Help, rough running engine in cold temps

[SI2305]

Henri88, Coyote Machine, others

Trust me, I have learned my lesson here. I am keeping the filter for now to see what I can learn of it. I would like to get a look inside to see what the filter missed. Based on a very cursory examination, there is a little darkening inside the filter an some very superficial rust on the internal mesh. Given the amount of contamination on the outside I see no way that the inside would not darken as well. I don't know what to make of the superficial rust inside. Hopefully it means nothing. I suppose some rust could have made its way to combustion chamber. Were it to make it that far, I would think that it would be burnt and ejected. I had absolutely no trouble running the engine yesterday at both low RPM's and high, high load or no load. With a bit of luck this means the engine is fine and the filter did its job. Feel free to correct me if I am being over optimistic or recommend any other treatment other than regular maintenance. Thanks for all the input.

SI2305

 

[3930dave]

One of the collateral issues with ULSD is it seems to have more of an affinity for water. As diesel fuel systems have evolved (higher pressure fuel rails, smaller geometry injector orifices), water has become an even bigger problem.

There are various strategies out there, in terms of diesel fuel additives. The one I know the best, and use consistently is Stanadyne. Their approach is to coagulate (correct term is de-emulsify) the teeny tiny water molecules into larger clumps, so the stock filter can do it's job better. What you accomplish is near perfect filtration (as in separation) of the water.

If not much for evangelizing about "You must use Brand X vs. Y" in terms of additives, except to say that I'd stay away from anything that contains alcohol. (And, to be clear, I've only heard good things about Redline in general - I don't know enough about how their additive actually functions to comment further).

Mostly what I'm getting at is:

1) Do the research and select a diesel fuel additive that makes sense to you.

2) Consistently add it your diesel fuel, every time.

Unless you live in the middle of the Mojave, water in fuel issues are what most of us have to contend with. A decent fuel additive will help you manage this problem, and address other issues like Lubricity too.

Rgds, D.

 

[SI2305]

What type of Redline?

Hello all, sorry to keep this thread going indefinitely, but I do want to add some Redline to my system. Problem is, I have checked the website and I am not certain which of their numerous products I should be adding. Red Line 85 Plus Diesel Fuel Additive #70802 (1-12oz. Bottle) seems like a logical starting point, though it states it lacks a smoke suppressant. Does this mean my tractor will be producing black clouds like diesels of olde? Sorry, but I am still in uncharted territory (for me) and appreciate all the help that has gotten me through this minor crisis.

Thanks,

SI2305

 

[kuboman]

It's not the ULSD that has the affinity to water but the biodiesel they add to it.

 

[3930dave]

(Sorry SI, I don't know Redline enough to advise..... need CM back in here.......)

I have a lot still to learn about fuel chemistry.

I had heard that some aspects of todays refining process that is used to create ULSD ends up creating a situation where the fuel is more..... I'll say "receptive" to water vapour. I'm definitely not an organic chemist, so that's where my knowledge ends today.

Bacteria can grow in just about any environment, but I do have to wonder if the higher sulphur levels in days-of-olde diesel fuel ended up working as an-antimicrobial treatment built in ? The result would have been that when old high sulphur diesel might have had water in it, that resulting mix was less likely to support bacterial growth.....

Good biodiesel is likely fine. The feedback I've seen from guys on here in areas with well established biodiesel supplies is generally good. One problem you can get into is switching over - where I live there is little/no biodiesel - one of the reasons I always use a good fuel treatment is if you travel away from a no biodiesel area into a high content bio zone, the transition can perform enough rapid cleaning to clog a fuel filter.

Just things I've been scratching my head about....... still more to learn.......

Rgds, D.

 

[Coyote machine]

I'm backkkk:laughing:
Read this:http://www.redlineoil.com/content/files/tech/Diesel Fuel Catalyst Tech Info.pdf
Then if you have any questions call them at the number at the bottom of the pages. There is a winterized version which would be good this time of year....
Hope this helps.