Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Cold weather Fass Problems?

[EHediger]

After battling lift pump and 2 VP-44 injection pump failures the second of witch I had to pay for. I recently installed a FASS system only to hear rumors that I will probably have problems this winter when it gets cold?? I work in Wyoming and live in Colorado where temp can go pretty low. My truck is an 02 3500 6spd welding rig so breakdowns mean no income. Any info that would shed some light on this would be appreciated.

 

[1965LONEWOLF]

I Wou;d Like To Know Too , I Travel To Vermont Alot During The Winter ,

 

[GMcLeod]

I live in Lander, WY and have had my FASS system for the last two winters with no problems. I know FASS has a port for a heater but haven't determined how it works. I have my FASS mounted right where the instructions say and don't have any protection or enclosure like some of the other members have done on this site and have had zero problems. I will say that when I'm on the mountain snowmobiling and the truck sits all day at -30 deg fahrenheit I cycle the heater three times and, knock on wood, it's started every time so far, although it's been a sick sounding truck until it comes up on speed. This will be my first full Winter with the SMARTY and I have very high expectations with the high idle and all. Oo.

 

[johncameron]

My FASS was flawless all last winter even in -40 degree weather. If there is a problem I'd bet it is your fuel gelling not your pump.

 

[RTillery]

I did a Fass11 and left the stock filter with heater in place. I have run down to about 20 below coming across Wyoming last winter with no problem. It has been rock solid for about 65K.

 

[cmonroe]

I live at 9200 feet in the mountains of Colorado. My FASS has been on for almost two years with no cold weather problems. I have started down to -38 so I dont think you will have any problems.

 

[steved]

My FASS was flawless all last winter even in -40 degree weather. If there is a problem I'd bet it is your fuel gelling not your pump.

Exactly... I ran over 300 miles in -25*F weather with my FASS... it performed flawlessly. I also ran lots of antigel additive too, if the fuel gels, there isn't a fuel pump made that will pump it... and if there was, how would the IP handle it.



The heater ports on the fass are for coolant... you need to plumb lines from the heater hoses to the FASS and back... I did't.



I have a 100 watt pad heater (12 volt) that I would stick to the filter if I felt it was needed, but after the -25* thing... I won't be adding it either.



I was also going to experiment adding a diesel glow plug to the FASS heater ports to serve the same purpose... have the glow plugs, but lost interest/desire to do this when I didn't have issues... it would have sorta been what the veggie oil boys do... the glow plug would be a great source of concnetrated heat.



steved

 

[TJarecke]

We had problems with the FASS and cold weather this past winter. I think it was bad fuel not the FASS. We just kept blowing fuses.

I believe the FASS heating system has to do with coolant running through it. So a person would have to plumb lines in from the radiator.

If you are worried about it.

#1 buy fuel from truck stops, etc. Places that go through a lot of fuel and are known for good fuel.

#2 antigel is a good idea. Whatever your brand of choice.

#3 there are filter wraps to heat the filters to avoid the problems we had. The place I saw them last was a website that sold components to run grease instead of diesel.

 

[steved]

#3 there are filter wraps to heat the filters to avoid the problems we had. The place I saw them last was a website that sold components to run grease instead of diesel.

I think the maker was "Arctic Fox"... I saw them once... it is a Canada-based company, that I know for sure. I was in contact with them about it... they were removeable and reuseable.



I think the main concern with colder weather isn't fuel gelling completely, but that the wax in the fuel crystalizes partially and plugs the particulate filter...



steved

 

[jamnram]

I had my VP replaced by Industrial Injection in Salt Lake, at the same time I had a FASS installed. They sell some kind of electric heater that installs on the FASS. I don't know much about it, how it works, what temp it kicks on, etc. and living in Vegas don't really have the need, but had it installed anyway because I sometimes go to Idaho in the winter. You could give them a call and ask about it.

 

[steved]

I had my VP replaced by Industrial Injection in Salt Lake, at the same time I had a FASS installed. They sell some kind of electric heater that installs on the FASS.

If you look here:



http://www.tdr1.com/forums/showthread.php?t=143174&highlight=Fass



There is a spin-on heater that installs between the water separator and the FASS I found that Cummins (Fleetguard) sells... I never tried it, but in theory and research, it should work.



steved

 

[LowFly]

Keeping Anti-Gel Additive in the tank in the winter is a must for proper operation. Like others have said, if the fuel gels, no pump will push it! The filters will get clogged up and all fuel flow will stop until warmed back up.



Talk to AKRam. He has a FASS in Alaska. I think he is running a preheater of sorts.



What one can do it spray the FASS with water and let it Freeze. Keep iceing it in to keep it warm... . as you know that ice is 0* C. This is warmer than -20*C. The ice would act as an insulator of sorts.