Tires Frozen tanks frozen tires?

[pmjerding]

Ok we usually do not get these kind of temperature (10) in the Houston, TX area. My tractor has both rear tires filled with water, No antifreeze. What can I expect except the obvious?

I have two 500 gallon tanks, one red diesel the other unleaded- same question? My stuff is about a 100 miles north of me so Im not there at the moment.

P

 

[mikester]

If you hit -40oF then you will probably run into some issues pumping the diesel.

If your rear tires are filled with water only you might be in for a surprise if you get down well below freezing. I'm hoping your engine coolant has enough antifreeze in it.

 

[oosik]

It depends upon where your tractor is stored and how long its been below 32F. Either way - I would suggest adding some type of antifreeze and anti-corrosion product to the water. Your fuel won't freeze. You might want to add some type of anti-jell compound. Such as Power Service - white jug.

 

[ruffdog]

Diesel starts to gel at 17 deg F.

 

[fishheadbob]

The diesel will be fine. Let us know how the tires do.

 

[dodge man]

I would disagree that your diesel will be fine. It might be fine. I have had diesel gel on me three times, but only when it started getting down near zero.

 

[fishheadbob]

I would disagree that your diesel will be fine. It might be fine. I have had diesel gel on me three times, but only when it started getting down near zero.

Let me re-phrase that...Your diesel should be fine. I've started without problem as low as -10f or -15f. Why I felt I needed to start old diesels at that temperature eludes me; I must have had cattle then. Others have had different results. Cheer up, cold snaps pass. I would still be mildly concerned about the tires.

 

[crazyal]

Diesel may gel at 17 F but water freezes at 32 F. If there's any water in your fuel line it'll freeze. If you have a plastic water separator bowl (vs a metal filter) it could crack. Chances are you'll be fine and once the temps come back up everything will thaw.

 

[/pine]

I would check the pressure in the tires if it's possible (not frozen in)...as the water freezes it will expand and increase the pressure some...

 

[Jerry/MT]

Ok we usually do not get these kind of temperature (10) in the Houston, TX area. My tractor has both rear tires filled with water, No antifreeze. What can I expect except the obvious?

I have two 500 gallon tanks, one red diesel the other unleaded- same question? My stuff is about a 100 miles north of me so I'm not there at the moment.

P

Your diesel fuel in an area like Houston is probably not a winter grade diesel so it could gell at 28°F. It can also have some water in it because it is so humid down there.. So you may also have to deal with icing in the fuel. Drain your water separator and treat your fuel by adding fuel treatment that lowers the pour point and causes the water to drop off the filter. (White bottle Power Service, etc) Put some in all your tractors and run the engines to get it mixed in throughout the fuel delivery system.
As far as your tires are concerned I can't help you there. I would drain as much water out as I could and hope that there is expansion space when the water/ice reaches in minimum density point ~ 38°F if I recall correctly.

If you have a heated shop put the equipment in there.