Diesel Fuel Gelling

[chsdaddy]

Went on a Bow hunt last weekend in northeast NM, unit 2b. We stayed in Dulce NM at a hotel with no plug ins knowing the temp was to fall well below 0. When we got up Saturday morning the trucks started (06 & 07 Duramax's) much to our surprise and the thermometers read -33F. We had added double the amount of fuel treatment and were fine on Saturday. On the way to our hunting area the truck thermometers read -40F at one point. I don't know how accurate they are but I believe it. My only uncovered skin was my lips and my tongue was numb after breathing for only a few minutes.

Sunday it felt colder and the trucks started but my buddies 07 Duramax went into limp mode after the fuel gelled in his filter. It finally thawed and he was able to make it out. My truck was okay. I had changed the fuel filter the day before we left and the new filters are plastic, maybe insulated more.

What do you guys do to get these diesels to run in extreme cold?

 

[KSH]

Use quality diesel "blend in cold temps" and change the filter more often.

 

[Dam Dave]

yep, the filter does its job and traps all the water and junk, guess what freezes first.......................the filter, change it just before the first cold spell and anytime you think you got junk fuel, fuel probably didn't gell, it was just the water that froze

 

[chelseym]

Not very cost effective but you could run a 40% blend of kerosene. If you are already gelled you need to use 911 power service additive to dissolve the wax crystals then treat diesel with kerosene and anti-gel chemical. We have had good results down to -35F with 5% biodiesel. If your not running biodiesel then 40% blend kerosene with chemical should put you down to -40F to -45F.

 

[TIM]

get a gasser and don't worry about it. I am cured of diesals after this weekend when 2 of them wouldn't move. my gasser was running just fine.

 

[chsdaddy]

Yeah the gasser's were running. I will say this cold snap was the coldest I have ever seen, and -10 is typically a normal low where we ride but I can deal with that. It's amazing how much different 30 degrees makes. I was worried about shooting my bow too. How does the cold weather affect your bow limbs?

 

[milehighassassin]

Coolant heater works great for me, of course you need access to 110v electric.

I have NEVER had any water come out of my fuel filter when doing a drain on it.

QUALITY fuel for sure and a good fuel treatment.

 

[TIM]

one of the guys that had a truck that wasn't running owns a shop. He said that his mechanics state it this way. you will use number 2 with additives until you gel up and than you will run staight number 1.



the gasser comment was a joke, but i don't tow enough to ever own a diesel for the price difference in rigs.

I do own 3 big diesel rigs but they are always plugged in and north idaho doesn't get that cold often.

tim

 

[Rattlin_Ram]

50/50blend #2 and #1 with a good additive, and you won't have any problems at all...

 

[chsdaddy]

Only -5F this last weekend, no problems. Where do you buy #1 Diesel?

 

[Rattlin_Ram]

That would depend on where you are I guess.... I just go up to the local station and pump 1/2 tank #2 and 1/2 tank #1.... Add some howes and it's good to go for pretty damn cold. My truck (knock on wood) has never gelled even at -30f and colder sitting out in a snow drift unplugged in these nasty Iowa winds... Only time it didn't start was when my batteries where shot... But also if I can I TRY to plug it in at anything under 0*F.

 

[wjl]

Run a quality filter like Wix. I tried a "cheaper" one and it plugged quickly. Another thing buy your diesel from a place that sells a lot = less time sitting in the ground, i would think less moisture.

 

[coyoteman]

Run a quality filter like Wix. I tried a "cheaper" one and it plugged quickly. Another thing buy your diesel from a place that sells a lot = less time sitting in the ground, i would think less moisture.

And also change it in a timely manner. My company truck started dying over 1/4 throttle today, not gelled just plugged, 20000 miles on it. Made it to the shop though. lol

 

[tudizzle]

If you have a Dmax and it goes into limp mode...unplug the batteries and the code will clear and the truck will run fine.

I have been told it trips for different reasons...frost in the turbo...gelling fuel...


what ever...it fixed it right away

 

[Himark]

50/50blend #2 and #1 with a good additive, and you won't have any problems at all...

This is the answer!^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Stations today with exception of some GOOD truck stops really are only concerned about bottom line or cheapest fuel to get you in the door. They SAY blended but dont post what the blend is. Geographicaly around here a good blend is 70/30 but say down south it can be 90/10. Guys will fill up in one state not realizing whats really in the tank when at the destination. It is imparitive to know your blend or blend it yourself.

The other common mistake is guys buy there additive and think they can double up the dose to help in the cold. <-----this is a myth. You can fill your dang tank with additive and it will ONLY draw the temp down so many degrees from what fuel is in there. ie, straight #2 gets down to say 27 degrees and the additive will draw it down 20 your result is 7 degree cloud point. You cant double the dose and get a 40 degree draw down. Now say you have a good 50/50 blend that by itself will go down to -5 than add our additive it will pull it down another 20 so you will be good to -25.

This is why it is so important to KNOW your blend and then you will know what your additive will get you to. Most likely your buddy filled at a different station than you.