FAQ
FAQ for the Power Curve Diesel System
Formula XP 12 Metal Conditioner and Diesel XP
Compiled by: Eve Pearlmutter, PCI International, LLC
Distributors for Power Curve
© 2007/2008
Formula XP 12
How will the use of Formula XP 12 increase my fuel economy?
Formula XP 12 greatly reduces the friction of the moving metal parts thus reducing the frictional and parasitic drag making an engine operate more efficient and reduces operating temperatures.
What is the increase in Fuel Economy that I can expect from the use of Formula XP 12 alone?
The average increase in fuel economy gained by the used of Formula XP 12 alone is between 3% to 7%.
Why do I want to keep my operating temperatures lower?
By reducing the amount of friction, the amount of wear and heat on all moving parts is reduced which will extend the life of the lubricant. By reducing the wear maintenance is reduced and the life of the vehicle extended.
How does the Formula XP 12 lower operating temperatures?
Formula XP 12 affects the operating temperature of the bearing surfaces where there are higher pressures by reducing friction preventing the wear of the metal surfaces. Formula XP 12 is a metal conditioner which penetrates and fills in the microscopic pores, smoothes and cleans the metal thereby drastically reducing the amount of friction and resulting heat caused by that friction. By reducing the friction and the heat, oil temperatures in the oil sump are lower therefore extending the life of the engine and oil. The same effects are also seen in transmission, differential, power steering and hydraulic components.
Should I do an oil drain prior to adding the Formula XP 12 or can I add it mid – servicing and service my vehicle on schedule? Will it provide the same protection?
It is perfectly acceptable to add the Formula XP 12 in the middle of scheduled oil drain servicing. The penetrating action of the XP Formula 12 is not impeded by used lubrication fluids. There is no need to alter your servicing schedule when incorporating the Formula XP 12 into your maintenance program providing servicing is not immediate.
Can I extend the oil drain intervals?
An Oil Analysis tests will tell you that your oil is still serviceable and can remain in use. It is recommended by Power Curve that if you do not currently use oil analysis testing in your maintenance program that you ask you’re Sales Representative for the name of a qualified company. Oil analysis tests will not only inform you of the condition of your oil but warn you of any potential maintenance issues.
Why did my oil analysis come back higher in particulate matter than in previous oil analysis tests?
The cleansing action of the Formula XP 12 is so thorough that the particulate matter count will be much higher in the oil drain following the application of the Formula XP 12. You will see a sharp decline in the particulate matter count in subsequent oil analysis tests due to the penetration of the Formula XP 12 into the metal. Formula XP 12 while penetrating the metal also seals the metal further reducing the friction which initiates particulate contamination.
Do I need to reduce the amount of lubricating fluids when I incorporate the Formula XP 12 into my servicing?
No, Formula XP 12 will be completely absorbed into the metal and therefore, undetectable after 3 days of use. DO NOT REDUCE LUBRICATION FLUID AMOUNTS REQUIRED BY YOUR VEHIICLE OR EQUIPMENT.
Can you over treat with the Formula XP 12?
No!
It seems like a large amount of excess fluid for the vehicle to hold.
As stated above, the Formula XP 12 will be completely absorbed into the metal and will not displace any lubricating fluids. In some cases you may have to raise one side of the vehicle to provide enough room for the application of the Formula XP 12.
Why do the application rates of Formula XP 12 vary between on road vehicles and off road extreme use equipment?
These vehicles are under completely different operating conditions. Off road equipment experiences far greater stress loads and extreme pressure workloads than on road vehicles.
Why is the recommended application amount 1oz per quart of Formula XP 12 for hydraulic fluid?
Formula XP 12 is treating the metal, not the lubricant. As hydraulic systems have a large reservoir of fluid for cooling purposes the application amount of Formula XP 12 is lowered. The amount of metal treated is not equal to the amount of excess fluid used to lubricate and cool the system.
Where will I see the reduction in maintenance issues?
You will see the reduction in maintenance issues at any and all metal wear points. Any moving part that is lubricated will see a reduction in friction and wear, thus reducing maintenance.
Why do I only have to add Formula XP 12 to automatic transmission every 24000 miles and to the differentials, power steering and hydraulics at yearly servicing?
The automatic transmission, differentials, power steering and hydraulics are not serviced as often as the engine. There for, as the fluids are not drained and refilled, reapplication is only necessary at servicing. If the fluids are not being drained at servicing, simply add the Formula XP 12 to the lubricating fluids.
The reapplication of the Formula XP 12 at servicing is to ensure that constant protection is provided to all lubricated metal parts.
Diesel XP
Why should I use Diesel XP in My Fuel?
The mandated Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel has caused a multitude of problems for owners and operators of dieselpowered vehicles. Since the introduction of ULSD fleet owners and managers have seen significant reduction of fuel mileage and increase maintenance problems due to lower cetane and loss of lubricity. Diesel XP solves both of these problems. Diesel XP also emulsifies any water, prevents algae and lowers the gel point.
People keep talking about the effects of ULSD… what are they?
Briefly, the mandate of the use of Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel has created a whole new set of fuel issues caused by the reduction of the sulfur in the diesel fuels. There is an increase in the amount of water in the fuel caused by the process of Hydro-sulfurization, which used to remove the sulfur from the fuel. Diesel fuel now has increased levels of hydro-peroxides that have devastating effects of the fuel systems. The reduction of 99.9% of sulfur for equates to an incredible loss of the lubrication previously provided by the higher sulfur content. The loss of BTU’s from the reduction of sulfur and a reduction in the cetane rating results in an incomplete combustion and reduced power.
What increase in fuel economy can I expect from the use of Diesel XP alone?
The average increase in fuel economy experienced is 10% using the Diesel XP alone. However, when used together with the Formula XP 12, results of 12 – 15% are the average. Results can vary due to the condition of your injection system and operating conditions. As Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel has impacted many fuel systems, the condition of the Injection system should be inspected results from the Diesel System are not experienced. Worn or damaged injectors are a major cause of a loss in fuel economy.
Why do I need a Cetane booster?
A cetane rating of 48 – 50 is optimal for the operation of diesel engines. However, most fuel has a rating of 35 – 45. Not only will a higher cetane rating give you more power and a more complete burning of the fuel at the point of ignition. This will give improve ignition and acceleration while reducing white and black smoke from your exhaust.
Why is replacing the lost lubricity so important?
The mandated Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel has caused a multitude of problems for fleet owners and managers. The greatest problem many are facing is that most ULSD fuel is not at the mandated 15 ppm sulfur. Much of the fuel tested is 7-10 ppm sulfur with increased water content. Most importantly is the loss of lubricity. This loss of lubricity can be compared to running an engine without oil. Without providing proper lubricity, the metal within the fuel injector becomes very hot. This heat can cause the fuel injector plunger to weld itself to the barrel seizing the injector. Excess heat can also cause premature wear causing leaking and malfunctioning injectors which will greatly impede fuel economy.
What effect will the Diesel System have on older vehicles and equipment?
The Diesel System will actually clean and maintain the injection system on older vehicles. The ULSD fuel is extremely hard on older engines that were made for a higher sulfur fuel. The Diesel XP replaces lubricity lost by the ULSD and maintains the seals preventing leaking.
My vehicle seems like it has more power but my fuel economy has dropped?
Because of the increase in power immediately felt with the addition of the Diesel System, drivers and operators habits should be observed. When more power is available, often an abuse of that power is seen. It can take some time for the drivers and operators to become accustomed to the increase in available power. As drivers and operators become accustomed to the increase in power, fuel economy will drastically increase.
As stated above, if an increase in fuel economy is seen in some vehicles and equipment but not in others, the condition of the fuel system and fuel filters should be inspected. Because of the cleansing action of the Diesel XP the sludge and gunk that has accumulated will eventually restrict the fuel filters. However, continued use of the Diesel XP will extend the life of the fuel filters.
What are Hydro-peroxides and why are they harmful to my vehicles?
Hydro-peroxides are a by product of Hydro-sulfurization which is the process used to remove the sulfur from the fuel for the Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel. Hydro-sulfurization utilizes water to remove the sulfur from the fuel. During this process, hydrogen and oxygen atoms bond, creating chemicals called hydro-peroxides. Hydro-peroxides are caustic and eat away at the metal in your fuel system and cause the seals and gaskets to become brittle and leak Formula XP 12’s sealing action and acid neutralizing qualities seal and protect the metal and the seals and gaskets in your fuel system to reduce corrosion caused by hydro -peroxides.
What will the Diesel XP do to the water in my bulk tank?
Diesel XP cannot rid your tank of excess water contamination already present in your bulk tank. However, Diesel XP will emulsify 10% by volume of the water present in the diesel fuel in subsequent fills providing previous water has been drained from the tank. Diesel Booster encapsulated the hydrogen and oxygen atoms and they are burned off as steam during combustion. This reduction in water content can reduce the chances of injector seizures.
How does Diesel XP affect the cloud point and cold filter plug point?
Diesel XP affects the fuel by breaking down the water particles to below 500 nanometers. By breaking down the water molecules the surface tension is reduced thereby reducing the cloud point. The Winter Blend drops the cloud point by 25-40 degrees from the natural cloud point.
What can I do if I do not fuel my fleet with bulk tanks?
Mandate the application of Diesel XP for every driver or operator. Application amount of Diesel XP is 1 oz for every 10 gallons. Any graduated container will work for dispensing the Diesel XP. However, some inventory measures should be observed as pilfering of Diesel XP by employees has been seen. Inventory of Diesel XP is easy as the application rate is consistent with the amount of fuel being used.
Why is bulk tank maintenance so important when beginning to use Diesel Booster?
Bulk tank maintenance is a critical maintenance issue with or without the addition of Diesel XP. However, with the addition of the Diesel XP the environment in which bacteria, algae and microbes thrive will be reduced. Bacteria, algae and microorganisms thrive in bulk tanks living in the accumulated water and feeding off of the fuel. As they reproduce, masses of these organisms and their excrement clog filters, cause severe corrosion issues and impose costly repairs on diesel engine’s fuel systems if not stopped by the fuel filters. The addition of Diesel XP emulsifies the water thus making your bulk tank and fuel tank a less hospitable environment. With this in mind, as they decompose, they will contaminate and corrode your tank and clog your fuel filters. Removal of the bottom sludge is critical to tank, vehicle and filter maintenance. The biocide and algaecide in the Diesel XP will greatly reduce the proliferation of these organisms. As Diesel XP can emulsify 10% by volume of the water introduced in the new fuel, it cannot eliminate previous water buildup.
How will Diesel Booster help my Bulk Tank maintenance in the future?
Diesel XP will maintain bulk fuel storage by emulsifying water, eliminating the environment in which microbes and algae thrive and reducing the tendency for diesel fuel to acidify of the fuel thus keeping it fresher. Diesel XP contains a powerful algaecide and biocide to eliminate the organisms from your fuel tanks and bulk tank.
How can 1 product replace 2-5 products from other companies?
Diesel XP contains the all of the additives in one product while many companies have 2 – 4 products. This makes Diesel XP more cost effective than other companies multiple products. Diesel XP contains 15% of the Formula XP 12 to provide the lubricity lost in the reduction of sulfur, protects the fuel system and conditions the seals and gaskets keeping them pliable and protecting them deterioration. The addition of the Formula XP 12 to the Diesel Booster makes our product unique in its ability to protect your fuel system.
How does the Diesel XP reduce particulate matter in the emissions?
Diesel XP reduces particulate matter in the emissions by providing a more complete burning of the fuel. The Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel cetane rating is too low for a complete burn thus resulting in a higher particulate matter count in the emissions. With a more complete burning of the fuel, Diesel Particulate Trap maintenance is also reduced. Diesel XP raises the cetane rating and provides a more complete combustion of the fuel.
My trucks are all 2007 or newer, why do I need The Diesel System?
The injectors and injection systems on the newer models have not changed. All engines need additional lubricity in the fuel to maintain efficient injector system operation. Diesel XP increases the cetane rating giving a more complete combustion which lowers the particulate matter in the particulate trap. This reduces obstructions in the trap and cuts maintenance and down time.
Why does my Power Curve sales representative say that we should use both the Formula XP 12 and the Diesel XP?
The Power Curve Diesel System is just that… a synergistic system that provides protection to the entire vehicle or equipment. When used together the beneficial effects of both products work together to protect, increase fuel economy and reduce maintenance issues thereby extending the life of the vehicles and equipment. The average reduction in maintenance costs associated with the Diesel System is a 35% to a 45% reduction.
