what diesel additive for better Espar performance?

[mikemikemike]

Has anyone researched diesel additives for Sprinters?

SMB West (and others here) have recommended a diesel additive for better performance with winter use of the Rixen/Espar heating system. That's all that they say, nothing about what it's supposed to add.

Quick look online shows no real call for them from the Mercedes Sprinter engine perspective - that matches my experience in never having any trouble starting or running in winter conditions. I'm wary of putting some product of unknown viability in my engine, given how seemingly sensitive it is to the types of fuel put in them. Are they all the same? Is there a Mercedes approved one? Does it help the Rixen work better?

Thanks for any thoughts.

[unreng]

https://www.irv2.com/forums/f280/mb-...es-508100.html
https://forums.mercedesclub.org.uk/i...y-good.172352/

Redline 85 plus - https://www.redlineoil.com/85-plus
Amsoil cetane boost - https://www.amsoil.com/p/diesel-inje...ane-boost-ads/
Turbomaxx C4 - https://www.maxxadditives.com/produc...-fuel-additive
Diesel Kleen - https://powerservice.com/psp_product...-cetane-boost/
Motorcraft PM22A - https://www.summitracing.com/parts/MOF-PM22A

If you're gonna be in a below-freezing climate, then buy an additive with anti-gel.
We have a ford 6.0 diesel and have no experience with MB.

We've used all the above and use Amsoil All-in-One because it comes in smaller bottles to treat 20-gallons at a time.

We installed a D2L and D5E hydronic about two years ago and no issues so far.
We've run the D5E over a hundred hours.

Hope this helps.

[Twoxentrix]

+1 on the Amsoil “all in one” and “Cetane Boost” fuel additives - been using for numerous years now and have had no issues associated with either Espar heater.

[ShuttlePilot]

My work experience in industrial equipment usually had requirements for products like oils and additives to be limited to be manufacture approved. Therefore, I'm biased that way in my personal vehicles and equipment. I have been using Stanadyne in every tank for 10 years in my PDS 6.0 for the benefits to the motor however, I assume there are benefits to my Esbar D4 as well. I originally chose Stanadyne because it is formulated by the manufacturer of injectors and fuel delivery equipment. Probably have several thousand hours of run time on my heater and the only thing I've ever done to the Esbar is change the catalyst screen last year. I've never had the heater not start or flame out in 10 years even with fuel and air temps near zero F while starting. If I had a Sprinter I would just check to make sure Stanadyne wasn't prohibited to use, I would be surprised if it was, and continue to use it based on my experience with the heater, and engine. Here are some links for Stanadyne.

I purchase it by the case from here but it's also available at the chain parts stores.
https://www.thoroughbreddiesel.com/s...mance-formula/

Here is some more info.
https://promo.parker.com/promotionsi...ves/us/en/home

I don't find many folks using or endorsing Stanadyne as it doesn't seem to have the energy drink style marketing of other additives.

- Eric

[daveb]

I've used Archoil fuel additive in my 6.0 for many years and have had no issues with my Espar units. During the warranty I used Ford's cetane booster and never had any problems either.

[jrobe]

I am not sure what you are expecting with “better performance” but if you talking about maintenance, the main thing is to just do the regular maintenance items. For my Espar unit that means occasional fuel filter and atomizer screen replacements. There are no fuel additives that will replace these maintenance items for me.

I make sure I fill my Sprinter tank with winter diesel in the upper Midwest and will never use any other “fuel additives” (none of which are recommended by my Freightliner or Mercedes dealers and certainly aren’t mentioned in my owners manual).

[rroberts76]

No idea what itll do to your diesel, but on my boat in cold temps i cut my diesel with 25% kerosene, works fine.

[jdl8r]

Using anti-gel additive I saw 10-15% improvement in fuel economy. Not idea what the impact was on my espar, if it helps with that, even better!

[Tahosrfr]

I’ve heard of people running kerosene through it monthly to burn out the contaminants.