Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) lubricates moving parts and offers friction and hydraulic pressure to make internal parts work. It keeps manual and automatic transmissions cool. Have you ever wondered whether you can add ATF to diesel fuel and what it does to your car?
You can add some ATF to your diesel fuel to keep various parts clean and protect the injection system from premature wear. However, too much fluid may crack the system or cause the development of gum and gel.
ATF ensures proper performance, operation, and protection of transmissions. It maintains the thermal resistance and heat stability of the transmission. The fluid allows smooth gear changes and maintains viscosity. It ensures the adequate performance of hydraulics at low temperatures.
What Is The Difference Between Transmission Fluid And Engine Fuel?
Transmission fluid lubricates vital components in the transmission for optimum efficiency and performance. It ensures the seamless and smooth functioning of the system. Engine fuel lubricates the internal parts of the combustion engine.
Both transmission fluid and engine fuel look similar but have different uses and properties. Transmission fluid supplies power from the engine to the transmission. Engine fuel ensures the efficiency of combustion in the engine.
What Are The Types Of Transmission Fluid?
You must understand the transmission fluid type to keep your car running smoothly and efficiently. Automatic transmission fluid is for automatic cars which run on self-shifting gears. It’s reddish or greenish, distinguishing it from other car fluids.
Manual transmission fluid lubricates and cools the manual transmission. When this fluid is low, you experience gear slippage, low-pressure level, and slower engagement during gear shifting when reversing or driving.
What Does Good ATF Fluid Do?
The primary responsibilities of good ATF include:
Works Like Hydraulic Fluid
Automatic transmissions require pressurized fluid when changing gears, making it work like hydraulic fluid. When the car’s computer determines it’s time to change gears, it sends an electrical signal to the correct transmission solenoid.
This directs fluid through various passages to engage the right gear. The fluid squeezes various plates together inside the clutch pack connecting the engine to the transmission output shaft. It then routes power to the wheels.
Delivers Appropriate Frictional Requirements
Pressurized ATF squeezes the clutch packs to engage the appropriate gears. The clutch packs include metal plates and other plates coated with frictional material. Engagement and disengagement occur seamlessly to offer the best driving experience.
The fluid’s frictional properties determine whether the moving parts and fluid create crisp shifts. ATF is formulated to offer precise frictional properties, unlike manual transmission fluid.
Protects Gear From Wear
Automatic transmissions include planet, sun, and gear rings, which need protection from wear. ATF forms a durable film on metal surfaces to prevent metal-to-metal surfaces from contacting each other; this helps prevent friction that encourages wear.
Prevents Heat
Automatic transmissions are significantly affected by heat. It chemically breaks down fluid through oxidation. Broken-down fluid encourages sludge and varnish. Which may clog the narrow fuel passages leading to clutch glazing. It makes your car shift, jerk, hesitate, or hard.
Can You Add ATF In Diesel Fuel?
You can ATF to diesel fuel, but you don’t have to overdo it. It is recommended to use a diesel fuel additive built for cleaning the combustion chamber and lubricating the fuel system.
Add a ¼ cup of ATF to 50 liters of diesel to keep the diesel semis or the fuel pump well-lubricated and the engine carbon-free.
What Will Add ATF To Diesel Fuel Do To Your Car?
ATF is a good additive for lubricating injection pumps and injectors. Using a mix of field and ATF keeps the engine parts such as valves, combustion chamber, and injectors cleaner. ATF is an effective additive for preventing premature wear of the injection system.
The only thing is minding about the mix ratio. Adding more ATF makes the engine smoke. Putting too much makes it foamy, prohibiting appropriate lubrication and cooling. It also slows the rotating crankshaft.
Modern diesel fuel formulations contain other additives and alcohol, making adding ATF not a good idea. It may result in the formation of gum and gel or cracking of the injection system.
Does ATF Float On Diesel Fuel?
Transmission fluid doesn’t float on fuel because both are made with hydrocarbons and have a similar base oil level. You can add a small amount of ATF to your diesel fuel, which will mix well. Something is not suitable if the transmission fluid floats on the fuel.
Can You Use ATF As Diesel Fuel?
You can use ATF as diesel fuel only if you have a compatible engine, such as a Powerstroke 7.3L engine from mid-1994 to mid-2003.you can use the fluid alone or add diesel. After using hundreds of gallons, you’ll need to replace your tired injector.
Conclusion
You can add ATF to a diesel engine, although you don’t have to put too much. Little amounts of the fluid prevent premature wear of the injection system. Too much fluid encourages the formation of gum or cracking of the system.
