Oil & Fuel Gelled Fuel - How Much Additive

/ Gelled Fuel - How Much Additive #1  

MarkF48

Gold Member
Joined
Apr 28, 2011
Messages
463
Location
Massachusetts
Tractor
Mahindra 2216
No joy with fuel gel on a 10 deg F morning and the tractor didn't like it. Have been adding Power Service Fuel Supplement +Cetane Boost at about 2oz per 5 gals of fuel (directions on the 32oz container are 8oz per 25 gals) so slightly more than recommended. This is added to the jug of fuel prior to adding to the tractors tank, so it should be mixed well and I have run the tractor in warmer weather, so it should be in the filter and rest of the system. Does it seem the 2oz/5gals should be enough or should I kick up the amount during cold weather or use the same ratio plus add the 911 additive in its recommended amount as well.
 
/ Gelled Fuel - How Much Additive #2  
I use Howse fuel lubricant. I put 1 oz in each of my 5 gal cans before I fill them. I use it year round. I would think 'use as directed'
 
/ Gelled Fuel - How Much Additive #3  
No joy with fuel gel on a 10 deg F morning and the tractor didn't like it. Have been adding Power Service Fuel Supplement +Cetane Boost at about 2oz per 5 gals of fuel (directions on the 32oz container are 8oz per 25 gals) so slightly more than recommended. This is added to the jug of fuel prior to adding to the tractors tank, so it should be mixed well and I have run the tractor in warmer weather, so it should be in the filter and rest of the system. Does it seem the 2oz/5gals should be enough or should I kick up the amount during cold weather or use the same ratio plus add the 911 additive in its recommended amount as well.

If you are using the gray bottle it has no anti gelling qualities, the white bottle is the anti gell, the 911 isn't designed to be used regularly
 
/ Gelled Fuel - How Much Additive #4  
I've been using Howse Lubricator Diesel Treat at 4oz per 5 gallons and haven't had any gelling problems
so far, even during the current cold snap here in New Hampshire! Keep my fingers crossed every time
I go out to start the tractor. So far, fires up immediately.
 
/ Gelled Fuel - How Much Additive
  • Thread Starter
#5  
If you are using the gray bottle it has no anti gelling qualities, the white bottle is the anti gell, the 911 isn't designed to be used regularly
Using white bottle which is supposed to have anti-gel protection, but at the ratio I'm using it, it didn't work. The ratio I'm using is just slightly higher than recommended.
 
/ Gelled Fuel - How Much Additive #6  
I tend to use a bit more then the higher dose and my fuel is also blended with#1
Trying to recall I think the heavy dose is 32 Oz per 50 gallons of fuel, I just topped up today and
I used about an oz per gallon.
good luck
 
Last edited:
/ Gelled Fuel - How Much Additive
  • Thread Starter
#7  
One reason I was using the Power Service (white bottle) is the Cetane boost. It doesn't appear the Howes Lubricator Diesel Treat mentions Cetane boost. I've been under the impression the Cetane boost helps cold weather starts(?)
 
/ Gelled Fuel - How Much Additive #8  
You're probably gonna have to warm up the fuel tank and filter a bit. That will allow you to run the engine to get some of the fuel treatment through the lines and filter to the engine.

In my younger days I was driving truck across I-80 in central Wyoming. Truck started loosing power so I figured even though I had winter blend fuel in, it was gelling. I pulled off to the side, reviewed what resources I had to solve the problem. All I had was a can of starter fluid and matches. So I used the starter fluid as a blow torch and warmed up the fuel filter. That solved the problem.
 
/ Gelled Fuel - How Much Additive #9  
The product didn’t work for you and cetane boost isn’t needed on a tractor. I know you are trying to go above and beyond with your machine but in this case you got the shaft. Ask the local supplier what they use for gelling. Fuel is mixed and blended by region and time of year. What my work out west may not work somewhere else.
Gelling sucks and I’m sure you’re frustrated- it’s time to try something else.
 
/ Gelled Fuel - How Much Additive #10  
As @Reb954 said you'll need to get the additive from the tank, past the filter(s) and into the pump. The best way would be to warm up the lines so it will start and draw the mixed fuel all the way in.

-R
 
/ Gelled Fuel - How Much Additive
  • Thread Starter
#11  
As @Reb954 said you'll need to get the additive from the tank, past the filter(s) and into the pump. The best way would be to warm up the lines so it will start and draw the mixed fuel all the way in.

-R
I'm not needing the tractor for a few days and there's supposed to be a warm up in temperature, so probably set about doing it then. I've got a magnetic oil pan heater I'll probably stick on the fuel tank, so hopefully what gets pulled in the the lines and filter will be a bit warmer with the additive.

The supplier I had normally used quit the fuel business. It very well could be the new supplier where I get the diesel not having a 'winter blend'. The new supplier is a small town Citgo station and may not see a lot of volume for diesel and I'm sure the kid working there has no clue regarding what they sell.

Picked up a bottle of the Howes Lubricator Diesel Treat to see how that does. Seemed to get decent reviews in comparisons to the Power Service product. Evidently works a bit different with moisture content in the fuel versus Power Service.
 
/ Gelled Fuel - How Much Additive #12  
I agree. Putting a pile of stuff in your tank, when the filter is frozen up and nothing is moving wont do any good. Just a little preventative measure is the best tactic.

I always try and heat the filter and often it works, but sometimes you have caused the system to suck air, and now you have two problems.
 
/ Gelled Fuel - How Much Additive #13  
My Mahindra 2565 has a plastic tank so a magnetic heater isn't going to work. Plus, I would be careful about putting too much heat directly on the tank anyway.

First, warm up the filter. If that doesn't help then pull the filter, check for gelled fuel in it.
 
/ Gelled Fuel - How Much Additive
  • Thread Starter
#14  
This thread has kinda drifted away from my original question, that of the ratio of anti-gel, whether it be Power Service or the Howe's product I bought today for the hovering above zero temps I've had lately.

I do thank all that have made suggestions on clearing a gelled filter. I had to do that a few years ago when I was new to diesel and wasn't aware of anti-gel additives. At the time I ended up removing the filter, cleaning out the gelled fuel, and soaking the filter in 911 and bleeding the supply line from the tank which had additive added to get going. At that time and thereafter I started adding Power Service (white bottle) per the recommended ratio on the bottle and have been OK in somewhat mild winters, but evidently this wasn't adequate for the temps we've had lately, thus the question on quantity to be used. I just don't want to add too much that could possibly cause bigger issues with the engine.
Trails End mentioned Howes Lubricator Diesel Treat at 4oz per 5 gallons and it's been working in NH, which I may give a try.
 
/ Gelled Fuel - How Much Additive #15  
There are too many variables. How much fuel was in the tank. How much airspace? What was the weather like prior to the cold? In other words, how much moisture is in your fuel? And to what extent does your fuel dealer alter the summer/winter mix? And, is that solely what you were using? I never really know what I am drawing out of my Bulk tanks.

Like, my Dad asked me a few weeks ago, what I paid for my (bulk) fuel and I had to answer honestly, that I didn't have a clue. With several fill ups at different pricing over the year, who knows. Same with the summer/winter mix.
 
/ Gelled Fuel - How Much Additive #16  
Good timing...I'm in CNY and have that SAME issue today. Pulled my filter and it had gelled diesel. Added the white bottle, about half, on a quarter tank of gas and no luck.

Added 1/3 bottle of diesel 911 and still no luck.

Tank is plastic, so I can't warm it up.

Also started looking for a fuel filter online and having NO luck.

I'll be following this thread!
 
/ Gelled Fuel - How Much Additive #17  
I was looking for a fuel filter for a generator project on E-Bay last year. Some fuel filters have a 12 volt heating element. I never knew that.
 
/ Gelled Fuel - How Much Additive #18  
Trails End mentioned Howes Lubricator Diesel Treat at 4oz per 5 gallons and it's been working in NH, which I may give a try.

I need to correct my original statement. I use 2 oz/5 gallons of Howse Diesel Treat, as per the instructions on the bottle for
below 0 applications, even when it's above 0, since I don't use that much fuel and two 5-gallon containers could last me from late summer
through the winter.
 
/ Gelled Fuel - How Much Additive #19  
No joy with fuel gel on a 10 deg F morning and the tractor didn't like it. Have been adding Power Service Fuel Supplement +Cetane Boost at about 2oz per 5 gals of fuel (directions on the 32oz container are 8oz per 25 gals) so slightly more than recommended. This is added to the jug of fuel prior to adding to the tractors tank, so it should be mixed well and I have run the tractor in warmer weather, so it should be in the filter and rest of the system. Does it seem the 2oz/5gals should be enough or should I kick up the amount during cold weather or use the same ratio plus add the 911 additive in its recommended amount as well.

When did you buy the fuel, if it’s summer blend 2 oz of PS is not going to stop it from gelling. But if it’s winter fuel it should assuming it’s good fuel, no water in it.
 
/ Gelled Fuel - How Much Additive #20  
Good timing...I'm in CNY and have that SAME issue today. Pulled my filter and it had gelled diesel. Added the white bottle, about half, on a quarter tank of gas and no luck.

Added 1/3 bottle of diesel 911 and still no luck.

Tank is plastic, so I can't warm it up.

Also started looking for a fuel filter online and having NO luck.

I'll be following this thread!

If it’s gelled white PS will do you no good, you need to put in 911 then White PS after it has thawed. But you have gelled fuel in the lines and filter. Filter should be changed or soaked in 911 and cleaned of wax, gelled fuel, easier just to change it out. Good luck.
 

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