gelling question

[WV_Budman]

Hello All, I know there is another forum about fuel, but I like it here,as I was saying in my other post I am a new kubota owner. The question I have is what can I add to my fuel to keep it from gelling.I have heard this can be a concern when the weather is cold. I live in the middle of West Virginia at the base of the mountains and the weather can get kind of nasty here. I guess what I would like to know is the fuel gelling a big concern.

 

[frank_f15]

I have never added anything to my fuel and have never had any problem with gelling. BUT that could be due to the fact that up here in WESTERN N.Y. the winter fuel is treated. down wher u are it may not be treated for cold weather. so check any auto parts store and they should have the addative you need. some others might have some different views.

 

[WV_Budman]

Thanks for replying back Frank i'll stop by there tomorrow and ask

 

[techman]

I have been using heating oil (listed as #2 dyed diesel) in the BX22 for 3 years now, without any conditioners. Last month I had to snowblow after a storm. The tractor had been sitting for over 2 weeks without being run, and the ambient temp was under 10 degrees. Started right up and ran without any problems.

I have yet to have any fuel problems to date, and suspect that gelling will occur only in more extreme conditions (well below zero).

paul

 

[SeymourBota]

You could mix in up to around 20% kerosene to lower the gel point and increase the cetane level. There are also other additives. Many use "Powerservice" which is available at Wal Mart and elsewhere. There are other additives available too. As was suggested, an auto parts store will have one or more varieties to choose from.

 

[curtisfarmer]

Having spent about ¼ of my life trying to start cold tractors (some successful, some not), fuel gelling is a problem here in NE. I usually don’t have a problem until sustained 10 degrees or lower for about 3+ days. I have a Ford 3400 Industrial and a couple of other Fords and 2 Kubotas, and all at 1 time or another have given me problems. The Ford especially, probably since I have had it since 1976!!!!, because the fuel tank is metal as are all of the fuel lines (which aren’t covered very well by the cowling. It is the worst, the worst, the worst when you have these problems and of course there is a huge storm coming or you need to use the tractor. And you can’t. Nothing like bleeding the fuel system from the tank to the filter to the pump to the injectors……and still having ice somewhere.

I have no suggestions although I am looking for advice.

I think this posting has brought back suppressed memories of fuel problems.

p.s. My friends barn burned down about 3 weeks ago cause of tractor block heater.
/forums/images/graemlins/ooo.gif /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

 

[MadReferee]

curtisfarmer,

Go over to Ciardelli's in Milford and purchase some of their premium off-road diesel. It's high cetane and good to -21F or so. I have been using it for the last couple of years and have had no problems but I do add some PowerService in the summer and winter just in case. /forums/images/graemlins/ooo.gif