Fuel Additives

[Terrytraveller]

Was looking through the web for info on above subject, as I still have some of my government pension left this month and thought I might squander it on something for the motorhome, and saw the following ;- Quote "Volvo specifically recommends AGAINST using any fuel or oil additives. I know they used to suggest it was okay, but then decided that catalytic converter damage is done when additives are used. Since about 1993 gasoline improvements have made additives unnecessary." I must admit I have been tempted to put some additive in the diesel from time to time. Some non-franchise garages do it as part of a regular service, and charge for it, I wonder if they are building up trade for themselves? Peugeot have advised their garage's or at least the ones I use, not to add fuel additives I discovered. There are pictures on the web of catalyctic exhaust systems almost completely clogged, said to be caused by fuel additives. What do you reckon? Regards Terry

[howie]

My experience with fuel additives is that its always frowned upon by people whenever mentioned, mechanics etc. There,s no doubt it gives a tremendous boost to diesel engines as soon as it gets into the system and why many dealers use it as a selling technique. The benifits are for the most part temporary and long term I don,t think its worth the risk. As you say, modern fuels and improved engines have eliminated the need for these products so why take chances.

[David Dwight]

My garage guy questioned why I had a catalytic converter on my car when it is a diesel. When he put the new exhaust on he fitted one with out the cat. So if you want to use additives get rid of the cat. (They are a pain in the neck, our neighbours craps all over our garden and gets the dog mad. David

[Clive]

Nitro Benzane added to the petrol tends to make it go a tad better, but forget the cat! If however you are already running your racing machine on Methanol (gallons per mile, not miles per gallon) then Nitro Methane is the stuff to add to make it crack on a tad. Oil aditives are another subject though. Several years back we did scientific tests on several additives on an electrically propelled road vehicle going round and round the test track at the Military Vehicles Engineering Establishment at Chobham. Wynns is crap, it increases the viscosity of the oil and increases the running temperature and losses. But Moly Slip which contains a colloidal suspension of molybdenium disulphide does work in axles at least. It reduces the running temperature and reduces the losses. But in those days synthetic oils were not around. Mineral oils have a much reduced viscosity when hot compared to cold. Thick oil means high losses. Synthetic oils are close to their hot viscosity levels at ambient temperatures so losses, especially during short journeys are much less than Mineral oils. What was the question? C.

[Mel B]

I've just gone blind .. it's Clive with his science!