A Fuel Additive Concentrate for Remowal of Injector Deposits in Light-Duty Diesels

Abstract

In light-duty diesels, carbonaceous deposits can restrict the fuel-injection nozzles, resulting in increased noise, smoke, and roughness. An ashless dispersant fuel additive concentrate based on polyether amine chemistry was developed to remove these deposits during normal service. Tests in a wide variety of light-duty vehicles show that one tankful of additized fuel provided, on average, more than 50% nozzle cleanup. Significant reductions of cold engine noise and smoke emissions after use of the additive were demonstrated. The development program included studies of the effects of deposits on injector flow characteristics and engine performance. Selected examples illustrate that a definition of fuel quality as it relates to nozzle deposits has yet to be resolved.