Product Overview
Power Service Diesel Kleen + Cetane Boost, manufactured by Power Service Products, is a widely recognized diesel fuel additive formulated to clean injectors, boost cetane, and enhance overall engine performance. Designed for use in all types of diesel engines—including pickups, cars, vans, RVs, over-the-road trucks, agricultural equipment, and construction machinery—it caters to owners seeking improved fuel economy, cleaner injectors, and smoother operation. The primary claims highlighted by the manufacturer include up to an 8% improvement in fuel economy, a cetane increase by up to 6 points, reduced power lag, better cold starts, and extended protection for injectors and fuel pumps, especially in Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) environments. The additive is effective for both older diesel systems and modern High Pressure Common Rail (HPCR) engines. Positioned in the mid-range price bracket, the 64oz bottle offers a compelling cost-per-treatment, given its ability to treat up to 250 gallons of diesel fuel. Its widespread appeal is further strengthened by endorsements from major engine manufacturers, such as Cummins, and a long-standing positive reputation among diesel vehicle owners and fleet operators.
Detailed Assessment
Functionality & Benefits
Rating: 5/5 – Diesel Kleen + Cetane Boost delivers on its core promises: it effectively cleans injectors, increases cetane levels by up to 6 points, and adds substantial lubricity to fuel systems increasingly stressed by ULSD. Numerous customer accounts and technical bulletins confirm smoother engine operation, more responsive throttle, easier cold starts, and a genuine improvement in fuel economy (with reports of up to 8% better mileage). The additive is compatible with all diesel fuels, including biodiesel blends, making it versatile for diverse fleets and individual owners.
Technology & Innovation
Rating: 4.5/5 – This product incorporates advanced injector cleaning technology and Power Service’s proprietary Slickdiesel Lubricator, protecting high-precision components from wear. Its ability to prevent and clean deposits in HPCR fuel systems—common in 2007-and-newer engines—demonstrates a notable technical edge over generic additives. While not groundbreaking in the additive realm, its blend of cleaning, lubricity, and cetane-boosting agents is both effective and reliable.
Ease of Use
Rating: 5/5 – Application is straightforward: simply measure and pour the additive into the fuel tank before refueling, following the ratio provided (typically 32 ounces treats 100 gallons). The product is used as a regular part of the refueling process, requiring no special tools or steps. Clear dosage instructions and compatibility with most diesel vehicles enhance its practicality for both enthusiasts and professional drivers.
Market Popularity
Rating: 5/5 – Diesel Kleen + Cetane Boost is among the most recognizable and widely used diesel fuel additives in North America. It enjoys strong repeat usage from both individual owners and fleet managers, and is readily available at major auto parts retailers. The product’s endorsement by Cummins further cements its standing in the market.
Customer Satisfaction
Rating: 4.5/5 – Verified customer feedback is overwhelmingly positive, with users reporting cleaner injectors, longer component life, smoother running engines, and real-world fuel economy gains. Many cite years—sometimes decades—of flawless use, with notable avoidance of costly injector repairs. Minor negative feedback occasionally notes limited effect for engines already in optimal condition, but disappointment is rare.
Competitive Comparison
Rating: 4/5 – Against competitors such as Stanadyne Performance Formula and Howes Meaner Power Kleaner, Diesel Kleen distinguishes itself with its robust cleaning action and cetane boost. While Stanadyne offers slightly more comprehensive water-control properties and Howes is preferred in extreme cold applications due to superior anti-gel, Diesel Kleen excels as a powerful year-round performance additive, especially for users focused on injector hygiene and cetane improvement. It does not provide water remediation, which is the main area competitors may have an advantage.
Performance Results
Rating: 4.5/5 – Measurable benefits include up to 8% improved fuel economy, noticeably smoother idling, faster cold starts, restored engine power, and prolonged injector and pump lifespan. Field reports document reduced smoke and hesitation, particularly in older or high-mileage engines. Some users with “healthy” modern engines report smaller but still positive effects, mainly in throttle response and reduced noise.
Value for Money
Rating: 5/5 – In the mid-range price category, Diesel Kleen + Cetane Boost offers impressive value. Given fuel economy gains, reduced maintenance incidence, and overall longevity improvements, the cost of regular treatment is often offset by savings at the pump and the prevention of expensive injector repairs. The broad treatment capacity of the 64oz bottle further enhances its value proposition for individual and fleet users alike.
Verdict
Power Service Diesel Kleen + Cetane Boost stands out as a top-tier diesel additive that successfully addresses the main pain points faced by diesel owners: injector cleanliness, fuel lubricity in a ULSD world, and performance optimization. Its strongest features are the depth of documented functionality—particularly injector cleaning and cetane enhancement—and its proven cost-effectiveness, with many customers reporting years of uninterrupted service and tangible performance benefits. The only real limitations are the lack of water-dispersant capability, so it may need to be paired with other products in environments where water contamination is a concern, and marginally less dramatic results for already pristine, late-model engines.
Ideal use cases include older diesels experiencing power loss or injector issues, high-mileage trucks looking for maintenance prevention, and any operator seeking to maximize both fuel economy and engine longevity. Its straightforward application, broad compatibility, and marketplace trust make it suitable for everyone from daily drivers and long-haul truckers to agriculture and heavy equipment operators.
Overall, Power Service Diesel Kleen + Cetane Boost is Highly Recommended for most diesel owners, especially those prioritizing injector health and performance in modern or aging engines.
Overall Rating: 4.5/5