brochure.

Should a customer decide that a supplemental additive is temporarily required; the following is intended to provide guidance to the customer in selecting an additive partner, evaluating potential safety hazards and deleterious engine effects.

• Choose a fuel additive company with strong technical support in both the field and laboratory. Fuel additive companies should be able to test your fuel and show that it is deficient in some way and be able to demonstrate that their product fixes the finding(s).

• Review a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) or a Technical Product Bulletin carefully for special handling instructions and hazardous material content.

• Get a detailed compositional analysis from the supplier. Ash forming metallic elements and corrosive elements must not be present. Additives containing calcium, barium, zinc, phosphorous, sodium, magnesium, iron, copper, and manganese are known to cause combustion ash deposits that can foul fuel injectors and create deposits which may adversely affect cylinder life. Halogenated compounds containing chloride, fluoride, and bromide are corrosive, as are some sulfur containing compounds. Avoid the use of additives with these components. Also, be cautious of language that says all in one products.

• Be sure to ask your additive supplier to explain the proper handling, mixing, and storage of the additive(s). Be sure to follow all recommendations made by the additive supplier. Improper mixing and storage can negatively affect the performance characteristics of any additive.

• Many additives act as surfactants; evaluate the effect of water separation characteristics on the fuel in combination with the additive. See Table for performance requirements.

• Many commercial diesel fuels today contain performance additives, particularly those marketed as premium diesel fuel. Any supplemental additive being considered must be compatible with the fuel it is to be used in.