Diesel Fuel, how cold before Gel

[WM-300]

This is my first diesel and I have concerns about fuel gel at sub zero temps. We live very remote in the mountains and sure dont want to get hung up on the road.



I buy Mobil Diesel Fuel at a truck stop on the Interstate which is cut for winter. How cold can you trust quality Diesel from a truck stop before you worry about gel ? Does it pay or is it smart to add one of the additives to further protect from gel.



Its 28 below zero this morning, and I am not sure I want to head out on a 50 mile trip?



Paul

 

[Dean Upson]

If you are getting the fuel from a local truckstop in up state New York, I would not worry about it gelling. Especially if this is a large volume operation that gets frequent fuel deliveries. The truckers would get pretty upset with a fuel source that did not treat their fuel properly.



Dean

 

[MCharlebois]

fuel

i buy power service buy the case--2. 41 a quart last time-i think a quart should last at least three fill ups ... ... ..... i very small price to pay for peace of mind-sure you may not need it but????how much would it cost if you did gel up-i would not take any chances being up in the mountians-plus it lubricates fuel system

 

[Prairie Dog]

I've had it gel at temps just above zero. Mostly because I had very little fuel in the tank. At -28 I'd be very concerned. Besides, additive is cheap and while the better ones will give you increased performance and better lubrication for your high pressure pump, any brand will keep it from gelling.

 

[GIT-R-DONE]

Gellin Fuel

I would not ever trust a big truck stop to sell you "cut" fuel. I did that once... ... ... was told the fuel was cut and ended up along the side of the road. "Cut" the fuel yourself. Then you don't have to worry about it. Don

 

[WM-300]

Will it hurt

Will it hurt the engine to use an anti gell additive in proper porportions with so called cut fuel at a truck stop? I agree on the piece of mind. the cost is nothing.



Paul

 

[TboneMan]

WM-300,



Where in the Adirondack are you? I get up there several time a year. In fact I was in Newcomb this week (just east of Long Lake).



My guess is that you are getting fuel at Longway's (unless your on the Northway side of the mountains).



I've been up there in the winter several times in sub-zero and have never had a problem.



Try to keep the tank at least half full, and remember that warm fuel is being recycled back to the tank from your injection pump (assuming the 3rd gens work like the 2nd gens. ) If you are driving daily, the fuel in the tank is being "heated". The reserve heat helps keep the tank from gelling.

 

[JWChessell]

Fleetguard

Last September Fleetguard -- the oil division of Cummins -- came out with an anti-gel and fuel stabilizing product. I bought two bottles through my local Cummins dealer. It was so new I had to get the part number by phone from Fleetguard so the local Cummins dealer could order it. I'm sorry, I'm on the road and don't have the part number with me. If you go to Fleetguard.com you should be able to find their 800 telephone number and get the info.

 

[GIT-R-DONE]

WM-300, I have had these Cummins now for 11-12 years . Only once, the first truck I had, did the fuel gel, the Fuel station told me they cut the fuel themselves. Two days later the truck just quit on me, got it towed to a heated garage. After a nite in the garage it was ok. I cut my fuel now, but I use what NAPA has on the shelf, anti-gel, injector cleaner. I am sure there are others and probably others that are better, but that has always worked for me. Generally the temps here don't go below -5 , -10 deg. I treat the fuel like its not even cut at all and its my job to do it, so I do. Don

 

[WM-300]

TBone Man

I am in Schroon Lake on the Northway Side where its -17 below right now. I am getting my fuel at Mobil at exit 26. But am now (as of today) adding Arctic Express. Its going to get brutal cold again tonight.



Paul