T&T: Soltron diesel fluid

[bob Austin]

Soltron. (marketed under the Xbee. label throughout Europe) is distributed in
the US by Solpower and appears to be available at NAPA stores.  It is also
marketed at marine stores as Startron (All that I can find shows that these
are the same product).

I have always had some question about fuel addatives, but a friend had gelled
diesel fuel in an intergral tank which he had forgotten about years ago.  This
tank was "rediscovered" when the engine was changed out in Gibralter and the
fuel was too thick to pump out.  The yard added Soltron and after the Atlantic
crossing the fuel was liquid and easily pumped out.  I had similar experience
to Ron, in that it seemed to slightly decrease smoking.  Recently I had some
older fuel in both a gas engine runabout and my diesel truck and even though I
had used stabalizers, the engines were running a little rough.  I put in
Startron and both engines smoothed out. Certainly not scientific, but enough
that I am adding the Startron/Soltron to any fuel that stays in the tanks for
more than a couple of weeks. (along with fuel stabalizers).  The Soltron is an
enzymatic addative, and different than Sta-bil.

Bob Austin