Diesel fuel in the winter?

[redrocketship]

I bought an MX5100 back in June (LOVE IT), and with the cold weather setting in, I was wondering about the fuel. This is the first diesel I've owned and I've heard folks talk about the fuel freezing up or something. I buy my diesel from the local Co-op (Off-road diesel). Do I need to add something to the fuel or not worry about it? Thanks for any help!!

 

[RaydaKub]

Your coop may blend your fuel at some point so you have a mix of #2 and #1 when you get it. In Tennessee I guess I would not expect that, but it's possible. What happens is that as it gets cold, it may tend to gel on you. It will just quit flowing. If you get bottle of Power Service or some other diesel conditioner, you should have no problems at all.

 

[KennyV]

Diesel can jell in cold temps... winter diesel will have an anti jelling additive in it to prevent that, your local CooP will have that in their off road fuel. (you can also add More fuel conditioner, but normally Not needed).
The other thing to address in a diesel fuel system: water that accumulates in the bottom of the fuel tank and in the bottom of the fuel filters, that water will stay at the bottom and freeze... the resulting expanded ice 'can' cause problems. You can remove the filter and dump out the water that has collected, then refill the filter and reuse. That should not be much of a problem unless you have ran several hundred gallons of fuel through the system, Or if there is an excessive amount of water getting into your fuel... KennyV

 

[Mendonsy]

I use some fuel conditioner (cetane booster) all year round, but more in the winter. Tractor Supply among others carry it in gallon jugs.
Diesel will start to gel at about 15 degrees F and requires fuel conditioner below that.

 

[RalphVa]

If you elect to use fuel conditioner, as some have pointed out, do not use more than what the label tells you to use. More is not better.

Ralph

 

[mmorisoli]

I have used OptiLube XPD in my kubota and gmc Duramax truck, it works great for me.

 

[PhysAssist]

I have used OptiLube XPD in my kubota and gmc Duramax truck, it works great for me.

2X this recommendarion.

 

[ccsial]

I use the Power Service in the white bottle. No problems up here in very northern IL. I also do not use biodiesel. The bio is more likely to gel in winter, this is according to my fuel supplier.

 

[RaydaKub]

If you elect to use fuel conditioner, as some have pointed out, do not use more than what the label tells you to use. More is not better.

Ralph

I don't try to use more, but it is hard to measure out the right amount from a 12 oz bottle that will treat 40 gallons into my 5 gal jug, short of using a tablespoon. Are you saying I'm causing damage somehow?

 

[tjkubota93]

As long as you dont pour the whole bottle in your 5gal can, I would say its ok.