do you guys use fuel additive in winter ?

[Ford850]

I use it religiously (Power Service or Diesel Treat). My dealer "strongly encouraged" me to use it, explaining how they had a delivery of tractors from CIH that they could not unload. They were all gelled.

Thought I should add... this truck load of tractors was shipped from WI. I'm sure the WI CIH factory has quality fuel suppliers for their new tractors, but the fuel still gelled. I use additive for cheap insurance. Another note, I have seen studies showing how over dosing with the additives can cause more harm than if not adding anything. Unless I'm just adding a slight 'slug' during summer, I measure the doses per the instructions so I don't add too much.

 

[jaydee325]

Reminds me of an oil thread! So, I'll throw some fuel on the fire...(pun intended LOL).

I've always been a proponent of following the owners manual on all equipment I've owned (I am an old heavy equipment service tech). So, I rechecked my manual. It defines winter use as less than or equal to 5 deg F. Above this value, winter blend fuel is recommended. For less than 5 deg F it recommends cutting the diesel fuel by 20% with kerosine to control wax precipitants.

Never used additives and never had a problem.

 

[ecbaatz]

I use an anti-gel from October on. I've had fuel problems in winter before, they are no fun. If I can prevent trouble with a small investment and effort you can bet I will.

+1 I do this as well.

 

[Gale Hawkins]

We use Archoil AR6200 in the fuel and AR in the crankcase to prevent dry start up since the engines can sit for months without starting them.

Product Information - Archoil Products Spokane

 

[cat fever]

If you'all want to really know what the fuel is; put a half cup or so in your freezer, clear glass and sealed of course. Compare to a thermometer and see if it clouds up before +6 degrees and still pours at -15 degrees. This is winter grade diesel specs for the Utah region. Use dry ice in a cooler for even colder temps.
I have said in this thread and others; keep your tanks near empty until you are sure the filling stations have cycled out the summer and transition fuel from there tanks. The best way is to get fuel from the busiest truck stop around you.

For reference, the refinery where I work just started making transition fuel this week. So it will be several weeks before the stations have cycled out the summer fuel.

 

[akranger72]

Since I have had to walk home a couple times and limped a few other occasions I always use an additive to prevent gelling.
I also filter while filling to strain out any water and or debris.
I use a very fine mesh filter and it always seems to catch anywhere from a drop to a tablespoon or two.
I also like to keep my fuel topped up to prevent condensation.

I like to filter my diesel when at the filling station also. Especially when filling up diesel cans for my tractor. My F250 Super Duty has the fuel / water separator filter so I don't always filter diesel on truck fill ups. I use power service year around in tractor and truck a good idea with today's low sulphur content. I especially use power service diesel additive in the white bottle during winter as it gets very cold here in Alaska and I have had fuel gel up in my truck and tractor in the past when not using it. Over all my truck and tractor run a little smoother and more quiet when using power service diesel additive.

 

[Btown]

Yes - 911

911 will thaw it out, but will not keep it thawed. You will need the white bottle of power service or other additive to stop gelling. I would recommend using white bottle of power service. Much easier to add additive than tow tractor into heated garage if available. Then when thawed out you will need to treat fuel. Not worth the hassle. I have never had fuel gel on me. Had a diesel vehicles since 2003. Buy good fuel and you should not have a problem, but I add it just to be sure no problems.

 

[MH8675309]

I guess it is in a white bottle

 

[thatguy]

I am using Howes fuel treatment. I was using PS white bottle, but somewhere, sometime, in a land far far away i must have read something saying that Howes was better..

 

[RickB]

I am using Howes fuel treatment. I was using PS white bottle, but somewhere, sometime, in a land far far away i must have read something saying that Howes was better..

I have never used Howe's, but there is no shortage of folks who prefer it to Power Service from direct experiences.

I figure Power Service is a lot like Rotella oil: Everybody knows the name, and some get convinced that brand popularity equals excellence. All it really equals is the guaranteed success of a widely available, widely popular but only reasonably effective product.