Gelling in fuel, GC2410

[ScottW]

Hi, we have single digit temps here and I cleared some beautiful powder snow today, but I had problems with the fuel filter on my GC2410 clogging with gel. After changing out the filter, the tractor ran fine again for awhile, until clogging again with more paraffin. Last fall I put anti-gelling additive in my fuel can (a bit more than the label said to add), so I am surprised to have this problem. Since then I have run the tractor and topped off the tank multiple times, so I thought the treated fuel would be all though the fuel lines by now. Is it possible that my fuel needs a lot more of the additive for the our weather? We haven't had a long spell with temperatures this cold this year until now. After having these problems today I did put some additive directly in the tank, and also into my recently refilled fuel can (winterized diesel from the pump). Does winterized fuel from gas stations ever give gelling trouble? For now I've parked the tractor in our unheated garage, hoping that might help too--it's below freezing in there but still warmer than outside in the carport.

Thanks,
Scott

 

[tcartwri]

How cold is cold? and no, winterized diesel generally doesn't need any more additives, unless you get an unusual cold snap.

 

[DJ54]

I would call your dealer first, before trying this, and see what they say...

My heating oil tanks set outside. Using regular HHO, it gelled the first winter. That particular winter, my BIL told us to put around 10% K1 in the tanks. It cleared up immediately. After that, I buy Diesel Supreme for HHO, and was actually cheaper this year, than regular HHO.

Lubrication of the injection pump is the main concern. Possibly 5-10% K1 will not hurt things, but yet keep the #2 from gelling. But better check to see what they suggest.

 

[ray66v]

Never had gelling.

We have a company here that supplies fuel to the farmers. They assured me they sell a premium product, and do not skimp on the additives in their fuel. And I would not have issues with their products. So, I buy all my fuel from them. I figure that way at least I know who dropped the ball.

Keep in mind, if you need too, you can put a tarp over the tractor, and put an electric heater under it.

People have been successful thawing them out, even outdoors that way.

 

[Jerry/MT]

Hi, we have single digit temps here and I cleared some beautiful powder snow today, but I had problems with the fuel filter on my GC2410 clogging with gel. After changing out the filter, the tractor ran fine again for awhile, until clogging again with more paraffin. Last fall I put anti-gelling additive in my fuel can (a bit more than the label said to add), so I am surprised to have this problem. Since then I have run the tractor and topped off the tank multiple times, so I thought the treated fuel would be all though the fuel lines by now. Is it possible that my fuel needs a lot more of the additive for the our weather? We haven't had a long spell with temperatures this cold this year until now. After having these problems today I did put some additive directly in the tank, and also into my recently refilled fuel can (winterized diesel from the pump). Does winterized fuel from gas stations ever give gelling trouble? For now I've parked the tractor in our unheated garage, hoping that might help too--it's below freezing in there but still warmer than outside in the carport.

Thanks,
Scott

How sure are you that the fuel jelled? Did you verify that or are you just asuming that it jelled. It's possible to have ice clog the filter if the fuel is contaminated with water.

I had that problem with a tractor I bought last year and it wasn't fuel jelling; it was ice forming on the water separator element. The PO must have gotten contaminated fuel in his strorage tank and I had a run down when the water separator element froze with an ambient of 5F. I replaced the water separator element, pumped the water out of the bottom of the tank ( 1-1/2 pints of water + 4 ounces in the water separator and 1 ounce in the fuel filter, treated with PS White, replaced the fuel fiilter, and drained the separator before every start the rest of the winter (gettin about 6 more ounces out). I haven't had a problem since. I checked my storage tank and found less then a tablespoon of water in it so I'm sure my tank was not the source.

Certainly jelling can occur if you use summer grade fuel and the temperatures are low enough but you said you treated it. If you have a water separator, drain it into a clear container and look for water. If you find some than that could be your problem. It's easy to get water contamination in a tank especially if it sits partially full for long periods. it oesn't take much to freeze in a partially used up filter either. I'd recommend change the filter just before the cold wether gets here and treat the fuel for water. It's my understanding that the treatment makes the water form large globs which roll off the filter medium and settle in the filter sump so they can be easily drained.

 

[ScottW]

The white ooze in my fuel filter is definitely part of the fuel and is not water related. Even in its gelled state, it's obvious it's a hydrocarbon, and it liqufies when warmed.

Thanks for all the comments--I guess I'll address my problem by always adding additive myself, even to winterized fuel from the pump. I'm not aware of an agricultural service option in my area, but I'll ask a rancher friend about it. Using a heater to warm up the whole underside of the tractor on a regular basis is not easy or economical enough for my taste, but I will take to storing it in the garage whenever it gets cold and I anticipate needing to use it.

 

[ray66v]

Using a heater to warm up the whole underside of the tractor on a regular basis is not easy or economical enough for my taste,

I only meant that as an option, to get it operating.

Once you figure out how to correct your problem, it should not be necessary.

 

[seville009]

I use the Power Serve 911 - the red bottle - in my tractor in the winter. Got tired of the fuel filter gelling a few years ago. Got it to flow by putting in a whole bottle of the 911. I put in a bottle each tank full; it may be overkill, but it's sure better than a dead tractor.

 

[ray66v]

How are you making out with this problem Scott?

 

[cdaigle430]

The white ooze in my fuel filter is definitely part of the fuel and is not water related. Even in its gelled state, it's obvious it's a hydrocarbon, and it liqufies when warmed.

Thanks for all the comments--I guess I'll address my problem by always adding additive myself, even to winterized fuel from the pump. I'm not aware of an agricultural service option in my area, but I'll ask a rancher friend about it. Using a heater to warm up the whole underside of the tractor on a regular basis is not easy or economical enough for my taste, but I will take to storing it in the garage whenever it gets cold and I anticipate needing to use it.

Gelling is common especially when we are using fuels that were purchased arounf the middle of the Fall season. They typically arent treated yet for cold weather at that time. I wonder if the additives we buy take that into consideration?

Here is something I found (Disclaimer; If you try K1 do it at your own risk )

1
Add a gallon of kerosene for every 10 gallons of diesel in the tank. Kerosene is a fuel similar to diesel; however, it has less wax and does not begin to gel until the temperature is lower than that of diesel fuel. If your diesel fuel has already gelled, and temperatures are below minus 20 degrees Fahrenheit, this amount should suffice. Give the kerosene time to blend with the diesel. Kerosene will spread out the wax and wax crystals. Your fuel economy will decline, but at least your vehicle will run.

2
Apply heat to the fuel filter to break up the wax. A block heater is a good idea in very cold climates. It goes right into the engine block and keeps the coolant and oil warm. A block heater does need to be connected to an outlet to work. If you do not already have a block heater you can have a mechanic install one. Many diesels have them as standard or optional equipment.

3
Add a cold flow improver or anti-gel fuel additive to your diesel fuel. These prevent wax crystals from forming and clumping together. You will need to add these with every new tank of fuel



Read more: How to Fix Diesel Fuel Gelling | eHow.com How to Fix Diesel Fuel Gelling | eHow.com