Winter and the diesel in my tractor?

[RoyJackson]

I live in canada, niagara falls Ontario more specifically. It gets cold here in the winter obviously and I was wondering if there is anything I need to do to my tractor for the winter. I have heard the fuel could gel but I have no idea why they would sell such a fuel in Canada or what I need to do about it. Can someone please give me some help?

It's definitely not as cold here in southern Pennsylvania, but diesel retailers do change over to "winterized" fuel sometime in October/November.
However, that doesn't help if you have a nearly full tank. These CUT (and I suppose you are discussing a CUT?) ae very frugal when it comes to fuel use and your tank full of "summer" fuel might last all winter (with the potential of gelling).
So, unless you're willing to drain your system and replenish it with winterized fuel, an additive is the way to go.
I just picked up cans of both Power Service and Sea Foam. I'm trying the Power Service first.

BTW, for us with older iron (2000 Deere 4400 here), these additives add upper cylinder lubricants. New diesel fuel, being low sulphur, doesn't lubricate the upper end as well as older fuel. Not required for newer diesels, so I've read...

 

[smstonypoint]

Mixing gasoline is a known method and will not damage the fuel system if not overdone. Generally a 2-4% total gasoline mix is all you should add. Kerosene can also be used, but up to 20% mix.

paul

Not to be argumentative, but the explanation from a mechanical engineer in the link below says mixing gasoline and diesel, even in small doses, is a bad idea.

Mixing Gasoline And Diesel

A bottle of the Power Services additive isn't that expensive and would last most TBN members a long time.

Given the red flags raised in the linked article, mixing gasoline and diesel is being penny-wise and pound-foolish in my opinion.

Just my 2 cents worth.

Steve

 

[Egon]

Want to do damage to your fuel system and engine then mix in gasoline.

Especially if the gasoline has alcohol mixed in. The fuel pump could suffer.

 

[jesseb3@att.net]

The only issues I've had were last winter - my BX fuel pump froze up two days in a row before I could get to a store to buy an additive designed to remove water from the fuel. No issues after that.

Trying to keep a tarp over the 'Bota while running a propane heater under it, in high winds and snow, was a PITA. Once started, she ran great.

Thanks for reminding me to get more additive!

 

[RoyJackson]

The only issues I've had were last winter - my BX fuel pump froze up two days in a row before I could get to a store to buy an additive designed to remove water from the fuel. No issues after that.

Trying to keep a tarp over the 'Bota while running a propane heater under it, in high winds and snow, was a PITA. Once started, she ran great.

Thanks for reminding me to get more additive!

I'm not sure this would have helped....but you might want to add a block heater...that applies to all you folks in "The Great White North". Especially if you leave your machines outside or unheated buildings.

 

[newdeal]

I have a bx2360 and its on full, no way i will burn all that fuel before it gets cold so an additive it will be

 

[ruren]

I'm not sure what sort of fuel filter the BX uses, but if it is the type where you just replace the element I would suggest keeping an extra element around. The only time I couldn't start my old B21 in the winter the element was gooped up. Luckily it was a week day and I was able to get to the dealer and pick up a replacment, but since then I kept a spare around for the few dollars it cost, and made sure to replace it every fall.

The block heater is a great suggestion. I find my current tractor starts pretty well with just the glow plugs but the block heater makes it easier on it when it is really cold. My older Deere backhoe that I plow the parking lot at my office with has to be plugged in for an hour before it will start on those cold days.

 

[Larry Caldwell]

An anti-gel additive is all you need. The cetane boost makes it easier for the fuel to diesel, and will help with low temperature starting. A block heater will keep your engine oil warm enough to pump, and also help cold starting. You didn't mention a temperature range, but if you are out on the prairie where it gets really cold, a block heater or synthetic 5w-40 engine oil is just about required.

The typical diesel you buy is #2 diesel. #1 diesel is the winter blend, and is comparable to kerosene, though it has better lubricant quality. Kerosene does not lubricate well, and will lead to injector and fuel pump failure. DO NOT MIX GASOLINE WITH DIESEL! Not if you want the engine to run next year.

Any water in the system will of course freeze solid, blocking fuel lines, filters and damaging pumps.

 

[bp fick]

I don't put on THAT many hours a year. 60-70, but if someone really still has a full tank of summer diesel in their tank come January, that is really, really low usage. :laughing: No tractor hours from September through December? That's kind of sad.

I guess if this is the case, then planning ahead, I suppose, is necessary. Such a user would have to desist filling it up in after August. Just keep it below half and wait to top it off in December when the "big one" is forecast.

The oil companies aren't making much money off diesel consumers like that!!

 

[Egon]

[QUOTEJust keep it below half and wait to top it off in December when the "big one" is forecast.][/QUOTE]

Then you risk water accumulation due to condensation.

Sometimes you can't win.