Cold no start. Frozen fuel?

[ruffdog]

Ok, to add to this.
It was in the teens a few of the past nights and mid days in the 20's.
I did start to buy diesel at a new place when I also get off road gas but it's not a pony tank but I will not buy there any longer and grab some 911.

You can always test your fuel by putting a small sample in a plastic bottle and throw it in your freezer. My good winter fuel will stay clear while some fuel, even at big name stations, will be cloudy.

 

[irvingj]

I'm going with DJ54's comment -- probably summer fuel that's been in the tank for a while. That has happened to me, too -- filled in late summer, tractor sits and then it gets cold and you need it.

I get my off-road fuel at a place that sells a LOT of diesel, no problems other than summer fuel left in the tank.

 

[dodge man]

911 is not designed for regular use, just if your fuel gels. I’m not a huge YouTube fan but Project Farm did a test on diesel fuel additives. For me it’s worth watching just to see how the fuel gels and looks like. Even with additives it gels but he stuck it in a freezer for the test.

 

[Dmacleo]

9-1-1 is for gelled fuel. One takes a hit on lubricity with the stuff. It's better to be prepared before the cold weather hits. I've used Howes Diesel Treatment to prevent gelling and absorb any moisture for years. A single bottle every Fall gets me through the Winter. Label says will treat 320 gallons. Your usage may require more.

911 also works on frozen (water) fuel.
use as directed.

 

[Cycledude]

Pleas be sure to follow the instructions when using something like 911 because using to much can cause serious expensive damage

 

[Dmacleo]

Pleas be sure to follow the instructions when using something like 911 because using to much can cause serious expensive damage

yes. this.
It CAN be used preventatively but carries its own risks.
I keep eye on turnover in local store(s) offroad 750 gallon pony tanks, many of you may not have that opportunity.
911 can help and, if not careful,hurt you.

 

[ruffdog]

I don't use much fuel normally so I need good fuel before we get the deep freeze. I don't want to wait for the local station to get the fuel I will need in January. I treat my fuel and I also have learned to keep 5 gal of #1 on hand to blend before winter. I run the tank low on fuel, dump the #1 in, fill the rest with #2, then I'm ready for the cold temps.

 

[Snobdds]

Just pour some kerosene in the tank.

 

[hosspuller]

Just pour some kerosene in the tank.

While this helps with the gelling... There's water to contend with. All Summer, your tanks, both on the tractor and in the shed are condensing water vapor from the air.

Treating the diesel fuel to absorb the water and prevent gelling avoids a bunch of problems... algae being the worse.

 

[bcarlson]

There is no chance of diesel gelling at 20F. But most likely you have a quantity of water in there that has frozen.