Cold Weather and Diesel Fuel Gelling

[MarkF48]

I had a post about cold weather (-8˚F) starting and in the end the tractor had no power and stalling issues during the few days of cold weather we had. Outside temp warmed up today to about 30˚F and thought I'd take a look at the fuel filter. Sure enough it was gelled up as I suspected so no fuel could pass. My dealer had suggested a product called Diesel 911 by Power Service products to soak the filter in a 50/50 mix with fuel to un-gel/de-ice it. He also suggested DIESEL FUEL SUPPLEMENT w/ Cetane Boost by the same company as an additive. All put back together, bled the filter of air, and got the tractor started. Ran it for a while to get the added additive flowing in lines and hopefully I'm good for the next cold snap.

If any of you experienced cold weather diesel tractor guys/gals have anything else to suggest, I'm sure a lot of us new to running a diesel motor would welcome some advice.

 

[AroniaFarmer]

Yesterday my bobcat gelled up on me, about 15 minutes in it lost power, and wouldn't rev up. Got it into the garage, poured some supplement and diesel 911 in the tank, then put a kerosene heater on the engine for half an hour.
Fired it up and ran flawless the rest of the day.
Never even touched the filter

 

[George2615]

Your dealer is correct. Use an additive such as Power Service that is made to prevent gelling. I use Power Service (white bottle). There have been many posts on this. Using the kerosene heater warmed the fuel and fuel system up to a temp that the gelled fuel reverted back to liquid. The additive lowers the point at which the fuel starts to gel.

 

[ovrszd]

Normal Gel point for Diesel Number 2 is 20 degrees.

Not knowing how much fuel you use I'm not sure what to suggest.

I have a diesel pickup and two diesel tractors. I start adding Power Service additive when temps start dipping below 20 degrees. I add with each fillup and continue to do that until Spring.

An alternative is to blend fuel. I do that for a Road Grader I run. 50% Number 1 Diesel, 50% Number 2 Diesel.

Never, never, never trust a fuel supplier when they say their fuel is "Winterized". Never. Treat your fuel as if it's straight Summer blend Number 2 Diesel.

 

[RickB]

I had a post about cold weather (-8˚F) starting and in the end the tractor had no power and stalling issues during the few days of cold weather we had. Outside temp warmed up today to about 30˚F and thought I'd take a look at the fuel filter. Sure enough it was gelled up as I suspected so no fuel could pass. My dealer had suggested a product called Diesel 911 by Power Service products to soak the filter in a 50/50 mix with fuel to un-gel/de-ice it. He also suggested DIESEL FUEL SUPPLEMENT w/ Cetane Boost by the same company as an additive. All put back together, bled the filter of air, and got the tractor started. Ran it for a while to get the added additive flowing in lines and hopefully I'm good for the next cold snap.

If any of you experienced cold weather diesel tractor guys/gals have anything else to suggest, I'm sure a lot of us new to running a diesel motor would welcome some advice.

With a fuel filter as cheap as those little paper elements are, it's a PITA to try to save them by cleaning all that paraffin out. R&R the filter, treat the fuel, move on. My longstanding rule of thumb is this: Change diesel fuel filters between Halloween & Thanksgiving to get any accumulated water & contaminants out, treat fuel before Dec 1.

 

[Industrial Toys]

My filter for a Kawi Mule set me back $60.00! And that was apparently a bargain! No subs available! Can't understand that!

 

[CobyRupert]

An alternative is to blend fuel. I do that for a Road Grader I run. 50% Number 1 Diesel, 50% Number 2 Diesel.

Never, never, never trust a fuel supplier when they say their fuel is "Winterized". Never. Treat your fuel as if it's straight Summer blend Number 2 Diesel.

Is Kerosene the same as No. 1 Diesel? Can it be substituted for No.1 when manufacturer says to blend No.1 diesel with No.2 for winter mix? Does it have more or less lubrication properties than No.1? (or No.2?)

 

[ovrszd]

I can't answer that for sure. I do know that Number 1 has less lubricating properties than number 2. It also is a lower Cetane rating. I ran the Road Grader today on straight number 2 with Power Service added, -14 degrees F when I started at 2:30 this morning. No problems. Two other townships next to me are down because of fuel problems running number 2 and additive.

 

[oldnslo]

In most case Kerosene can be substituted for #1 Diesel. I don't know how the lubrication properties compare. I believe Kerosene and #1 fuel have similar ignition points and BTU/ gal with #2 diesel having the highest BTU but also the highest gel point temp of around 20 degrees F.

 

[Thomas]

Ovrszd.
"Never, never, never trust a fuel supplier when they say their fuel is "Winterized". Never. Treat your fuel as if it's straight Summer blend Number 2 Diesel. "

Couldn't said it any better.