• Welcome to The Truck Stop! We see you haven't REGISTERED yet.

    Your truck knowledge is missing!
    • Registration is FREE , all we need is your birthday and email. (We don't share ANY data with ANYONE)
    • We have tons of knowledge here for your diesel truck!
    • Post your own topics and reply to existing threads to help others out!
    • NO ADS! The site is fully functional and ad free!
    CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!

    Problems registering? Click here to contact us!

    Already registered, but need a PASSWORD RESET? CLICK HERE TO RESET YOUR PASSWORD!

ATF and cat converter

I have a Sterling 300A 600V Genirator in the building I run that takes 15 Gallons of 30W non deturgent oil and we change it every 3 months thats around 5 to 6 hours of test time on it... I run it through a 2 micron filter and use it now.
 
btfarm said:
Another bad idea about running ATF (besides all the previously mentioned ones) is that it dyes the fuel red. THAT is a big no-no. Any DOT or emissions test official is going to see that as offroad fuel and you're in deep financial shit! They aren't going to believe you and they aren't going to patiently wait for some lab to analyze it... In some states you may also lose your truck or at least that was a proposal in several states. If you don't want to use a commercially available additive and bio isn't available then 2 cycle oil is frequently favored by several guys here and elswhere.
Click to expand...

Florida DOT (last time I saw them do it anyway) have a test strip on a long stick that reacts to the red dye that's in off road/ag diesel. It would take a whole lot of tranny fluid to make diesel appear red.... IMHO

I would just keep my kitty and install it for the inspection - then remove it after it passes.
 
Odlaw said:
Florida DOT (last time I saw them do it anyway) have a test strip on a long stick that reacts to the red dye that's in off road/ag diesel. It would take a whole lot of tranny fluid to make diesel appear red.... IMHO

I would just keep my kitty and install it for the inspection - then remove it after it passes.
Click to expand...

Problem is most aftermarket systems up the size, eliminating the old from being used. Could put adapters on it, and a few SS Band clamps would make the swap a 10 minute job every other year.

That's what I would do too, if I ever have to. I too have my old kitty in storage. Meow.
 
Wrecker said:
I'm not sure , but I don't use diesel additive in my transmission either.:D

Used motor oil did not improve lubricity in Spicer's test, so trans fluid might not either.
Click to expand...

Wiseass! But Tranny fluid is LUBE. Without it, I don't think a transmission would wear as well!

So, diluting it into diesel fuel, how on earth would it not add any lubrication properties?
 
Engine oil is in the engine specifically for lubrication, while ATF is in the tranny for hydraulic operation of the transmission, different purpose. Having said that, I don't have a clue what the lubricity properties of ATF are for diesel fuel. But, in all our discussions here people have their own favorite additives, whether ND 30 weight, 2-stroke, bio, wvo, or off the shelf branded additives. The 2 I've never understood, and wouldn't use at any time myself, are ATF and used motor oil. ATF isn't designed to burn and has questionable lubricity, and used motor oil, even when well filtered, has to have "stuff" in it that just shouldn't be running through the fuel system.
 
I "think" the problem with using ATF as fuel lubricant, is more a question of the additives in the "oil" that will be harmful to the rest of the fuel system, like the injectors and the IP.

I remember Diesel Pro saying something about the additives help to speed up the failure of the IP and the injectors....Or someting to that effect.
 
A few years ago when I was having IP problems Diesel Pro told me of a chemotherapy for the IP and injectors. It consisted of 1 gal diesel, 1 standyne jr additive, and 1 quart ATF. Blend and run it through the system till it's gone. You would have to fab up something from the intake and return into the same container and idle till its gone. It must have something in it to help our fuel system. My neighbor drives semi's and puts in 1 gal of ford atf into each of his tanks every fill up. He did this from the time it was brand new. When he had the motor rebuilt at 750k miles he said everything was clean as a whistle. The guy who did the work couldn't believe how clean it was. He said it looked like it only had about 50k miles on it.
 
I would think ATF is somewhat good for a fuel system because of the detergents. It should help keep the fuel system clean. And as far as saying that ATF if for hydraulic operation not lubrication in a trans., I don't buy that either. It would be both. What would lube the bushings and bearings in an auto trans. if it wasn't a lubricant. And I think ATF if more flammable than regualar oil. I have seen 2 trucks catch fire because a cooler line leaks and sprays ATF on the exhaust and catches fire. I know regular oil could ignite also, but I haven't seen it cause a fire other than in NASCAR.
 
I think the problem with burning ATF is that it may leave ash deposits, as it may not completely burn. I think that is why Non Detergent oil is recommended, or 2-stroke, which is clearly made to be burned, leaving no ash.

I still think it adds lube. Pour some ATF on your hands... then rub them together... Sure seems lubey. Now get the sick thoughts out of your head, would make a new meaning of getting caught RED HANDED! LOL!:point:
 
Matt Bachand said:
I think the problem with burning ATF is that it may leave ash deposits, as it may not completely burn. I think that is why Non Detergent oil is recommended, or 2-stroke, which is clearly made to be burned, leaving no ash.

I still think it adds lube. Pour some ATF on your hands... then rub them together... Sure seems lubey. Now get the sick thoughts out of your head, would make a new meaning of getting caught RED HANDED! LOL!:point:
Click to expand...

I agree w/ you that atf can cause a lot of ash. However I don't think Wyatt said he was running straight ATF. It is blended in w/ diesel. When blended I don't think ash would be a problem.
 
Rodd said:
I agree w/ you that atf can cause a lot of ash. However I don't think Wyatt said he was running straight ATF. It is blended in w/ diesel. When blended I don't think ash would be a problem.
Click to expand...

I'm not sure its a problem either, over time though, it may stick to the valves and stuff. Whether you burn it 5%, 1% or 100% you are still burning each and every drop, and if it makes it through the engine, which most would do I presume, the 'soot trap' is sure to catch it.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top