shade-tree anti-gel?

[ichoplin]

Here in Okla we're experiencing our 2nd ever "blizzard. " I was wondering if there were any shade-tree type solutions to preventing fuel from gelling without using actual anti-gel solutions. Thing is, my truck is slam full of central Texas diesel and I'm not sure if I'll be able to make it out before our temps bottom out(supposed to be -5deg Wed nite here).

Just looking to see if anything else would work to keep diesel from gelling(i. e. kerosene, etc... things anyone might have around their shop).

Thanks,

Ian

 

[Hoefler]

When I was at the KW shop, it was common practice to dump 5 gallons of gasoline in 100 gallons of diesel when thawing one out. But that was in he 80's.

 

[Chief USA]

Add some kerosene. 10% - 20% mix should do it unless you are experiencing extreme cold temps. Some add 2 stroke oil along with it to compensate for the lower lubricity.

 

[ETavernier]

CHoplin,

I lived in Iron Mountain, MI... 100 miles north of Green Bay WI, from 2000-2004. The Truckers there would use Kero 4-5 gallons/100 gallons of diesel. However with the commonrail I would be very cautious about using anything thinner... like gas. (There were truckers that also used gas... )

Eddie

 

[ichoplin]

Thanks guys. Thing is, I have no kero. I only have a few gallons of gas, p/s fluid, maybe some 30wt. I guess I'll have to finish digging my truck out on the a. m. and get some stuff. Okla set all kinds of records today, we had 20" of snow in my town alone. The truck started just fine late this afternoon and I've got it plugged in, so hopefully I can get into town tomorrow.
Ian

 

[AllianceDiesel]

PLEASE don't run anything that isn't designed for a diesel engine, you could get away with it in a 12valve but not in a common rail. The tolerances are very tight and the slightest thing will screw up injectors. Just go out and find a bottle of silver power service or even diesel 911 and maybe use 1/4-1/2 the bottle just to make sure it doesn't gel up

 

[timelessconstructionllc]

ichoplin i hear you. i'm in edmond and it's no better up here. whole town is a solid sheet of ice with snowdrifts on top of it that are 6 foot deep in a lot of places.

 

[MelvinPierce]

PLEASE, just spend $10 and get some power service. Why try to save a couple $, and risk $1000's of repair bills?

Plus, you know it works.

If not gelled, use power service. If gelled, use 9-1-1. Put it in BEFORE you start the engine, so you do not plug the fuel filter with wax.

 

[The patriot]

When I was at the KW shop, it was common practice to dump 5 gallons of gasoline in 100 gallons of diesel when thawing one out. But that was in he 80's.

I used to fuel up and some guys did this every day. I didnt.

Trucks back then were much more tolerant of things like that.

 

[ichoplin]

I'd love to just spend the $10, but even if I get out I think my whole state is closed. I'm not willing to damage my truck either. To be honest, I fully expected to be back in central Texas before this weather hit here at home.
Ian

 

[RCorbeil]

Summer fuel is good for at least -7F before you begin to have any trouble. Winter fuel is good for -40F before it becomes a concern. So far this year only -32F, no trouble starting 09 Jetta or 05 Dodge Cummins, neither plugged in.



Ron

 

[JSzewczyk]

I live in Pittsburgh and have never needed to add any additive. If it is supposed to go below ten degree at night I plug in the block heater. But that is more for my comfort not the fuel in the tank. Good luck. I'm sure there are people that have no idea how to drive in that stuff out there.

 

[ichoplin]

Any idea how regional the winter-blend diesel is distributed? Went out this morning(4deg) and it started just fine. I'm curious if the fuel one can buy in Pa is the same blend as the fuel in Waco, Tx at this time of year.
RCorbeil, that's reassuring info on the fuel temps.
A few years ago, I went to Denver from the Dallas area and had my drag tank full of fuel from Texas. The temp in Colorado on that trip went to -10deg and I gelled up. This is why I'm concerned now.
Ian

 

[The patriot]

I believe the pour/gelpoint/ cetane rating etc. etc. is subjective to each facilities QC dept and terminal manager.

It'll vary a LOT!

 

[telliott]

I live in northeastern colorado, we are supposed to have winterized fuel, but i gelled up last night at round -20. As Patriot said, it apparently varies a lot. If you unknowingly have a little water in your fuel, your in trouble. I wasn't using any additives, but i learned my lesson and will be sure to add something next time it gets this cold.

 

[ichoplin]

I busted out and made to O'Really's. Hopefully all will be well in the a. m.
Thanks guys,
Ian

 

[AllianceDiesel]

Hey I just drove throught peetz today going down to littleton to pick up my buddies 06 mega that he just bought, when we left, the temp was -23 never got about 8 and that was at 3pm. The north platte river was steaming when we crossed it. Oh ya we didn't gel up so thats always good.

 

[fkovalski]

The temperature on 2 Feb at 0500:



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I use all season Stanadyne and still had some performance issues that I attribute to some fuel gelling until it warmed up the next day.







.

 

[ichoplin]

We made it all the way to 20 below yesterday morning, very unusual for Okla. I haven't started it since then, but it's supposed to be near 40 today and almost 70 by Tuesday, crazy.

Ian