Winter Fuel for dummies?!?

[tc24guy]

Ok, now that I have had my first experience with a frozen fuel filter. I have been introduced to the "can of worms" of winter fuel blends and additives. Over the past 5 yeas it hasn't been a problem so I've never worried about it but this year my garage space has been limited and the tractor stayed outside longer then I planned and the filter froze.

So can someone explain the additives, mixes, blends and recommended fuels to use?

 

[bp fick]

As shared on the other thread, this problem was much more due to the presence of water, than gelling of diesel. Still, the check list is important to review.

For most CUT owners, the local Fuel Mart where they purchase their diesel must be reputable and care for their underground storage tanks. If you see a pattern of watery gas or diesel, it's time to buy somewhere else.

The change over from summer to winter is a progression, not a moment in time. This begins taking place in late September and the tank should be completely changed over by mid to late November.

Every owner/operator accepts responsibility for his tractor's operation with the onset of cold weather in autumn. There is no better time to replace the fuel filters and change the engine oil/filter if needed.

The majority of guys here on TBN seem to prefer a shot of Howse or Power Services treatment in every fuel can they fill. The cost is so minimal.

Finally, common recommendations include keeping the tractor fuel tank full to abate condensation. If storing a tractor outside, measures might be considered to provide some minimal protection through the use of tarps.

Waking up to a frozen fuel filter, on a bitter cold January morning is simply no fun. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. This harsh winter has demonstrated that even the fellows in the deep South were not exempt.

 

[Duffster]

Ok, now that I have had my first experience with a frozen fuel filter. I have been introduced to the "can of worms" of winter fuel blends and additives. Over the past 5 yeas it hasn't been a problem so I've never worried about it but this year my garage space has been limited and the tractor stayed outside longer then I planned and the filter froze.

So can someone explain the additives, mixes, blends and recommended fuels to use?

Look to me like more of a water problem than a fuel gel problem.

 

[George2615]

I agree. Looks more like water was in the fuel. Its not gelled, its frozen. Stations that sell a high volume of diesel have less problem with water getting in their tanks but it does happen. Looks like you may need to flush your fuel tank and lines and start with a new batch of diesel. You can use additives as memtioned, they will help prevent gelling but won't remove that much water.

 

[B8FISH]

I think a major key to this comment is how much fuel you burn--if you don't "turn over" your whole tank in the fall--you will be burning summer blended fuel in the winter--and have the associated problems!!


The change over from summer to winter is a progression, not a moment in time. This begins taking place in late September and the tank should be completely changed over by mid to late November.

Every owner/operator accepts responsibility for his tractor's operation with the onset of cold weather in autumn. There is no better time to replace the fuel filters and change the engine oil/filter if needed.

The majority of guys here on TBN seem to prefer a shot of Howse or Power Services treatment in every fuel can they fill. The cost is so minimal.

Finally, common recommendations include keeping the tractor fuel tank full to abate condensation. If storing a tractor outside, measures might be considered to provide some minimal protection through the use of tarps.

Waking up to a frozen fuel filter, on a bitter cold January morning is simply no fun. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. This harsh winter has demonstrated that even the fellows in the deep South were not exempt.[/QUOTE]

 

[coobie]

I can,t say it enough,anti-gel added in the winter months will save you a lot of grief later on.I would not depend on any fuel supplier to add the correct amount of additives to my fuel.coobie.

 

[Mark_in_NH]

I think a major key to this comment is how much fuel you burn--if you don't "turn over" your whole tank in the fall--you will be burning summer blended fuel in the winter--and have the associated problems!!

The above statement is Exactly why I treat my fuel ALL year long. For me and my normal usage, it just makes the onset of cold weather that much more "Worry Free" !

 

[coobie]

The above statement is Exactly why I treat my fuel ALL year long. For me and my normal usage, it just makes the onset of cold weather that much more "Worry Free" !

Mark,I could not agree more with your statement.I treat my fuel year around also with anti-gel and centane booster just to be safe.coobie.

 

[tc24guy]

thanks but I was kind of hoping this thread would take a different path. bp you have been most helpful. More along the lines of different fuels and what the blends mean, I have been reading about different blends with numbers like #1 and #2 and K1 kerosene instead of spending hours searching through different threads and putting bits and pieces together it would be nice to get that info condenced in to one thread. I understand what the problem was with the tractor and I should have stated that there was another thread on that issue. So, educate me on diesel fuel if you would. Or point me to a good past post or online article.

Thanks
TC 24 Guy


and where do you guys purchase Howse and Power Services treatments?

 

[coobie]

thanks but I was kind of hoping this thread would take a different path. bp you have been most helpful. More along the lines of different fuels and what the blends mean, I have been reading about different blends with numbers like #1 and #2 and K1 kerosene instead of spending hours searching through different threads and putting bits and pieces together it would be nice to get that info condenced in to one thread. I understand what the problem was with the tractor and I should have stated that there was another thread on that issue. So, educate me on diesel fuel if you would. Or point me to a good past post or online article.

Thanks
TC 24 Guy


and where do you guys purchase Howse and Power Services treatments?

There is some good reading not to far below your post called fuel gelling,good read.Wally world has power service and any truck stop should have howes fuel treatment.coobie