03-06-04-017J

Bulletin No.: 03-06-04-017J
Date: Nov-2016
Subject:
Information on Diesel Fuel Additives
Models:
2014-2015 Chevrolet Cruze (RPO LUZ)
2016-2017 Chevrolet Colorado
2016-2017 Chevrolet Low Cab Forward 3500HD, 4500HD/XD, 5500HD/XD Medium Duty
2016-2017 GMC Canyon
2017 and Prior GM Chevrolet and GMC Light Duty and Medium Duty Trucks
Attention:
This Bulletin also applies to any of the above models that may be Export from North America vehicles.
This Bulletin has been revised to add the 2017 Model Year. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 03-06-04-017I.
Diesel Fuel Additives Are Not Required or Recommended
The use of diesel fuel additives are not required or recommended for the GM diesel engines under normal conditions. The filtering system is designed to block
water and contaminants without the use of additives. However, some customers may desire to use fuel additives to improve the characteristics of available
diesel fuels. Refer to the Parts Information below.
Water Emulsifiers and Demulsifiers
If the customer desires to use a fuel additive, care must be taken in its selection. There are two common methods that fuel additives use to cope with water in
the fuel.
•
One method is through demulsification of water in the fuel. This method causes water particles to combine together to form larger particles, which drop out
of suspension. This allows the fuel filter/water separator to separate the water from the fuel as it is designed to do.
•
The other method of coping with water in the fuel is through emulsification. This method, often using alcohol as the emulsifier, keeps water particles
suspended in the fuel. Emulsification of water in the fuel can allow water to get past the fuel filter/water separator, in most cases causing damage to
other components of the fuel system.
Common Diesel Fuel Concerns
Fuel Waxing/Icing
Fuel distributors blend #1 and #2 diesel fuels* for seasonal requirements in a particular region. No other blending of fuels is recommended. However, a
customer may desire to use a winter fuel additive to prevent fuel waxing or icing during extreme cold snaps. If a winter fuel additive is to be used, it must not
contain any metal based additives, alcohol or other water emulsifiers that may compromise the water removal effectiveness of the fuel filtering system.
*In Canada, Diesel fuel blend #1 is categorized as type A (Winter) and blend #2 is categorized as type B (Summer)
Bacteria and Fungi Growth
Bacteria and fungi growth can occur in diesel fuel when there is water present, especially during warmer weather. The best prevention against bacteria and
fungi growth is to use clean fuel that is free of water. There are diesel fuel biocides available which are designed to kill bacterial growth in the fuel system.
However, the dead bacteria can still cause blockages throughout the fuel system. If bacterial growth is found in the fuel system, the proper method of removal is
to flush the fuel system using the appropriate Service Manual procedures, replace the fuel filter element and refilling the tank with clean diesel fuel. If a customer
desires to use a biocide after flushing the fuel system, it must not contain any metal based additives, alcohol or other water emulsifiers.
Low Cetane Number
1
The cetane number is one indicator of a diesel fuel's ability to ignite. There are many indicators of overall fuel quality such as cleanliness, specific gravity,
volatility, viscosity, detergency, corrosion inhibiting abilities, and lubricity. Increasing the cetane number alone is not a fix for poor quality fuel. Additionally,
increasing the cetane number beyond the engine's requirements will not increase performance. However, the cetane number of diesel fuel is not always
consistent and some customers may desire to use a cetane improver to ensure full performance of their engine. If such an additive is to be used, it must not
contain any metal based additives, alcohol or other water emulsifiers.
Poor Lubricity
The 2.0L diesel and the 6.6L Duramax® Diesel engines are designed to operate on today's low sulfur fuel without the use of additives. A fuel additive designed
to increase lubricity is not a fix for poor quality or contaminated fuel, but some customers may desire to use a lubricity additive to aid in the longevity of their fuel
system components. If such an additive is to be used, it must not contain any metal based additives, alcohol or other water emulsifiers.
Fuel Stability
Fuel Stability and degradation may be a concern for diesel fuels, especially for diesel fuel containing biodiesel. Use of aftermarket stability additives to improve
quality of a degraded fuel is not a fix and use of such aftermarket stability additives by customers is discouraged due to concerns of proper mixing and fuel
compatibility. However some customers may desire to use a stability additive to increase the shelf life of their fuel. If such an additive is to be used, it must not
contain any metal based additives, alcohol or other water emulsifiers.
Fuel Source Issue
If a vehicle is properly maintained but has fuel contamination issues, consider obtaining fuel from a different source. Purchasing fuel from a high volume fuel
retailer increases the chance that the fuel is fresh and of good quality.
Parts information
GM ACDelco Diesel Fuel Conditioner
GM Diesel Fuel Conditioner®, P/N 88861698 (in Canada, P/N 88861699) is alcohol free and metal free additive. It is multifunctional additive and provides
benefits of cleaning engine deposits, improved lubricity, improved cold temperature fuel flow, reduced fuel filter plugging, corrosion protection, enhanced fuel
stability and cetane boost.
GM ACDelco Fuel System Treatment Plus
If the customer experiences concerns related to fuel injector deposits, then it is allowed to use FUEL SYSTEM TREATMENT PLUS® – DIESEL, P/N 88865597
(in Canada, P/N 88865600) based on recommendation from the dealership technician. This is a highly concentrated product and should be used as per defined
guidelines.
Duramax® is a Registered Trademark of General Motors LLC (In the United States)
Duramax™ is a Trademark of General Motors LLC
GM bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, NOT a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform these technicians of conditions that may
occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools,
safety instructions, and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, DO NOT assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that
your vehicle will have that condition. See your GM dealer for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.
WE SUPPORT VOLUNTARY TECHNICIAN CERTIFICATION
2