Some diesel drivers like to lubricate their diesel fuel systems and the upper end of cylinders by adding 2 stroke oil to diesel fuel. People will occasionally use standard motor oil as well. But is adding 2 stroke oil to diesel fuel safe?
Lubrication is needed for the diesel fuel system
The diesel fuel system and upper-end cylinders of your motor need lubrication to prevent wear and be operational for as long as possible. Good diesel fuel is expected to provide protective lubrication.
The waxes used in diesel fuel provide lubrication to the injectors and fuel pump, which aids in the prevention of wear. Without this much-needed lubrication, the specially designed parts in modern diesel motors, especially high-pressure common-rail (HPCR) motors, may suffer from wear or produce deposits that prevent an ideal spray pattern, resulting in reduced performance and fuel efficiency.
Reduced ULSD Lubricity
The issue is that modern ultra-low-sulfur diesel fuel (ULSD) has considerably less lubricity – a vital function in regulating injector and fuel-pump wear.
The ASTM D975 specification for diesel fuel establishes a minimum threshold of lubricity. It is, though, not as high as the Engine Manufacturers Association (EMA) would prefer.
Since 2006, almost all diesel fuel accessible in North America has been ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD.)
Why is this so? Well, the government implemented regulations that required lower sulfur levels in order to minimize toxic pollution. ULSD has a gross sulfur content of 15 ppm, compared to as much as 5,000 ppm in certain diesel fuel previous to Environmental Protection Agency regulations. ULSD is also compliant with modern exhaust treatment systems, including diesel particulate filters (DPF,) which aid in pollution reduction.
It is doubtful that anyone would object to air that is cleaner. However, ULSD may have the detrimental consequence of reducing lubricity for diesel fuel injectors, pumps, and the diesel engine’s upper-end cylinders. Since a complete injector replacement will require expenses in the thousands, some diesel lovers apply a small amount of 2 cycle oil to the diesel fuel as a measure to replenish the depleted lubricity.
Is adding 2 stroke oil to diesel fuel safe?
For the most part, it’s safe, but it is not advised.
Alternatively, utilize a diesel fuel additive like AMSOIL Diesel All-In-One or AMSOIL Diesel Injector Clean to maintain a clean combustion chamber and a lubricated diesel fuel system.
These diesel fuel additives offer superior performance and are more convenient to utilize than trying to pour a couple of tablespoons of 2 cycle oil into the fuel tank without spilling it all over the place.
They also have a number of added advantages that assist in keeping a diesel vehicle running smoothly, such as…
AMSOIL Diesel Injector Clean
- Cleans dirt from injectors.
- Injectors and pumps are lubricated to minimize wear.
- Torque and power are restored.
- Waste and smoke are reduced.
- Reduces maintenance expenses and downtime by combating corrosion in the fuel system.
- Increases fuel economy by up to 8%.
- Extends the life of the fuel filter.
AMSOIL Diesel All-in-One
- Removes dirt from injectors.
- Lubricates injectors and pumps to minimize wear.
- Extends the life of the fuel filter.
- Increases fuel economy by up to 8%.
- Offers protection from injector wear, providing more diesel fuel lubrication.
- Prevents corrosion in the fuel system.
- Prevents wax from settling while your vehicle is in storage.
- Reduces cold filter-plugging point (CFPP) by as much as 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Provides max horsepower.
- Improves cetane levels by up to 4 points.
- It is safe to use with all diesel fuels, including biodiesel fuel.
- Free of alcohol.
While the DIY method of putting 2 stroke oil in diesel fuel to address the issue of inadequate diesel fuel lubricity is alright, it leaves much to be desired. It is better to leave the chemistry kit in the shed and utilize a diesel fuel additive from AMSOIL that has been specially developed for diesel fuel.