I was talking to a friend today about our trip we are planning to take to Yellowstone ect. He told me that when driving his Ford P/S up Pikes peak (I am planning to go there also) he added some sort of fuel booster.

On the way up he was passing diesel trucks that were smoking and chugging their way up but his truck performed great. One guy even asked him why his truck ran so well without smoke and asked if he could have some. My friend didn't remember the name of the product but that it came in a gray plastic bottle with a black lid. I know I should stay away from a fuel/water emulsifier. :badidea:

My truck is stock.

Do I need to add a fuel booster for the high elevations? Will the Duramax LLY perform without the short comings described by the Ford drivers in high elevation?

I will not be towing a trailer. Just a bed full of "stuff" for a two week trip.

I regularly add Lucas fuel conditioner. Not because it needs is but because I have had good success with Lucas in the past.

I don't want to add a fuel booster if my truck doesn't need it.

Any suggestions are welcome. :help2:


Thanks,


Mark

I've never heard of using fuel additives designed for high altitude, but I regularly run mine at 5,000 ft. and have had it up to about 9500 ft. with no problems.

I really don't think I'd worry about adding any weasel piss, but you can if you think you need to.:D

Seriously though, I don't think there's any miracle cure for high altitude--just don't expect to make as much power. I thought my D-max was going to leap out from under me when I took it to California.

My friend didn't remember the name of the product but that it came in a gray plastic bottle with a black lid.


Mark
From that description, I would say he is using "Power Service", a fuel additive, which I also use.

Romark1,
I live in CO and drive in the mountains w/o any additive for altitude. Power is good and our on board computers make adjustments for the altitude more than any additive can. My LLY does much better than any of my gassers at altitude and that is why I went Diesel. All engines loose power as you gain altitude, aircraft included. It is physics but some loose more than others.

Pikes Peak tops out over 14K and the road turns to dirt on the way up. When you arrive at the top not only will your truck be gasping in the thin air but you will be light headed too. Awesome views from the top. Enjoy your trip through some beautiful country.

Yes, I use it also. (Gray plastic bottle with black cap) Power Service Diesel Kleen is available at Wal-mart. 3 quart bottle is $11.96.

From that description, I would say he is using "Power Service", a fuel additive, which I also use.

I occasionally run my diesels at 10,000 feet and above in Mexico and regularly run at 7,000 to 10,000 feet in Mexico and the High Sierras. At high altitude I run higher concentrations of cetane with a cetane booster trying to get the level up to 50 or better as well as a lubricator. No smoke and not a lot of power loss. My trucks usually weigh in at about 11,500 to 12,000 on those trips.

Went to see daughter & family in March at about 10,000 ft elevation near Woodland Park ( back side of Pikes Peak) when the truck only had a couple of thousand miles on it. No additives and no problems with performance. I think you're good to go!:grd: Have a safe trip...

You can use an additive but it will do just as well without it. Save you bucks.

Absolutey nothing is needed. I LIVE at 10,200 feet and have never had my LLY below 5,000.

The only time my 7.3 smokes is when it is really cold out. The LLY just puffs white smoke.

I never run additive either, and have never had a gelling problem down to -38 below zero.

Thanks guys for the replies.

I will heed your advice and save my money. At the way diesel is costing per gallon, I need to save as much as I can.

Looking foreward to the trip very much. The kids also. Have never driven that direction before.

Guess I should get some sort of hood protector for those unpaved roads. Thinking about getting that clear vinyl film but it is kinda expensive at about $150


Mark

Romark, It's worth it! Don't forget the headlamp/foglamp protection as well. I got mine at www.xpel.com
A rock cracked one headlamp on mine, the replacement would've covered the cost of the whole works from Xpel.
Enjoy your trip, sounds like a good one!

Riverchucky,

Did you install the kit yourself?

If so, was it difficult?


Thanks,


Mark

Did install it myself. Started with the headlamp kit (a bit easier installation). Do it in the shade, sit on a stool and take your time, it was actually kinda fun and therapeutic, almost a truck zen thing.
The kits are provided with well written instructions, and as long you have patience and take your time, it's fairly easy.
There's plenty of installers throughout the country as well.

Thanks a lot!!!

I think I am going to order one. I talked to a dealer/installer last week. He was talking around $300 for the full front end. I said "ouch!!!" "What about just the hood? That is when he gave me a price of $150 for the hood alone.

I looked at the web site you provided. Looks like I can get the complete front end for 180-190.

Was also thinking about putting a strip along my new Ranchhand Bull nose bumper to protect the leading edge of the powdercoated pipe.

I have seen in teh Cabelas site that they offer some type of clear protective vinyl but it is $20 per roll for 6 feet I think.

This can't be the same stuff.

Looks like the kit you bought is especially cut to each truck or car.


Mark

Riverchucky

By the way...

Happy Birthday!!!


Mark

Mucho's Gracias on the B'day wishes! Wife pulled a fast one on me and had bunch of friends over for a surprise gig. Hurtin' pretty bad the next morning.
BTW, Xpel units are all cut for the model & year. I think they offer bulk material as well. You're right about the Cabelas. I ordered it and haven't applied it yet. It's a thin film material, but would probably still help.
Best regards!

The Power Service Diesel Kleen (3 quart bottle) will treat about 12 tankfuls. A tankful of diesel costs over $50.00. Is it worth an extra dollar to treat my diesel fuel to help the injectors to stay clean? Absolutely!

I ordered my Xpel front end protector kit today. I was looking at the web site today on application tips. It looks a little difficult to do it right.

I am going to attempt it anyway.


Mark

Good luck to ya Mark. Start with a small piece first. The good thing is, if it doesn't quite work out on the first go, you can peel it off while it's still wet and start over. Once it's dried, it will still come off, but not very easily. Have a hair dryer handy, keeps it pliable because the material is pretty thick.

I had the 3M clear bra (same exact material that XPel uses, but in the oversize bulk sheets instead of pre-cut) installed by a local window tinter.

I've had really good luck with it so far--it definitely eliminates a lot of rock chips.

Ordered my Xpel lit yesterday, received it today.

Good instructions. Will install it Monday hopefully.


Mark

Funny, we could've done a whole thread on the Xpel product. I preferred it over a bug shield because, not only do I like the looks of the front end as it is, an attachment on the front of the hood would only make for one more thing to clean and get in the way. At least this way, you'll have the whole front end protected, headlights, turn signals, fog lamps, hood and trim pieces below the headlights.
We'll be doing a trip up to the Bitteroot area and into Montana in June for some river rafting and fishing, will be glad to have the front end protection for sure. Considering stopping in Idaho Falls, ID at Supertanks for a larger fuel tank. The short box 26 gal. tank has a bit to be desired in the capacity department. Will need to figure out a way to explain it to the wife first. . . like she says, "more truck jewelery?" :o: