I was talking to a trucker the other day and he said every time he changes his fuel filter he fills it with ATF (instead of putting it in the fuel tank since it is illegal) because it is the cheapest injector cleaner and it works.
Does ATF really replace the need for products made specifically for cleaning injectors? In other words is it just as good but cheaper, and how much would one have to use?
thanks,
Paul

Tranny fluid is a detergent, cleans yes, lubricity value is OK, its kind of a last resort fuel additive.

I have used Dexron as an anti-gelling fluid in cold weather. If we are traveling in cold weather then I throw in a qt. bottle in our camper for "just in case". It is also a good lubricant oil. I use it as one of the ingredients in a bore cleaner that I use.

Back to the ol' GM 5.7 days, the factory sent out a memo to add one quart of ATF to a tankful of fuel to "clean carbon deposits from injectors" on the 1/2T 5.7 Diesel P.U.s. The tank size on most of them was 17 gallons. We did this to a few vehicles without any problems. Don't remember if it "fixed" anything.

My experience has been good with Stanadyne All Purpose, All Weather Fuel Conditioner. Stanadyne makes the pump, they should be able to supply the proper conditioner.

thanks for the replies on this one.
On another forum i found the following info:



DEFINATELY NOT ANY TYPE ATF!!!

MUST BE TYPE 'A' NON SYNTHETIC, for Ford/Borg-Warner and Power-Steering systems. Under NO circumstances use Dextron or GM type fluid as these have too much Friction Modifiers and could present pump with problems!!

Can be done with either Veggy or diesel as the fuel, but in your case it would probably be better to stick to Diesel when doing the 'cleanout' as the thing will smoke like you wouldnt believe!......




Does anyone know if this is true?

thanks,
Paul

Whatever you decide, NEVER fill a fuel filter on a 6.2/6.5 with ATF, serious injection pump problems can happen imediately! ATF is much thicker than diesel and can cause the head and rotor to sieze and SNAP the shaft if a straight dose of ATF enters the pump. Also, many have had good luck using marvel mystery oil to clean injectors, just add a dose to the fuel tank.:eek:

Good point Dave, NEVER put anything heavier than diesel fuel directly into a Stanadyne I.P.!!

RE: ATF type. When GM released the memo about adding ATF to the fuel tank, the current, "in use" version was GM Dexron II. They said, "Use it."

Another point. When talking to "truckers", be advised they speak in terms of H.D. Class 8 road tractor and/or H.D. industrial diesels. These engines/fuel systems are entirely different from our lt/med duty engines. Add in our electronics and everything gets weird.

Dexron II does not have any friction modifiers in it. It is one of the Ford ATF fluids that has a friction modifier in it and it definitely should not be put in your diesel fuel.

I have only used Dexron for anti-gelling. Occassionally I will add some 50:1 outboard oil to my tank for a little lubrication of the pump. It has never fouled my injectors. I believe the 50:1 is also high detergent since it is suppose to keep deposits down in outboard engines.

I was reading a similar thread over on the 5.7D site last night. The guy was talking about how he has added one to two quarts of Dexron to his diesels when filling the fuel tank over the years and has had it smooth out rough running engines. Good for him, hope he doesn't get in trouble with the law over "dyed fuel":)

About the Dexron thing mentioned about, I got a DB4 pump in today, almost new, low hours, John Deere Dealership sent it to us becaue they suspected fuel contamination.
Yeah, I'll say, I opened her up and it looked like Thick Kool Aid inside, apparently the owner ran out of fuel and had a gallon of dexron so he poured that in the tank to get the tractor home, he made it, barely ;)

So yes, definitely don't use Synth or Dexron and don't run it straight.

Us farm boys will do anything not to walk home! My fire guys poured a canfull of chain saw gas into the brush truck once, that was fun!:eek:

I would spend the extra money and buy power service i absolutely love the stuff, its a little harder on the checkbook han atf but as far as cleaning goes its awesome, plus it contains cetane boost for a little more kick. You can pick this stuff anywhere, they also carry Diesel 911 from the same company this stuff is for if you gel up & ive never used it because i always hrow a can of power sevice in when its cold eliminating the need to run blended or straight number 1 power robbing fuel.

Why pour trans fluid where the diesel goes. Do you pour diesel where the trans fluid goes? Get the right additive. I prefer Stanadyne Jr. for the diesel & Lucas for the trans.

SeaFoam is probably the best product for cleaning injectors.


SEA FOAM MOTOR TREATMENT for Diesel and Small Engines

Diesel Applications
Excellence in Performance
Cleans injectors
Adds lubricity
Anti-gel
Cleans crankcase
Restores power
Removes moisture
Cleans carbon
Stabilizes fuel
Diesel fuel conditionerhttp://www.seafoamsales.com/images/spacer.gifhttp://www.seafoamsales.com/images/updates_whitecap.gif
How to Use SEA FOAM MOTOR TREATMENTIn Tune-Up of Diesel Engines


Fill primary fuel filter with SEA FOAM. Be sure filter is fully primed to prevent air locks. This will clean injectors quickly.
Use 1 pint of SEA FOAM to every 25 gallons of diesel fuel to add lubricity, clean fuel lines, injector pump and remove moisture.
Use 1 pint of SEA FOAM to every 4 gallons of oil to clean rings and other engine parts internally. For best results, use SEA FOAM for 1 hour before oil change. Results in cleaner engines and longer oil change intervals.

No doubt, there are specific products made for specific purposes. No additives are absolutely necessary if you use a good grade of lubricant and change it at recommended intervals.

"Is ATF and effective injector cleaner?" Most agree, yes. Is it designed for that express purpose? No, but it's cheap and it works.

I use Stanadyne "All Season" fuel conditioner on every fillup. I change my engine oil and trans fluid more often than recommended intervals, so I don't use additives there.

I've listened to everyone on this site long enough to know there will always be "a different way to accomplish the task". Ain't it fun?