Archived Truck will start, but not accelerate - probable gelling?

[DaveN]

This morning it was 8 below. Had the truck plugged in, it started and ran fine at idle. I let it warm up for 10 minutes or so. Got in, started to go down teh road, and it felt like it was "missing", similar to a gas engine when it misses. I assumed it was just a little cols, so I pokey joe'd down teh road for a mile or so at 25 (that's as fast as it would go) and it was coughing and farting the whole way. I decided that it's probably not real good for it, turned around and idled home. Parked it and took the car.



I suspect that the fuel in the tank was partially gelled. But when I read all the other posts, they say that the truck won't run - period when it gells. Mine runs fine at idle but won't run with any throttle - thoughts? I'm at work now, I was going to go home and try it when it warms up to 15 or 20.



I was also thinking lift pump... .



Thanks



Dave

 

[2-ND TIME]

Must say don't the fuel companies give you fuel that is temperature relevent. Maybe it is just that I am home this time of the year but. Up here the fuel compaines start the winter fuel in September / October. Even years ago when I used the 445 Raycor filter the 2 Micron never plugged up and the truck ran fine at -50*C

 

[DaveN]

Do you think it will start and run OK as long as it's warmer? Or once the fuel gels am I SOL?

 

[sfritts]

you are just starting to gel up. I believe if you keep driving it that way when it is that cold without anti-gel additive you'll be hurting your fuel pump and injection pump, because it is starving for fuel. I use additive and this morning it was -15 deg. and didn't gel. and last week we got down to -24 deg. and it ran OK.

 

[Alan Reagan]

I think starting to gel, also. The fuel was probably in what's called the cloud state. However, in the lines it may have been so cloudy that it wasn't getting enough through the filter to run. Usually the fuel heater in the filter will warm it enough to go but if it can't get through the line, you have a problem.

 

[DaveN]

Thanks guys. Got home, bought some additive, added it to the tank. Took her for a long spin, (it was about 15 degrees warmer) and no problems. I agree, I think I might have been in the borderline stage - we'll see tomorrow morning how she runs.



Thanks again, Dave

 

[jzenk]

Another thought

Hey Dave! If you have trouble with gelling in the future, There's some magic juice out there called Diesel 911. Power Service makes it I believe. I was froze up tighter'n Jonas boat last winter and a trucker stopped by and dumped some in my tank. Let it sit for about a half an hour and it fired up. Then idle her for a bit to circulate the fuel. You should be able to find it at the truck stop. Also keep your tank full when it gets cold. Glad to hear you got 'er running again. Jim