What do I need to know about buying diesel fuel for my Kubota?

[jodebg]

Just purchased a 2004 B7800. Need to fill my new diesel fuel cans.

Are there different types of diesel fuel, better brands, etc.?

Before heading to a gas station tomorrow, I thought it would
be good to ask those who have been using diesel fuel what their
advise is.

I live in CT and weather is already averaging 25-35 degrees/daytime temp.

What additives to use, also.

Thanks

 

[whistlepig]

I bought my B7800 new in 2007. I buy diesel at the gas stations. Mostly BP but whatever is the most convenient. This is already treated for cold weather. I have never added any additives. Perhaps I should but the tractor still runs like new after 900 hours. I don't keep much diesel on hand during the hard winter months. The tractor tank full and another 6 gallon can for backup.

 

[Soundguy]

i'd add addatives for lubricity...

 

[whistlepig]

i'd add addatives for lubricity...

Soundguy would know better than me.

 

[jodebg]

What brand of additives do you use?

 

[Soundguy]

Soundguy would know better than me.

not specifically.. I'm no fuel engineer nor did i sleep in a holidy in express recently.. I just figure I'm hedging my bets.

adding a fuel mod certaintly does no harm, costs little.. and if the fuel lubricity is low.. you are getting a benefit. fuel lubricity is one of those magic things.. not enough is bad. a lil too much is not bad.

I'll spend the extra 75 cents a tank and get the bottle of power service that treats 250 gallons and add the mix in to the fuel as I use it.

at worst.. I've wasted 75 cents, and done no harm. at best.. I've saved wear parts in my fuel system.

as a side benefit.. in an area where fuel can gel.. if you accidentally got some non treated fuel.. you may save yourself from standing out on a cold morning with a hair dryer and new filter trying to get a machine started.

I may be wasting my money.. but I sleep better doing so.

 

[Soundguy]

i try to use power service ( bottle specific for needs.. ie.. cleaner.. anti gel.. biocide..e tc. )

I have occasionally used howes.. but it is difficult to find here locally. TSC sometimes stock it.. but not always.

In a pinch.. I have no problem using a store brand treatment like supertech, napa, car quest.. or even the stp brands ... again.. not my first choice.. but I'd prefer some lube addative vs none.. even if it is un-needed.

if I ever see crud or biologicals in my can, I will treat with a biocide and a cleaner as well... I DO change my fuel filter and drain my water seperators and drain offs at good interval...

 

[mjonesnh]

After I lost the only local source for red dyed off road diesel a few years ago I started purchasing D2 from BP or Shell from same pump the diesel pickups used and added a shot of white bottle Power Service into the fuel tank for added lubricity. This seems to be a good option for me as I have had zero issues with fuel or gelling issues.

 

[whistlepig]

i try to use power service ( bottle specific for needs.. ie.. cleaner.. anti gel.. biocide..e tc. )

I have occasionally used howes.. but it is difficult to find here locally. TSC sometimes stock it.. but not always.

In a pinch.. I have no problem using a store brand treatment like supertech, napa, car quest.. or even the stp brands ... again.. not my first choice.. but I'd prefer some lube addative vs none.. even if it is un-needed.

if I ever see crud or biologicals in my can, I will treat with a biocide and a cleaner as well... I DO change my fuel filter and drain my water seperators and drain offs at good interval...

Good advice. So good I'll take it myself. I do keep my fuel filters crispy clean. I have never had any water problems (yet).

 

[Soundguy]

down here in florida, it seems the water is more of an issue.. and thus the biologicals.

it's very humid here, and occasionally we get radical temp inversions.. even in the summer. makes for lots of condensation.

Also.. I know for a fact now and then a few stations are selling wet fuel. It may be less of an issue in the northern areas or with less humidity perhaps. Down here.. i just take it for matter of fact that I treat my fuel.

If you are not getting water issues.. you are way ahead of the curve. lack of water really inhibits the biologicals!