Gelled Fuel?

[Red Horse]

Your fuel has hit the cloud point (point at which wax crystals form) Additives typicaly don't work ONCE THE FUEL HAS HIT THE CLOUD POINT. The best thing to do is add No.1 (kero) if you can find it. As you did get it running, I would assume you were pulling wax and eventually you clogged the fuel filter. I would try changing the filter.

Again, best bet is kero-at least 30%. Also where do you tuypically buy your diesel? Do they claim its a winter blend?

 

[GreatWhitehunter]

I went back out and changed the fuel filter, I filled it with 50% 911 and 50%#2 clean usld. I then pulled the sep filter and the fuel in it looked fine. The filter in it looks strange to me in that the filter membrane looks like it's wax. I've never changed or pulled it before so I'm not 100% sure what is should look like. In any event I filled that with 50/50 911 & #2. I had to enlist the help of my wife and Duramax to tow it out of the way. Since I had no way to lift the loader I used the bucket hooks and chained them to my pintle hitch.
I then asked my wife to drive the truck slowly forward.

It was a cheek pinching experiance to say the least but I got it moved and didn't break anything. I've got the battery on the charger so I'll have to wait till tomorrow to see if the 911 and filter change worked. I think I'm going to change the sep filter anyways since I figure it's due. I never knew there was a filter in there so I guess I need to re-read my manual.

This has been one of those days where I asked myself over and over WTF:mur: was I thinking. I'll report back when I get an answer.

 

[KennedyDiesel]

If you can avoid dumping de-icers in then I suggest you do so. Best is to get it to a warm location and then add a couple gallons of #1 diesel to the tank and run a bit to purge/blend it. K1 also OK.

I run additives year round from FPPF and never cut my fuel. My fuel barrel is outside and almost always pumps. If it hits -20f it may not go, but that is only for a short time and then things warm up again.

FPPF meltdown will also reliquify gelled/waxedfuels, but again best is to treat the fuel before this happens.

 

[GreatWhitehunter]

My tank was almost full and no kero near by. I think I'm going to pickup 1 gallon of K1 tomorrow and add to the tank as soon as there's room. I just hope I can get it running again soon. I'm betting with the mild weather we've been having they haven't been making true winter blends. I've not had any issues with my truck(knock on wood). But I'm pretty sure I had half a tank of summer fuel when I added the last batch.

Matt

 

[sunnyside360]

I've got the battery on the charger so I'll have to wait till tomorrow to see if the 911 and filter change worked. I think I'm going to change the sep filter anyways since I figure it's due. I never knew there was a filter in there so I guess I need to re-read my manual.

This has been one of those days where I asked myself over and over WTF:mur: was I thinking. I'll report back when I get an answer.

I'd be awfully surprised if the engine doesn't start tomorrow and run well. Besides doing what you have done, the temperatures in the Northeast will be a fair bit higher. I haven't had any issues since using Power Service over 30 yrs ago after having a similar experience. I use it year around in all four of my diesel engines.

 

[GreatWhitehunter]

I used to use PS in my truck but read some negative stuff about it and looked for an alternative product. I never found anything else forsale locally. But today the first store I went to had Howe's by the gallon. And ironically it's the closeest place to my house. I usually avoid going there though as the counter guys are tool bags.

I guess I can just buy that there and deal with the counter guys.I'm hoping it fires right up tomorrow. Reflecting, I kind of glad this happen today rather when I really need it(like a snow storm). Atleast I'll be prepared next time.

Do you guy's think if the fuel pump went out it would've thrown a code? I'm thinking it would.

Matt

 

[KennedyDiesel]

I used to use PS in my truck.

Do you guy's think if the fuel pump went out it would've thrown a code? I'm thinking it would.

The only place I'll pour Power Service is in my drain oil bin. This is one of those brands that I won't use like Fram, Sylvania, Victor etc. unless there is no choice. FPPF Total Power is my first choice. Stanadyne Performance Formula second. Primrose is also good.

As for setting a code, the 3000-20's are about as anlog as you can get. The electronics are for hydro control etc and not engine control.

 

[sunnyside360]

The only place I'll pour Power Service is in my drain oil bin. This is one of those brands that I won't use...........

Could you elaborate, eg, science and/or experience with PS?

 

[greg_g]

This is one of those brands that I won't use like Fram, Sylvania, Victor etc.

Yeah, but unfortunately the availability of anything around here - of anything other than PS or Howes - is pretty poor.

So I use PS in both my on-road and off-road diesels out of availability, not out of choice. But I understand how/why heavy equipment operators and long haul guys want the best. My tractors on the other hand only put on maybe 100 or so hours a year each, and my vehicles seldom see 1000 miles a month. Plus, the single gelling occasion I mentioned above during an unanticipated early cold snap - to fuel that was probably wet in the first place. It was so early in the season, I hadn't yet switched from the silver jug PS to the white winter jug.

All I'm trying to say is that - for the reasons that I need it - PS works just fine.

//greg//

 

[sunnyside360]

Do you guy's think if the fuel pump went out it would've thrown a code? I'm thinking it would.

Matt

The error code table in the Owners Manual doesn't show any codes for the fuel pump.