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additives to diesel fuel tanks?


jeffchef

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Hi folks

 

Brain picking time again-it has been suggested to me that I put Wynns [there are other brands out there!!] fuel additive into my Merc Sprinter [born nov 26th 2000 ] sprintshift,it has done over 270000ks.

The product says it is for `common rail` engines. what is a commonrail- have i got one- and would the `readers` use it themselves.

 

Many thanks,

 

again!!!

 

Jeff

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Hi

Don't know if yours is common rail a relativley recent thing.

A pump presurises a tube (rail)l along side tha injectors each injector has an electronicley controlled valve which in turn is controlled by a computer this system allows changes to times ammounts etc of fuel injected into the cylinder so makes remapping possible just by changing the computer settings.

 

 

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Modern diesels use a separate accumulator pumped up to high pressure and the comp. tells the system how much juice to allow through as demanded by the operating strictures. The injectors as well as the pump are more sophisticated than the old type and because our mixture of diesel does not lubricate as well as it used to these items wear out and distribute material into these parts which causes the system comp to register a major fault and the system shuts down and won't start until new items are installed. To ensure that sufficient lubrication is available the commercial vehicles use an additive from www.uniteddiesel.co.uk and bung a small amount when filling the tank. There are other spin-off advantages such as burning off water into the cyls. by enabling the breakdown of the water to a level that will pass into and through the injectors;normally it totally blocks the system. I have used this since buying my motorhome as my Iveco failed with this problem and new injectors and pump cost 2000 gbp --nasty. There are little bottles and you can buy them from Halfords but buying in 5 litres is way cheaper and the firm sends through the post.
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jeffchef - 2009-02-04 12:37 PM

 

Hi folks

 

Brain picking time again-it has been suggested to me that I put Wynns [there are other brands out there!!] fuel additive into my Merc Sprinter [born nov 26th 2000 ] sprintshift,it has done over 270000ks.

The product says it is for `common rail` engines. what is a commonrail- have i got one- and would the `readers` use it themselves.

 

Many thanks,

 

again!!!

 

Jeff

 

Jeff

I'll assume you mean your Merc has done 27thousand km's

Why do people want to put additives in their fuel. ?

Modern engines are designers collaborate with the Fuel manufacturers and the standard additives put in during the refining process or injected at tanker loading point. If you want a premium diesel, each of the fuel manufacturers market one. (The premium additives in these fuels are not normally available in other outlets fuels i.e. supermarket)

The aftermarket additives you are talking about are rarely formulated in conjunction with the Engine manufacturer and could invalidate the vehicle's warranty.

 

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Again,

Thanks for the advice- I thought that but wanted confirmation- and many thanks -I got it.

the mileage is correct- it was `born` in germany as just a `bare` chassis- shipped to NZ- converted- used in NZ from July 01 to dec 02 then shipped to Oz -did a bit [typical british understatement!!!] in the land of the convict- shipped to uk in june 08

Brill machine!-[but didnt like the cold in spain/france in dec/jan!!!]

 

thanks again

 

Jeff

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When my Ford Escort TB failed the MOT on exhaust emissions, my garage put an injector cleaner into the tank and, after running for a few miles, it passed with flying colours.

 

I add a measure to a tank full every now and then and have had no trouble since.

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We have an X250 Peugeot 120. Filled up in Central France last October at a Supermarket. Noticed a big increase in clatter from the engine on acceleration. I purchased some French additive - no difference. Filled up again at Auchen in Calais and the clatter was still as bad even with the additive. Filled up at our local BP garage last week - NO additive, after about 5 miles running, the clatter had gone and back to its normal quiet running. Moral, Just buy good branded diesel? Has anyone else noticed this? Comments please.

Bob

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Hello,

 

To answer your question regarding whether you have a common rail or not, the age would suggest probably yes, but there are ways to tell:

 

1. If you look at the badge on the front grille or on your documents it will either say something like 309D or 310D or 312D if it is not common rail. If it is common rail it will say something like 311CDi, 313CDi or..... well I am sure you get the gist.

2. If you have a look at the top of the engine you should be able to identify the injectors. They will all have fuel pipes going to them but on the common rail vehicles all of them also have electrical connectors with three wires on each. On the old type engines only one injector has a wire going to it.

 

On the subject of additives we have found that even the highly advanced common rail engines can have issues with sticking fuel pressure regulators and other devices. We use a tin of Wurth common rail injector cleaner once a year on our own vehicles and no longer have any problems. There are undoubtedly other products out there but they are generally less effective than the sort we can get for the workshop. I can only recommend Wurth and Liqui-Moly and I suspect that Wynns should be ok too.

 

I should add that if your vehicle has covered that kind of mileage and has not needed any attention to the injectors, boost pressure regulator or high pressure fuel pump I would leave it well alone and count your blessings!

 

Nick

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