help... snows coming & the ck20 will not run

Bob_Skurka · Jan 23, 2005

i just purchased some diesel from the local station... however, it was a separate pump, by the regular gas pumps.... not the pumps where the trucks fill..... 

Jim . . . My truck fleet fills up at a service station we have a contract with, I fill my fuel cans for my tractors at a diesel pump that is in front of a supermarket or the gas station in town and neither of those places get any real truck traffic, it seems like most of the diesel they pump is going into pick up trucks or into containers for use in tractors. I'm sure the fuel suppliers in my area all treat their fuel in the winter, I don't think it makes too much difference what the source is or where you get your fuel.

As for getting your tractor warm enough . . . consider yourself lucky that you got it running! Just try to keep it running. Fuel line gel problems, just like fuel filter gelling, simply prevent fuel from getting to the injectors. If your fuel is flowing, and if you thinned it with Kero or an anti-gel then it should slowly open up the lines. But if the filter is waxed up, you want to physically take it off and clean it out.

jimb1724 · Jan 23, 2005

JimR and Bob

THANK YOU !!!! just got done playing in the snow with the kioti!!!!!

thanks for your help guys... i got it warm(er) and running with the help of the kersone heater and a hair dryer aimed at the tank and lines, took off the fuel filter and cleaned out all the gel .... after i was sure it was running normally again i cycled the bucket to warm up the hydraulics and away i went.... ran for a couple of hours and ran just like new..... i think i'm set for now, as i did put about 1/2 gal of kero and some of the anti-gel additive in the tank....

thanks again...

jim

Harrygoodwrench · Jan 23, 2005

Jim, do yourself a favor. I am in the Northeast too up in NY. Get some "anti-gel" additive and you will never be let down. I get my fuel and add the measured amount, it helps all around even as a injection pump lube. Many brands are good I'd say. I've used power surge on trucks to get them un-froze so to speak. It happens when trucks come from down South up to the cold temps.
Sure beats trying to play in the cold.

MajMac392 · Jan 23, 2005

Jim,

It looks like you got your problem taken care of but I just had the same problem with my Cub Cadet. I normally keep the tractor in a basement garage but I had to move it this week outdoors. I dreaded trying to start it on Thursday because it was a little over 0 degrees. It finally started and I let it warm up for several minutes and was able to make just one pass up my driveway. Then it started running pretty bad, no power and I finally got it back in the garage. I always put in a diesel additive so I was real surprised to see the filter all crudded up. I decided to change the filter, and drain the fuel because it was only about 1/2 full. I put fresh fuel in it with additive, Power Service I believe it was. That took care of it but I still don't understand why it gelled up even with the additive. I always buy all my fuel at truckstop places that I figure will have fairly fresh fuel. I'm glad you got it running again, not fun when they are broken!

KiotiJohn · Jan 23, 2005

( That took care of it but I still don't understand why it gelled up even with the additive. I always buy all my fuel at truckstop places that I figure will have fairly fresh fuel. I'm glad you got it running again, not fun when they are broken! )
Now, I'm no expert, but I believe the Power Service comes in different configurations. Are you sure it had the anti gel properties, or was it only a cetane booster and lube? Also, maybe the weather was just so cold that you need more than you put in? Sure does seem strange since you were prob. using winter blend AND the additive, right? Once again, I'm SO glad I don't have to go through all of that. The snow CAN be fun when it's other people's problem. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif John

Bob_Skurka · Jan 23, 2005

I'm not one of the PowerService boosters here on TBN. I've got nothing against it, in fact we are trying it this year in our truck fleet. BUT in my tractors I use a product called Arctic Express from Gold Eagle Corp. In fact, on the back of some of the bottles of PowerService it recommends using Arctic Express if the fuel will be sitting for some time. PowerService is guaranteed not to gel . . . if the engine is in constant use. Hmmm. Constant use? Don't know about anyone else, but mine doesn't run 24 hours a day. I suspect PowerService is a good product, but I favor anti-gel treatments to engine conditioners that have anti-gel properties.

And John, as for the snow, you simply don't know what you are missing! I just got back from a week about in Florida (about 75 miles south of where you are) and could not wait to get back up to play in the snow! When I was down there it was 80 degrees and sunny during the days but in the winter I really want SNOW.

KiotiJohn · Jan 23, 2005

( And John, as for the snow, you simply don't know what you are missing! I just got back from a week about in Florida (about 75 miles south of where you are) and could not wait to get back up to play in the snow! When I was down there it was 80 degrees and sunny during the days but in the winter I really want SNOW. )
Well, you can sure have mine! I'm leaving on 2/2 to go to Mexico and get away from this little cold we have here!
Actually, I'm just going for carnival, but the warm weather will be wonderful. John

DK35vince · Jan 24, 2005

John,
According to my thermometer its currently 7 degrees below zero here in Western, Pa.
Brrr...

KiotiJohn · Jan 24, 2005

( John,
According to my thermometer its currently 7 degrees below zero here in Western, Pa.
Brrr... )
Vince, to me that's a masterpiece of understatement! BRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR is more like it. /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

aosbill · Jan 25, 2005

With all the talk about fuel line freeze up on TBN, I'm surprised no-one has mentioned Stanadyne Performance Formula additive. I live in central Ma. and it has been extremely cold, in the single digits, and I have had no problems with fuel line freeze ups all winter. I buy my diesel at a station down the street that cannot service semi trucks so I know they probably don't sell alot of diesel. I'm pretty sure however that the diesel sold in New England in the sinter months is treated. That is no guarantee that your fuel line won't freeze up however. So with the added protection with the Stanadyne all season diesel fuel conditioner, you get added protection from freeze-ups, lowers fuel pour point as much as 40 Deg. F., increased fuel cetane rating, combats rust and corrosion,and cleans and lubricates the fuel injection system. 1 Bottle takes care of 60 gallons. I've been faithfully adding the required amount to my 5 gallon can since I purchased my tractor in May. I was told by my friend in Northern Maine, who rebuilds injector pumps and injectors, that the Stanadyne is the best product he has seen to lubricate the injection system on all diesels. The EPA has mandated a new ruling some time ago that removed some of the lubricating properties of diesel fuel, making an additive to replace it almost mandatory. My friend has told me that he has seen some pretty radical damage from injector pumps used without an additive since the new ruling went into effect. Since even before the ruling though, he recommended that ALL diesels use an aftermarket additive to help lubricate the injection system. He has said that the Stanadyne product appears to be working the best with keeping injector systems lubricated well and by inhibiting the diesel from freeze up in the winter. I'm no advocate for any particular product, just stating what is working for me. The Stanadyne product can be found on the web by using google search for Stanadyne. Good luck