Mdr Fuel Additive
MDR Fuel Additives: Marine-Proven Fuel Protection Since 1966
MDR (Marine Development & Research) has spent more than five decades earning its reputation as one of the marine industry's most trusted names in fuel care. Founded in 1966, the brand was built on a straightforward mission: develop products that solve the real-world challenges boaters face on the water. Nowhere is that expertise more evident than in their line of fuel additives, which are engineered specifically for the demands of marine engines — not adapted from automotive formulas as an afterthought.
A Lineup Built Around Water — the Marine Engine's Biggest Enemy
Water contamination is the defining threat to any marine fuel system. Condensation, leaky filler cap gaskets, and reformulated gasoline are all common culprits. MDR's flagship Water Zorb and Gas Zorb product lines attack this problem head-on. Gas Zorb absorbs water in the fuel tank and allows it to burn safely through the engine — a critical capability for vessels that spend their lives in a humid, salt-laden environment. Equally important, all MDR fuel additives contain no methanol or alcohol , distinguishing them from many competing treatments that introduce the very solvents boaters are trying to avoid.
For diesel-powered vessels, MDR's Diesel Water Zorb addresses the same water-in-fuel problem tailored to diesel chemistry, while the Diesel Fuel Conditioner & Cetane Booster takes engine performance a step further. It increases the cetane rating, keeps injectors and screens clean, reduces smoke and diesel knock, provides internal lubrication to prevent corrosion, and helps reduce engine deposit build-up and maintenance costs. At a treat rate of just one ounce per eight gallons of fuel, it's an efficient solution for high-use diesel applications.
Ethanol Treatment and Seasonal Storage Solutions
Modern pump gasoline blended with ethanol (E10) creates a unique set of problems for marine engines — phase separation being the most dangerous. MDR's E-Zorb is engineered specifically for this challenge. E-Zorb is notably one of the only fuel additives tested by Practical Sailor that claims to restore already-separated fuel , placing it in a category above conventional storage additives. For boaters who want proactive protection, MDR also offers X-TEND, a dedicated storage additive for ethanol-blended gasoline.
Seasonal storage is another area where MDR's lineup shines. The Gasoline Start Fresh spring treatment is formulated to wake up fuel that has been sitting over the winter, helping engines turn over cleanly at the start of a new boating season. These products complement MDR's broader commitment to keeping marine fuel systems free of sludge, varnish, and microbial growth — particularly relevant for diesel tanks where sludge caused by water, corrosion, rust, dirt, and microbes can accumulate during layup periods.
Why MDR Stands Apart in Marine Fuel Care
Since 1966, MDR has been recognized as a leader in outstanding products for both the avid and casual boater, revolutionizing the marine industry with innovative and environmentally friendly solutions. Their fuel additive range reflects that legacy — purpose-built chemistries, alcohol-free formulations, and a broad portfolio that covers gasoline, diesel, ethanol-blended fuels, and multi-season storage needs. Whether you're prepping for spring launch or winterizing for the off-season, MDR has a treatment designed for the job. Explore the full fuel additive category or browse all MDR products to find the right solution for your vessel.