Cold Weather/Winter Preparation

[stg2500]

Since it is starting getting cold I have a few questions since this will be the first winter with the Cummins.



I just fueled up and inquired about whether the station had winter fuel yet. They said that it isn't available until sometime in November. I know that the fuel filter housing has a fuel heater but should I be running fuel conditioner during the cold weather when winter fuel is not available? Should it be used with the winter fuel as well? The owners manual does not seem to recommend the use of conditioner. I have used this in the diesels that I have owned in the past.



Are winter fronts a real necessity or is it just a nice thing to have to get the truck up to temp earlier? I was considering getting the winter front that was offered in the last TDR issue.



Are there any other preparations that I should make prior to winter setting in.



Thanks in advance for the assistance.

 

[EricBu12]

Use of the "anti Gel" stuff is ok as soon as it is a little colder. It works well with all diesel fuel.



I make the Fronts that are on the TDR mag. I am making them for the 94-up non sport.

If you have the sport, then I knock $5 off so you can trim them to size (I don't have a template for the sport)

If the former, then send $25 total to my address and I will shoot one out to you.

The best way to help heat up the engine is restrict air flow. when these are on, you get some air from the lower holes but it is enough restriction to help warm up.

E-mail me at

-- email address removed --

The E-mail address in the mag is wrong



Eric

 

[DAWG-1]

Fan

Remove the fan on engine. I have had mine off for a couple of weeks. The temps have been up to 70* and have not seen the engine temps go over 190*. I have located a 16" electric fan that will fit in the opening. If I ever need to cool the Cummins down I will be able too. If you tow all the time you can either leave the stock fan on or buy a Horton electromagnetic fan clutch and cover part of the radiator. Sam

 

[stg2500]

Another concern

Should I change the type of oil that I use for the winter? I have been running Shell Rotella T since I purchased the truck in April.

 

[BigDaddy]

Brrrrrrrrr

The owner’s manual and Cummins state, that a fuel additive is not required. That being said, I use HOWES fuel additive year round. Lubricator Anti Gel in the winter and Meaner Power Kleaner in the summer. I use it religiously. Pretty good stuff. If it gels they will pay the tow.



I use a winter cover and it does help maintain normal operating temperatures. However, at idle it does nothing to speed warm-up. With my cover, I see about 180 – 185 degree’s on the highway.



You should be fine with the Shell Rotella. I use Delo 15W-40 year round. No problems starting.



Hope this helps.

 

[Fireman Dave]

I run 15w-40 all year round - no problem. I never used a winter front last year - had the same questions as you. I drove to SD in below zero temps and never had any heating problems in the cab - stayed warm as toast. So I don't think the winter front is necessary - although some guys like it for quicker heater warm-up. I do plug it in when it's cold to be a little easier on the engine. This also helps the heat come quicker in the cab after driving. I run Power Service in my fuel for gel prevention - for piece of mind as much as anything else. It's also good for the injectors.

 

[Steve Campbell]

I am a fan of the winter front (probably makes a 10-15 deg difference in gel up temperatures if everything else is the same), fuel additive ( lube year round and anti-gel in winter) I am going fanless this winter (for the first time) and I made an insulated shield for my fuel filter that is open on the engine side to keep more heat at that critical point so that I hopefully don't find myself stranded on the side of the road with gel up problems. Working on the top half of the tank in the winter is a good idea. If you are headed to cold country-fuel up there-not before you leave the warm climate.

 

[stg2500]

Fuel Additives

Thanks for the info it is a great help.



Where can you find the Howes and Power Service fuel additives?



Can they be found at the local parts store or do I need to go to the local truck stop.



Thanks

 

[BigDaddy]

Truck Stops for HOWES

I know both Pilot and TA always have it on the shelf.



I think Wally World carries the PS.

 

[Coop]

I used to use the Howes, but didn't want to switch between the meaner cleaner in the summer and the regular in the winter. So I switched to Stanadyne. Their performance formula is good year round.



For the oil, its still 15W-40, but I did switch to Amsoil full synthetic.



I didn't run winter guards for the first half of my first winter. When 20 miles later I wasn't anywhere near operating temps, I decided to buy them. I'm not willing to run fanless, but am considering switching to Horton or an electric fan.



JMO

 

[BigDaddy]

Coop,



You don't have to switch every season. It is just my preference.



From HOWES site Howes Lubricator® Diesel Treat Anti-Gel Summer/Winter