Hammerdown®

In January 1990, Bay Line Railroad began a program of conditioning their fuel with DFT #1500 "HAMMERDOWN". Bay Line continues conditioning their fuel with DFT #1500 "HAMMERDOWN" with repeated results. Fuel used is #2 diesel, both high and low sulfur. Periodic reviews of operating data and expenses by the Chief Mechanical Officer of Bay Line proved that conditioning the fuel has provided the following benefits:

• Fuel savings of 15%
  
• Total elimination of track fires. Prior to treatment Bay line experienced six to eight per year (half required fire department assistance), caused by hard carbon sparks from the locomotive exhausts.
  
• 50% reduction in replacement of cylinder heads and pistons.
  
• No burnt valves or cracked pistons have been encountered since the use of DFT #1500 began.
  
• Oil change frequency has been extended to once every 24 months instead of once every 12 months.
  
• Reduction in overall maintenance costs by about 10%
  
• Exhaust smoke reduced to much less than Florida air emission standards.

The following photographs are of an original power assembly from locomotive #501. The locomotive was acquired "second hand qualified" in May 1990, by Bay Line RR from VMV, Paducah, KY. Estimated age of engine at acquisition was 4 years and about 400,000 to 500,000 miles. Upon acquisition, the unit began to use the conditioned fuel. Since acquired, and up to Sept. 1995, the engine ran another 350,000+ miles. The power assembly was changed September 6, 1995 to replace a broken oil ring on the piston. No pictures could be taken of the injector because it was reinstalled "as is" in the replacement assembly.

Conclusion: 

The pictures demonstrate several of the benefits of conditioning fuel with DFT products. There is an obvious absence of hard carbon buildup and wear on all of the components. The lack of scoring on the cylinder walls show that there were no carbon deposits on the piston and piston rings. By preventing scoring of the cylinder walls, designed compression is maintained and excessive lube oil contamination and consumption is prevented. Note: there will always be a certain amount of lube oil contamination and consumption, even in new engines. DFT products keep the lube oil contamination and consumption to a minimum. 

The obvious lack of hard carbon on the head, valves, and piston crown prove the effectiveness of a more complete and efficient burn from using DFT "Hammerdown" treated fuel. The engine can develop more BTU's of power per pound of fuel than before. Therefore, the engine will develop more power, better fuel efficiency, and less emissions. The cleaning of the head using soap and water further substantiates the absence of hard carbon. 

Without conditioning the fuel with "HAMMERDOWN", it would be virtually impossible to clean these engine parts with soap and water. Furthermore, no hard carbon means less wear. The results of less wear are less oil consumption, maintenance, down time, and replacement part costs. These facts are repeated in all Bay Line diesel engines including railroad maintenance vehicles. 

DFT "HAMMERDOWN" Fuel Conditioners are an investment, not a cost, and are the right choice for a total fuel treatment that is proven to reduce the overall cost of fuel and maintenance.