Are detergents important in fuel ?
Did you know that detergents are added to all gasoline sold in the United States ? They are required by the EPA to help keep engines clean and running efficiently . In fact , engine manufacturers have identified that detergents added to both gasoline and diesel fuel help keep engines clean , restore lost horsepower and fuel efficiency , and reduce emissions .
Gasoline Engines In the late 1980s , automakers became concerned with fuel additives as more advanced fuel injection technology became widely used in new cars . The injectors often became clogged , and the problem was found to be inadequate levels of detergent additives in gasoline . In a move supported by automakers , the U . S . Environmental Protection Agency ( EPA ) mandated specific levels of additives and introduced the minimum gasoline detergent standard in 1995 .
Today ’ s engines are even less forgiving to performancerobbing deposits . As technology evolved over the last 25 to 30 years , performance-robbing deposits have been on the rise . Deposits that form on fuel injectors , intake valves , and in combustion chambers interfere with efficient fuel delivery and combustion . Automakers are finding that advanced chemistry formulations and even higher levels of detergency are needed to maintain efficient operation .
Diesel Engines Like gasoline engines , diesel engines have also gone through significant changes . Modern high-pressure common rail ( HPCR ) technology puts fuel under additional stress , making deposit control even more important . Performance loss and / or fuel system component failure is more likely in engines that experience deposit buildup .
Unlike gasoline , diesel fuel is not required to contain detergent additives , and most fuels don ’ t contain any . However , standard engine tests developed by diesel engine manufacturers and industry organizations demonstrate how valuable detergents in diesel fuel can be . Better fuel injector operation and more complete combustion result in maximized fuel economy and engine horsepower while reducing emissions and improving the efficiency of aftertreatment systems .
The FS Solution FS Clean Flow gasoline and FS Dieselex Gold diesel fuel are formulated with increased levels of detergency that not only keep deposits from forming but also clean up deposits that have already formed from prolonged use of fuels with too little or no detergency at all .
Deposits formed on the tips of injectors restrict the flow and delivery of gasoline and diesel fuel to the combustion chamber . This restricted flow robs the engine of efficiency and power .
Dieselex Gold and FS Clean Flow inhibit deposits from forming and remove any deposits caused by using other fuels . This improves the flow and delivery of fuel to the combustion chamber and restores lost efficiency and power .
For more information on detergents in fuel , contact your local FS Energy Specialist .