I remember that optilube had commissioned a test, of various oils, I believe in accordance with ASTM standards but I cannot seem to locate it.
Too long of a story to type the whole thing so I'll paraphrase,
Back in 05 LSD changed to ULSD. The extra refining to Make ULSD also took out same of the lubricant that diesel is noted for. The more solvent (cleaning effect) of ULSD caused all kinds of problems from cleaning out the pipelines to distribution centers tanks to filling stations tanks to vehicle tanks and even fuel lines from the tank to engine. It was a mess for a couple years.
The ULSD was also drier and raised heck with the older injection pumps, injectors, lift pumps etc. etc. The junk that cleaned out of all the formentioned items and the lower lubricity really damaged a lot of pumps and injectors.
Then about late 2006 the vehicle companies working along side the fuel industry put in place fuel standards. Before then there were really non to speak of. Since that time refineries have been adding back lubricity in the fuel. That and vehicle manufactures designing components to handle ULSD, the problems have disappeared.
Do we need diesel fuel additives? NO! not even to clean the injectors, marketing hype.
The only time you would need diesel fuel additives is and anti-gel for temperatures below +32F. or if you are going to store your diesel vehicle in a high humidity area where temperatures fluctuate allowing condensation to build up in your fuel tank. Then a Emulsifier type additive such as Howes is recommended and possibly a algae killer type additive. The best thing though if your going to store your vehicle for many many months would be to fill the fuel tank full thus eliminating too much expansion and contration of air withing the fuel tank. Air hold moisture.
