farmer52

The black slime is "bugs" or bacteria growth. Typical fuel additives do not address bugs. You need a fuel biocide to kill the bugs. Bugs grow at the interface between the fuel and water (water is on the bottom of the tank). Be sure to drain the water from the bottom of the tank occasionally to prevent bacteria growth. All fuel additives should be clear. Per the regs, all ON-HIGHWAY Diesel fuel cannot contain any color or dye. Only OFF-ROAD fuel can be dyed (typically red). Many years ago "premium" Diesel fuel was dyed green but since the regulation, one cannot tell by "color" if a fuel is premium or contains an additive. Only if it is on or off highway. BTW, this past summer when I went to Des Moines for the ATHS show, I refueled at truck stops. I noticed at several stops, the fuel was dark. I prefer not to refuel at truck stops but they are convenient when traveling cross country. I try to avoid truck stops because of the potential for "off spec" fuel (think about it, you fill up in New York and have issues in a distant location...makes it difficult to trace the fuel?). Also for many years, truck stops were suspected of dumping used oil into the fuel rather than pay to have the used oil disposed. I heard (and saw) too many horror stories concerning "truck stop fuel". Billy T - wasn't suggesting you were recommending "gasoline", just making the statement not to use gasoline.

I should clarify the "maintain like new fuel economy in newer engines"...don't expect a fuel economy increase just because you use a fuel additive. You may see a "slight" improvement due to the cetane boost but basically unmeasurable. Adding a fuel additive in newer engines will prevent deposits from forming in fuel injectors and combustion chamber. Deposits will eventually degrade fuel economy. Other than deposits, an additive will boost cetane, add lubricity, and stabilize the fuel. Cetane controls the rate and smoothness of combustion. Higher cetane has a decreasing rate of return...a little/some is helpful but MORE is not going to add any benefits. Higher cetane will decrease the typical "combustion knock" in Diesel engines. New Diesel engines us pilot injection and ultimately several injections during the combustion event. This is mainly to reduce emissions. Older engines with mechanical injection were one "big squirt". Did you ever notice newer Diesel engines seem to run quieter? You can thank common rail and electronic technologies. I agree overtreat is "wasting" your money. Treat as directed. Then there are the "coal rollers"...another subject another day.

I just bought a case (6-64oz bottles) of Standayne Performance Formula additive on fleabay for $127.90 with free shipping. Each bottle treats 250 gallons of Diesel fuel. Here is the link to Alliant who bought the fuel additive business from Stanadyne. Alliant: https://alliantpower.com/content/alliant-power-diesel-fuel-treatment Sales flyer: https://alliantpower.com/sites/default/files/documents/ap-product-flyers/2016/ap-ft-us-sales-flyer_en_0.pdf As for fuel economy improvement...fuel additives will maintain "like new" fuel economy in newer engines (prevent injector and combustion chamber deposits) and improve fuel economy close to "like new" in an older engines (depends on age and deposits). Real world improvements are typically in the 1%-2%. Again this will depend on how clean or dirty are your injectors and combustion chamber. And don't expect a fuel additive to "resolve" other mechanical issues. On another note: NEVER NEVER put gasoline in Diesel fuel. As Randy mentioned the flash point is lower but gasoline has lower cetane and NO lubricity. Diesel engines want high cetane and gasoline engines want high octane. If you don't want to treat with a fuel additive, at least blend some No. 1 Diesel for winter. Your fuel economy will drop but it will help prevent fuel gelling. Another fact about winter Diesel, the winterized fuel will vary from region to region. That is, fuel in the northern states will be treated for lower temperatures then fuel in southern areas. So if you buy fuel in the South and drive north to say New England or Canada you may have a fuel gelling issue.

I am a firm believer in fuel additives. In my previous life I spent many a day running field tests to develop and evaluate Diesel fuel additives. I always use Stanadyne Performance Formula in my Diesel powered vehicles/equipment. Stanadyne recently sold the additive business to Alliant Power. The same product is now called Ultraguard. I buy mine from eBay but you may have a local fuel distributor that handles this product. An alternative is Power Service brand that is available at Wally World and most truck stops. Some fuel distributors offer a "premium" Diesel fuel with additives. Get the details from them on what additive package they use and specs. ULTRAGUARD Benefits: Restores Engine Power, Torque, & Improves Fuel Economy Increases Cetane for Improved Engine Combustion Cleans Deposits & Eliminates Stiction in Common Rail Injectors Removes Water by Demulsification, Stabilizes, & Protects Against Rust & Corrosion Lubricates Fuel System Reducing Friction & Wear Provides Anti-Gel Protection & Improves Diesel Pour Point Reduces Particulates in Exhaust Aftertreatment Systems (DPF & SCR) Minimizes Filter Clogging from Asphaltenes

Yardo... Is there going to be a "training/tutoring session" at the Nunnery on Friday night? BTW, I heard "mother Volvo" dictated the date for Trucktoberfest. Luckily the weather is forecast to be nice (keeping my fingers crossed). Roll Hauler goes into hibernation on Sunday.

I was raised on a farm and had to learn how to back not only 2 wheeled equipment but also 4 wheeled equipment using a tractor without power steering. Try backing a 2 wheeled baler with a 4 wheel wagon attached around a corner. Liken that to a truck with doubles.

Another BMT member I missed mentioning is maint1. Saw Dave several times each day so I don't know how I forgot him.

Vinny is busy "working" on a farm and I forget where else. He said still working on the U when he has time. He did not mention anything about "girls" but I have my doubts!

I knew I missed a BMT member...the Vinster. Yes Vinny was there scoping out those U models.

Great show! Other than a few sprinkles on Friday evening (enough to crap up the roads) the weather cooperated. About time since the past two (2) years were a "wash out". Lots of trucks. I heard 128 were registered but there were several others that were not registered (I will not mention any names). Nice turnout of BMTers...Barry, Freightrain, FWD, Doug M, Baby Mack, Alex G, Dave I, Back in Black, JT, Underdog, yarnall, Firemack, and I am sure I missed someone. There were likely other BMTers lurking around. Al did his infamous burnout on Saturday afternoon. I left early Saturday evening to drive back to the farm to beat the rain, an uneventful but somewhat expensive trip ($32.50 on the PA green stamp). Apology to Larry for letting you "hang" by yourself on Saturday evening. Hopefully you got a good night's sleep without the neighbor's blaring TV.

Although I been to Gerhart's many times, I use my Garmin to track miles and do program destinations for the "health of it". But from PA green stamp....Route 72 north to Route 322 east to Route 501 south to Newport Road. Turn left at Shittz (second light south of 322), go to next light which is Brunnerville Road, turn left, and go about 1 mile north. Simple! About the only things Google is good for are SEARCH and visual maps. Larry - Google knew it was your first visit to the Lancaster area so it wanted to give you the grand tour. You were likely places some of locals never been. But bottom line is you made it SAFELY! Enjoy the show, weather is looking good (short of some showers last night). Yesterday I cleaned the bugs off the windshield, today I get to clean the "road crap" off the back of the cab from bobtailing in the rain.

Carl, Happy Birthday and many more. Enjoy your day!

Trucktoberfest show is open to the public (at least it was in the past) so if you just want to come and see the trucks, nothing stopping you. Just bring your own sammich. The spaces are limited for trucks and same with the luncheon but do not know the selection criteria. I thought it was first come first served. Doug Maney at the Museum is the person to direct your concern. In past years there were many empty seats (no shows?) at the luncheon.

Unless something changes I will be there Turdsday after lunch. Let me know if you want someone to hang with on Turdsday evening. I have not heard from anyone else that will be there on Turdsday.

The show is actually Saturday October 7th but many will arrive on Friday afternoon and stay for the Food Fest on Friday night. Saturday is the best day to be there. If the weather is nice, lots of Macks. So far the weather forecast looks good so should be a good turnout.

Rodeway is nothing special but it is clean and priced reasonable. It is an old style motel where you park outside the door. Ron (39 Baby Mack) and his wife have stayed there too. The Rodeway does not have breakfast but Lititz Family Cupboard Restaurant on Newport Road (just west of Shittz/501 - near Gerhart's) is a good choice for breakfast on Saturday morning. Looking forward to meeting you at Gerhart's. Have a safe trip. Planning to stop by Roger's on Thursday morning and drop the trailer. Then suffit buffit at Oregon Farms and Rodeway check-in. Anyone planning to be in town on Thursday?

Notice they ALL are wearing pantyhose. Those ladies know how to dress for the "boss". Nothing better than a pair of female legs covered in pantyhose. Just sayin'...

Yes, Shittz is on the corner west of Brunnerville Road.

North of Lititz, PA on Brunnerville Road, about one (1) mile north of Newport Road (on the left as you are driving north). Roger's house and shop sit back off the road about 100 years. Do Google...910 Brunnerville Road; Lititz, PA.

Larry, How much "power" do you need? If you talk to Roger he will likely let you run a power cord from the shop for hookup. Roger is a very nice and accommodating person! However I can't speak for Roger. An issue is if more than a few do the same thing, the circuits get overloaded. Leversole did it one year and mike69mackman has a "favorite pole" he used. Are you brining your race car? If so, perhaps you and Black in Black can have dueling burnouts on Saturday afternoon. See everyone there and travel safe.

You need to park it on "hotel row" next to Tackaberry's coach.

Jim said he has a "button to push" to add more horsepower. Pittsburgh set up the engine and is pushing somewhere around 800. N14 IIRC.

Mike, Sorry about your accident but at least you are okay. Saw an article in Overdrive. Best of luck in whatever you choose.

Planning to be there on Thursday afternoon - 2 1/2 hours from the PA farm. Lots of "stuffit buffits" in the area - so much food and so little time. Advanced forecast is nice for Friday and Saturday. Hope it holds. The last two (2) years it was rainy and attendance was down. If you never been to Gerhart's you need to attend. Friday night is the "Mack Clam Bake". And if you go away hungry it is your own fault. I am staying at my usual spot...Rodeway Inn in Akron, PA. Several food vendors will be on the grounds Saturday. And the Brunnersville Fire Dept ladies bake the BEST pies. Not sure if I will return to the farm on Saturday evening or spend the night (to eat more food) and drive on Sunday morning.

OD - I thought you crossed over to the "other" side and started taking pics of guy butts.