Gotta love it (three Fords on the side of the road)...

[DaveMorris]

While we where out driving the truck yesterday, I was explaining to the wife about how diesels (usually non-dodges) can freeze up in the weather we are having.



This conversation was started so I could explain to her why I call her to make sure she gets herself (and the truck) to work every morning. I told our truck was probably the best one for cold weather running so she should be least worried. Well just about as soon as I finish telling her about diesels and cold, we pass a new 6. 0 PS sitting in the middle of the slow lane "dead" and the driver was just cranking away and looked really "unhappy"... I was going to stop and tow him off the highway, but traffic was way to dangerous for me to want to get into harms way.



So then after we did our shopping, we where headed home and saw another 7. 2 PS sitting on the side of the hwy being hand winched onto a flat bed trailer (pulled by a CTD of course) ...



then about 10 miles down the road (sitting at a intersection) there was another 6. 0 PS taking a piggy back ride on top of a roll back tow truck :--) ... .



This story is hard to believe, and if I didn't see it myself I probably won't believe it either but it is very true and now the wife has little better understanding of diesels and how they do/don't work... . Especially the PS's



Dave

 

[rbattelle]

I passed 2 powerstrokes, both 7. 3's, on my way out of town yesterday. Both were in rural areas. One was abandoned on an onramp, the other still had the (irritated) driver in it.



I hope they got back safely, and there was no permanent damage to either truck. In this weather, anyone with a diesel is taking a chance at a freeze-up. I don't take any pleasure in others' misfortune. (Dave, I'm not at all implying that you do! Don't take me the wrong way!)

 

[nickleinonen]

:-laf... i also don't take any pleasure in seeing the misfortune of other diesel drivers, but i do take pleasure in seeing any blue oval on the road dead :-laf

 

[Punkineater]

What does the fuel gelling have to do with Ford? Am I missing something here do the Dodges combat fuel gelling better? Not being antagonistic, but I'm a first time diesel owner and am just wondering. I think the Cummins is the best diesel on the road, but I don't wish misfortune on anyone whether they are driving a blue oval or a GM.

 

[bmoeller]

It could be as simple as they may be new to diesel trucks. Not using fuel additives.



The only time my 6. 9L wanted to gel on me, was when my fuel heater quit. New one solved the problem. Part of the problem was it had straight #2 in it. Was in the shop while I was in the process of putting in new headgaskets. Weather got really cold during the repair. Between waiting for parts, machine work to be done, and having time to work on it, it took me 5 weeks to finish the work.



My Dodge has yet to gel. I've always used an additive during the winter.

 

[Punkineater]

What additives are you guys using in your fuel during the winter?I would rather be safe than sorry.

 

[Andy Morrison]

I've gelled up twice once in my '90 model about 10 years ago. and three weeks ago in my '97. Currently working in NewHampster and I've found that most stations don't sell winterized fuel up here! Pretty stupid if you ask me. Well I had filter changed and got everything thawed out . No problems since. I just use an anti-gell additive plus a little kerosene.



Any diesel can gell.







Andy

 

[TCDiesel]

FORD

It does depend on the engine to a certain amount,If the engine cannot warm the fuel enough or cannot pump it fast enough in extreme temperature -20 plus the electronic heater cannot keep up under certain conditions. Detroit engines have a very good heat and pump system. Some detroit owners have said you can run straight # 2 under any temperature as long you keep the engine running even without a auxiliary heater.

 

[DaveMorris]

Guys don't take me wrong, I am usually the guy the stops and helps most out (on the side of the road), but if saftey is a factor then they are on thier own. . .



I have two guys at work (that use to own fords) they said if the weather got cold enough to need a heavy coat, that those trucks wouldn't start. + Two people in my subdivision that have space heaters under the hoods of thier fords (along with a block heater) so they will cold start. I DON'T understand it myself, but it seems that the majority of the ford truck owners I talk to say that thier trucks REALLY don't like cold weather (starting issues). While I now have faith that my Dodge will cold start to at least 1 degree (so far).



Oo. Oo. Oo.



Dave

 

[pstillo]

Is the 911 additive just use if you are having a gelling problem? can it be used everytime you fill?

 

[HoleshotHolset]

Do NOT run the 911 stuff unless you are completely gelled up and really need to move the truck.



If one of my vehicles ever gelled up... I'd have it towed to a semi-warm garage and add regular anti-gel to the tank and run it.



Matt

 

[pstillo]

thanks for the reply. What will the 911 do?

 

[HoleshotHolset]

If used on a regular basis it could do some damage to your fuel system. It's not meant for regular use... . it's for emergency use only.



Sorry - I should have stated that earlier.



Matt



On edit: It doesn't have any detergent value or lubricity modifiers that normal fuel treatment has in it. All the ingredients are meant to do one thing only - 'melt' the gelled fuel... and not much else.