ck3510 do I need a block heater or fuel heater?

[sehughes]

Starting and running at -40 with only Power Service, wow, but do you actually add the 911 routinely?
In my opinion you have been very fortunate.
My tractor is still mostly summer fuel, with the projected cold snap we had over Thanksgiving, I did
add 5 gallons of K-1 kerosene and an extra dose of Power Serve, the same routine we did on the farm.
Every thing that needed to started and ran.

I have a block heater in my pickup and my tractor.
I have contemplated on wrap on heaters for the hydraulic filter and fuel filter on the tractor.
Both engines are on synthetic oil Rotella T6 5W-40 and the tractor has semi-synthetic hydraulic/transmission
fluid in it.
The block heaters are just to be nicer to the engines and batteries and starters, they have started unplugged
when needed, but why if it can be avoided.

One timed jelled and stopped in the cold will alter your thoughts on fuels.

Remember 911 Red Bottle is only for use if your fuel is already gelling. It does not prevent gelling. The White bottle is what you add to keep your fuel from gelling. It also takes a double dose to protect to below -20

 

[jpm1]

So you do have an issue with your diesel gelling?

Not a problem. When we switched to low sulfur diesel, yes. It would cloud in mid summer. Since I’ve been treating my fuel. No but I change my bulk tank filters yearly

 

[sehughes]

Not a problem. When we switched to low sulfur diesel, yes. It would cloud in mid summer. Since I’ve been treating my fuel. No but I change my bulk tank filters yearly

Ok you had mentioned 911 and that is for gelled fuel.

 

[jpm1]

Ok you had mentioned 911 and that is for gelled fuel.

My mistake. I kept it on hand but never used it yet. Thanks for the correction

 

[sehughes]

My mistake. I kept it on hand but never used it yet. Thanks for the correction

Not a biggie. I just know a few people that have issues with fuel gelling and find out its because they were treating with 911 thinking it was better.

 

[Lockport]

I would, without hesitation, install a block heater. It's simply easier on the motor when starting to have the coolant anywhere from 70-100°. Full Synthetic oil is also a must. Dinosaur oil in -20°f is like molasses. Harder to find but much more economical is an anti-gelling fuel additive. As an extra measure of reliability I have an AGM battery. No freezing issues there. I plug the tractor in when it's in these ranges for at least an hour before starting. However, it will start without. It's kept in an unheated garage, out of the wind. I've a 2011 Bobcat CT235 (CK35) and have never had a problem starting. I attribute the majority of that credit to synthetic oil.
Cheers

 

[Looking4new]

Lockport, if you are having trouble finding Power Service, try Canadian Tire. If now there and you are near a truck stop, they will usually have it.

 

[Lockport]

Lockport, if you are having trouble finding Power Service, try Canadian Tire. If now there and you are near a truck stop, they will usually have it.

Actually the point I was making is that Power Service is really a cetane booster than an anti gelling additive and an anti gelling additive is what's needed in our discussion. Power Service is about 2-3 times more expensive as well. Truck stops rarely ever stock anti gelling only additives and one might easily conclude there is a bit of a scam going on there. That being said Princess Auto sells the Husky brand additive in the green container. It's an excellent winter additive with only a few ounces per 5g tank fill providing sufficient protection over the winter. A jug can last for years.

 

[sehughes]

Actually the point I was making is that Power Service is really a cetane booster than an anti gelling additive and an anti gelling additive is what's needed in our discussion. Power Service is about 2-3 times more expensive as well. Truck stops rarely ever stock anti gelling only additives and one might easily conclude there is a bit of a scam going on there. That being said Princess Auto sells the Husky brand additive in the green container. It's an excellent winter additive with only a few ounces per 5g tank fill providing sufficient protection over the winter. A jug can last for years.

? The White bottle of Power Service is the best anti gel fuel treatment we have found. We have been using it for over 10 years with no issues. The Gray bottle of Power Service is cetane and cleaner only.

 

[tcreeley]

My tractor is plugged in all winter and under cover. I use Ambra 10W30 oil. It starts easily - even -10F - but it is a no cab tractor and I'd rather be inside! I just go to the local convenience store year round for my diesel. They sell winter weight automatically.