Oil & Fuel Diesel and moisture, cold, evaporation, etc.

[malk315]

Hi all-

Now that it's getting cold here in new england, I began to wonder about diesel and keeping it tip-top to minimize getting water into the system and a few other random questions because I'm a complete diesel newbie. I researched threads to learn about powerservice and howes additives for anti-gel and lubricity etc. but still have questions -- here goes:

My machine is kept in my garage in central massachusetts here, but will eventually go out to the shed (need new england rock splitting to bring a rock down to grade and have the shed guys cut in that nice new roll up door on the end of the shed so the tractor will fit! -- 16 x 12' shed w/ a door on the 16' side only). Temps get down near or below zero for up to several days around here in months like january and february.

1. Is it best to keep tank full in cold temps for less water in the tank? I'm assuming yes. Top it off after shutdown? I'm a weekend operator, so my machine sits for a solid 5 days mon-fri in the garage.

2. What about the storage can? I have 5 gallon plastic jugs from northern tool that seal pretty well (rubber o-rings). Will water collect if these are half full? should they be kept full when possible too?

3. Should I fill 5 gallons into storage jugs and add powerservice or howes or similar additive right away for storage or should I leave the diesel "naked" while being stored and add the powerservice right before fueling the tractor?

4. Does diesel eventually evaporate? I spilled some on the tank and seat back got splashed a bit -- will diesel eventually totally evaporate like gasoline does? I'm assuming not and I'll have a residue until I wipe down spillage.

I've heard Mobil and Sunoco diesel don't need additives (other than anti-gel) whereas others (Hess) require additives to be as good of quality. Anyone think there's truth to this? I usually buy hess because it's only 2 miles from me, and a good price etc. It says on the pump it's low sulfer diesel -- lots of guys from town put it in their pickup trucks. Haven't looked into off-road stuff yet.

I usually add 3 1/2 oz.s of powerservice to my 5 gallons I buy in each jug. That's roughly equivalent to their recommended 32 oz. per 50 gallons for maximum lubricity / cetane boost.

Any other recommendations for care of diesel whether it's sitting in storage jugs, in the tank of the tractor, etc.? Not trying to start brand wars here, just trying to get all tips from people with much more experience than me.

I tried the trick of starting my tractor today and after cranking the engine and turning over, letting off the key just enough to stop cranking, but keep the glow energized by the battery for a second or two while she does that initial puff or two of typically blue smoke I've read is normal for cold diesels. Seems to help it get running smoother quicker on those first few fireings of the cylinders. This is of course waiting for the glow pre-heat for at least 5 seconds -- on the kiotis, it automatically pre-heats for 10 seconds and then the light goes out. I like the ability to keep it on at the one setting before "cranking" on the key switch. I'm thinking that will be a battery / starter motor saver when it's really really cold if she would otherwise need to be turned over several times before maintaining running.

Thanks.

 

[punkinspecial]

I am not familiar with your tractor as I have a dk55 but you should have a way to drain the condensed water from your fuel at your fuel filter. Also, since the cold weather will cause a starting problem, how about a block or engine heater? It will be much easier on the starter and battery.

 

[Dusty]

The nice thing about living in Blackstone River Valley is that the winter air is quite dry. Moisture forming in the fuel tank is more of a problem in the hot humid summer weather than in the cold dry winter. It won't be of any harm to keep the tank full, but it isn't necessary. Condensation is more of a problem when the air is laden with moisture. Buy your fuel when it is the least expensive and keep it stored in closed containers.
Dusty

 

[malk315]

You guys are quick to reply -- thanks.

Dusty -- Are you a blackstone valley guy? I love it here -- great area to live.
146 Supply JD dealer is a big green dealer around here... I think it would be a goldmine to open an orange dealer across the street (probably kioti would be best as Ahearn's is close by in Spencer and most kubota around here comes from there). I like both orange machines (kioti and kubota). I think JD makes nice machines, but don't like the heavy price for the green paint.

Attaching some pictures of recent woodpile created from 5 or 6 oak trees cut down in the yard and split w/ 30 ton White outdoor products splitter (can be seen partially in photos along w/ tractor although the business part is covered w/ a tarp).

 

[Dusty]

Nope..... I am in the CT/MA/RI corner of the State. Very familiar with your neck of the woods. I take MA-146 or CT-44 into RI, depending on which end of the state that I am going. When I first moved up here, I looked at a home on School Street. I liked the town, but didn't like the drive to work, so I ruled that one out. We will have to have a get together of the TBN local folks after the New Year.
Dusty

 

[punkinspecial]

I should have posted this in my previous message. If the shed in which you will store your tractor is reasonably tight, you will be suprised at what a 100 watt light bulb positioned under the oil pan will do to aid cold weather cranking.

 

[malk315]

No kidding -- I'll remember that, thanks.

Let's see -- need power for the shed now. That requires a good 40 foot trench to the shed to bury the wire... Guess I better get shopping for the CK-20 BH

 

[Dusty]

Don't wait too long, because the weather here in New England is about to change drastically. This is one of the mildest fall weather that I can remember in 35 years. I haven't staked the driveway yet, and I had to cut the grass for the final third time this week. If this keeps up, we will have a green Christmas.
If you are serious about getting a trench in, I know a fellow TBN member that has a backhoe and trailer that will come to your home and do it for short money. He can put a level hole in the ground without 1" of deviation in 40 feet with his eyes closed. He is one of the best backhoe operators that I have ever seen. He is retired and loves the small jobs. Let me know and I will put the two of you in contact with each other.
Dusty

 

[rmahlert]

Attaching some pictures of recent woodpile created from 5 or 6 oak trees cut down in the yard and split w/ 30 ton White outdoor products splitter (can be seen partially in photos along w/ tractor although the business part is covered w/ a tarp).

I see you got the grill guard on the ck20.. almost stole that from Harvard Equipment when I went to pick up my filters a few months back for my ck25.

Up in Auburn, don't miss Northbridge. Lived there the first year I was married.. last time I let the wife pick a place!<G> I hated going down Church street to get to I-495, god was it backed up in the morning. 2 seconds from the pike now.

RobM

 

[County Sawyer]

Living in the north all of my life and being in the mechanical trade there are a couple of recommendations. First, I would recommend a block heater. Second, always put a good quality additive in your fuel when you get it, summer and winter because some of the fuel these days is of horrible quality. (website for the additive I use is below) Third, keep it clean. Fourth, In the area where I live we sometimes get our winter diesel fuel mixed with stove oil to prevent geling or freezing and five keep the tank full if you're storing it for a while. Any kind of warmth for the engine will help. In bush camps I have seen them build a fire under the engine. Not recomended, but I've observed from a distance. Enjoy your new toy.

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