If your diesel engine feels sluggish, starts rough, or you’re dealing with more frequent DPF regenerations, a quality cleaner additive might be the fix. Deposits in injectors, turbos, and the DPF can sap performance and fuel economy.
This guide reviews five diesel engine cleaner additive products to help you find the right pick. Each review focuses on specific features like cleaning power, lubricity improvement, and ease of use.
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Archoil AR6400-D Diesel Fuel System Cleaner – Deep Clean
Brand: Archoil
A fast, effective deep cleaner for restoring injector and DPF performance.
The Archoil AR6400-D Diesel Fuel System Cleaner is a concentrated 12-ounce formula designed for a quick, deep clean. You simply pour it into your fuel tank and drive normally—one bottle treats 30 to 40 gallons of diesel. It works rapidly on performance-robbing deposits to restore your fuel system. It also reduces deposit buildup in the DPF, which can help cut down on regeneration frequency.
This additive is ideal when you need a one-time reset for your diesel engine. It removes injector deposits and restores spray patterns for smoother running and improved response. Use it every 5,000 miles or as needed to maintain performance. It’s straightforward and effective for tackling stubborn deposits.
- Rapid-acting deep clean
- Restores injector spray patterns
- Reduces DPF regeneration frequency
- Only treats up to 40 gallons
- Not a maintenance additive
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- EASY TO USE: Pour into the fuel tank and drive normally; one 12 oz bottle treats 30-40 gallons of diesel. Use every 5,000 miles or as needed
- RAPID-ACTING DEEP CLEAN: Concentrated diesel fuel system cleaner designed to work quickly on performance-robbing deposits to restore the fuel system
- CLEANS INJECTORS FAST: Removes injector deposits and restores spray patterns for smoother running, improved response, and more efficient combustion
- RESTORES DPF PERFORMANCE: Reduces deposit buildup to support a cleaner DPF and reduce regeneration frequency
- TURBO DEPOSIT CONTROL: Reduces deposit buildup that affects turbo response, supporting smoother acceleration and restored boost
- MAINTAIN RESULTS WITH AR6500: Follow up with Archoil AR6500 Diesel Treatment at every fill-up to keep the fuel system clean and address insufficient lubricity and cetane levels in diesel from the pump
Archoil Diesel Fuel System Kit – Deep Clean & Maintain
Brand: Archoil
Ideal for a full restoration with deep clean then ongoing protection.
The Archoil Diesel Fuel System Kit combines AR6400-D (12 oz) and AR6500 (40 oz) for a two-step fuel system reset. First, you use the AR6400-D deep cleaner (treats 30-40 gallons) to remove deposits from injectors, turbo, and DPF. Then, you switch to AR6500 at every fill-up for ongoing protection—the 40-ounce bottle treats up to 400 gallons. This kit is suitable for all diesel engines, including modern HPCR systems.
This approach gives you a thorough clean followed by continuous maintenance. The AR6500 improves lubricity by 43% and boosts cetane up to 8 points for smoother combustion. It’s a complete solution that restores injector spray patterns and improves engine response. If you want to start fresh and keep your fuel system clean, this kit delivers.
- Complete clean-and-maintain solution
- Treats up to 400 gallons total
- Works on all diesel vehicles
- Two-step process takes time
- Larger bottle may be heavy
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- TWO-STEP FUEL SYSTEM RESET: Includes AR6400-D Diesel Fuel System Cleaner + AR6500 Diesel Treatment (40 oz) for a complete clean-and-maintain solution
- HOW IT WORKS: Use AR6400-D first for a deep clean (12 oz treats 30-40 gallons), then use AR6500 at every fill-up for ongoing protection (40 oz treats up to 400 gallons)
- FOR ALL DIESEL ENGINES: Suitable for all diesel vehicles and equipment, including modern HPCR systems
- CLEANS INJECTORS & RESTORES RESPONSE: Removes injector deposits and restores spray patterns for smoother running, improved response, and more efficient combustion
- IMPROVES LUBRICITY (ASTM D6079): AR6500 is tested to improve lubricity by 43% to protect fuel system components, including wear-sensitive parts like the CP4 pump
- BOOSTS CETANE UP TO +8: AR6500 raises cetane up to 8 points for faster ignition, smoother combustion, and improved drivability
- SUPPORTS DPF & REDUCES REGENS: Targets deposit formation to help keep the DPF clean and reduce regeneration frequency – supporting performance and fuel economy
- KEEPS TURBO CLEAN: Reduces deposit formation that impacts turbo response for restored boost and smoother acceleration
Hot Shot's Secret Diesel Extreme – Clean & Water Control
Brand: Hot Shot's Secret
Great for cleaning, water removal, and fuel stabilization in one bottle.
Hot Shot’s Secret Diesel Extreme is a concentrated 64-ounce additive that treats up to 160 gallons of diesel. It cleans the tank, lines, and injectors while also removing free water from the system. This helps prevent corrosion and fuel degradation. It also stabilizes fuel, boosts cetane, and lubricates the fuel pump and injectors for smoother operation.
This product is particularly useful if you’re dealing with water contamination or storing diesel for a while. It’s a versatile cleaner that tackles multiple issues at once. The lubricity improvement protects wear-sensitive parts like the CP4 pump. It’s a good all-rounder for maintaining fuel system health and restoring engine performance.
- Cleans tank, lines, and injectors
- Removes free water from fuel
- Stabilizes fuel and boosts cetane
- Large 64 oz bottle may be bulky
- Only treats 160 gallons per bottle
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- Clean Out The Tank, Lines And Injectors
- Remove Free Water From The System
- Stabilize Fuel, Boost Cetane
- Lubricate The Fuel Pump And Injectors
Archoil AR6500 Diesel Treatment – Protection at Every Fill-Up
Brand: Archoil
Excellent for daily maintenance to protect fuel system and boost cetane.
The Archoil AR6500 Diesel Treatment is a 40-ounce maintenance additive designed for use at every fill-up. Its long neck and built-in measuring chamber make dosing simple: each bottle treats up to 400 gallons. It is suitable for all diesel engines, including modern HPCR systems. It improves lubricity by 43% (ASTM D6079) to protect fuel system components like the CP4 pump.
In addition to lubricity, it boosts cetane up to 8 points for faster ignition and smoother combustion. Many engines run best around a cetane of 50-55, and this additive helps achieve that. It also reduces injector and turbo deposits over time. This is the perfect product for ongoing protection after an initial deep clean.
- Easy measuring chamber for dosing
- Improves lubricity by 43%
- Boosts cetane up to 8 points
- Not a deep cleaner on its own
- Requires regular use for best results
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- EASY USE AT EVERY FILL-UP: Add directly to the fuel tank at each fill-up. The long neck and measuring chamber make treating fuel simple. One 40 oz bottle treats up to 400 gallons
- FOR ALL DIESEL ENGINES: Suitable for use in all diesel vehicles and equipment – light-duty, heavy-duty, pickup, SUV, van, RV, etc. (including modern HPCR systems)
- IMPROVES LUBRICITY (ASTM D6079): Tested to improve lubricity by 43% to help protect fuel system components, including wear-sensitive parts like the CP4 pump
- BOOSTS CETANE UP TO +8: Raises cetane up to 8 points for faster ignition, smoother combustion, and improved drivability; many engines run best around 48–50 while pump diesel is often 40–45
- CLEANS INJECTORS: AR6500's detergent package removes injector deposits and restores spray patterns for improved atomization, supporting better performance and fuel economy
- SUPPORTS DPF & REDUCES REGENS: Targets deposit formation to help keep the DPF clean and reduce regeneration frequency – restores performance, fuel economy, and extends DPF lifespan
- KEEPS TURBO CLEAN: Helps reduce fuel soot and deposit formation that impacts turbo response, restoring boost and smoother acceleration
Archoil AR6500 Diesel Treatment Two Pack – Value Maintenance
Brand: Archoil
Best value for consistent lubricity and cetane boost across many tanks.
The Archoil AR6500 Diesel Treatment Two Pack delivers two 40-ounce bottles, each treating up to 400 gallons—800 gallons total. This is a value option for high-mileage drivers or those maintaining multiple diesel vehicles. It offers the same benefits: improved lubricity by 43% to protect wear-sensitive parts, cetane boost up to 8 points, and easy dosing at every fill-up.
This pack is perfect if you want to keep a steady supply on hand for ongoing maintenance. The formula works in all diesel engines and helps reduce injector deposits over time. By using it regularly, you maintain fuel efficiency and engine smoothness. It’s a cost-effective way to ensure your diesel gets consistent protection.
- Great value with 800 gallons treatment
- Same easy dosing as single bottle
- Protects against CP4 pump wear
- Two bottles may be more than needed
- Not a deep cleaner
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- EASY USE AT EVERY FILL-UP (2-Pack Value): Add directly to the fuel tank at each fill-up. Includes two 40 oz bottles – each treats up to 400 gallons (800 gallons total)
- FOR ALL DIESEL ENGINES: Suitable for use in all diesel vehicles and equipment – light-duty, heavy-duty, pickup, SUV, van, RV, etc. (including modern HPCR systems)
- IMPROVES LUBRICITY (ASTM D6079): Tested to improve lubricity by 43% to help protect fuel system components, including wear-sensitive parts like the CP4 pump
- BOOSTS CETANE UP TO +8: Raises cetane up to 8 points for faster ignition, smoother combustion, and improved drivability; many engines run best around 48–50 while pump diesel is often 40–45
- CLEANS INJECTORS: AR6500's detergent package removes injector deposits and restores spray patterns for improved atomization, supporting better performance and fuel economy
- SUPPORTS DPF & REDUCES REGENS: Targets deposit formation to help keep the DPF clean and reduce regeneration frequency – restores performance, fuel economy, and extends DPF lifespan
- KEEPS TURBO CLEAN: Helps reduce fuel soot and deposit formation that impacts turbo response, restoring boost and smoother acceleration
Buyer’s Guide: What to Consider
A diesel engine cleaner additive helps restore performance by removing deposits and improving fuel quality. Consider these factors when choosing.
- Cleaning Depth: Look for a cleaner that targets injector, turbo, and DPF deposits for comprehensive results.
- Lubricity Additives: Lubricity improvers protect the fuel pump and injectors, especially important for modern high-pressure systems.
- Cetane Boost: A higher cetane boost means faster, cleaner combustion and smoother starting.
- Treat Ratio: Check how much diesel one bottle treats to match your tank size and driving habits.
- Usage Frequency: Some products are designed for a one-time deep clean, while others are intended for ongoing maintenance.
Conclusion
Choosing the right diesel engine cleaner additive depends on your needs. For a one-time deep clean, the Archoil AR6400-D works fast. For ongoing protection, the Archoil AR6500 offers lubricity and cetane boost at every fill-up.
If you want a complete restoration, the Archoil Diesel Fuel System Kit combines both. Hot Shot’s Secret Diesel Extreme is a versatile choice for cleaning and water removal. Pick the one that fits your routine and keep your diesel running smoothly.