Quick Answer
Hot Shot’s Secret Diesel Extreme is widely considered the best diesel cleaner, adding 7 cetane points and effectively removing all deposit types. Other top choices include Power Service Diesel Kleen, Archoil AR6500, and Liqui Moly Diesel Purge for intensive cleaning. Choose products with PEA detergents and ensure DPF compatibility for modern engines.
Expanded Answer (Simplified)
Choosing the best diesel cleaner depends on your specific needs, but there are several products that consistently perform well in testing and real-world use.
Top Performing Products:
Hot Shot’s Secret Diesel Extreme: This is often considered the gold standard for diesel cleaners. It adds 7 cetane points to your fuel, which improves ignition quality and engine performance. It’s effective at removing all types of deposits and is safe for modern DPF-equipped vehicles.
Power Service Diesel Kleen + Cetane Boost: A popular choice that combines cleaning with cetane improvement. It’s widely available and has a proven track record with fleet operators.
Archoil AR6500: Known for its comprehensive formula that includes cleaning, lubricity improvement, and cetane enhancement. It’s particularly effective for high-mileage vehicles.
Liqui Moly Diesel Purge: This is a more intensive cleaner designed for severe deposit buildup. It’s applied differently than regular additives and provides rapid cleaning action.
What to Look For:
PEA Detergents: Look for products that contain Polyether Amine (PEA), which is the most effective detergent for removing injector deposits.
DPF Compatibility: Make sure the product is safe for vehicles with Diesel Particulate Filters (DPF), which are found on most modern diesel vehicles.
Multi-Functional: The best products combine cleaning with other benefits like cetane improvement and lubricity enhancement.
Proven Testing: Look for products that have been tested using industry-standard tests like the DW10B injector fouling test.
Expanded Answer (Technical)
Determining the best diesel cleaner requires evaluation of multiple performance criteria, including cleaning effectiveness, cetane improvement, lubricity enhancement, and compatibility with modern emission control systems. The following products have demonstrated superior performance in standardized testing and real-world applications.
Top-Tier Diesel Cleaners
Based on independent testing and industry recognition, several products stand out:
Hot Shot’s Secret Diesel Extreme:
- Cetane Improvement: Adds 7 cetane points, among the highest in the industry
- Cleaning Effectiveness: Contains high concentrations of PEA detergents
- DW10B Testing: Proven effective in standardized injector fouling tests
- Lubricity Enhancement: Improves HFRR wear scar performance
- DPF Compatibility: Safe for all modern emission control systems
Power Service Diesel Kleen + Cetane Boost:
- Market Penetration: Widely used by commercial fleets
- Cetane Improvement: Adds 5-7 cetane points
- Cleaning Performance: Effective against IDID formation
- Cold Weather Performance: Includes anti-gel properties
- Cost Effectiveness: Good performance-to-price ratio
Archoil AR6500:
- Comprehensive Formula: Combines cleaning, lubricity, and cetane improvement
- High-Mileage Focus: Particularly effective for older engines
- Lubricity Performance: Excellent HFRR test results
- Deposit Removal: Effective against multiple deposit types
- Professional Endorsement: Recommended by many diesel technicians
Liqui Moly Diesel Purge:
- Intensive Cleaning: Designed for severe deposit buildup
- Rapid Action: Works within minutes of application
- Professional Application: Typically used during service intervals
- European Engineering: Developed for high-performance European diesels
- Proven Results: Documented power restoration in heavily fouled engines
Evaluation Criteria
The best diesel cleaners excel in multiple performance areas:
Cleaning Effectiveness:
- DW10B Test Results: Performance in standardized injector fouling tests
- Deposit Removal: Ability to remove various deposit types (IDID, carbon, etc.)
- Flow Restoration: Percentage of injector flow rate recovery
- Real-World Performance: Fleet testing and user feedback
Fuel Quality Enhancement:
- Cetane Improvement: Measurable increase in cetane number
- Lubricity Enhancement: HFRR wear scar reduction
- Thermal Stability: Improved fuel stability under high temperatures
- Cold Flow Properties: Enhanced low-temperature performance
System Compatibility:
- DPF Safety: No interference with diesel particulate filters
- SCR Compatibility: Safe for selective catalytic reduction systems
- Material Compatibility: No adverse effects on fuel system materials
- Sensor Safety: No interference with fuel system sensors
Read the full article.
