Is this what gelling looks like?

[Bavarian]

I do suspect that the dyed fuel isn't winter blend. No matter what and how much you add to summer fuel, you'll never get a winter blend quality.

Like me and many others suggested, get some on road diesel. Mixing in some kerosene isn't the worst idea. As far as lost lubrication, adding 2-stroke oil is an option. Your tractor has no DPF, as far as I know. Otherwise I'd use Lucas overhead lubricant, which is available at truck stops. It's not an anti-gel additive.

 

[crashz]

I'm with the "treat all year" crowd. Don't be afraid to add Power Service or Howes at a very healthy dose. Lotta good info on diesel additives out there, but one common theme is that you will not do any damage by over treating. If fact its adding lubricity, so pour it in! I regularly use and have it on hand. Been very happy with the Amsoil All-In-One product as it noticeably raises the cetane numbers.

One additive I will caution everyone on is Power Service 911. It is for emergencies only. IE - if you're stranded on the side of the road. It contains a lot of alcohol and will reduce lubricity of the fuel. It is not meant as a long term or regular treatment. Their white and silver bottles are meant for that.

 

[RalphVa]

Bet thing to treat this kind of gelling is to add more kerosene, maybe 100% where you are. Sure you didn't have some summer blend #2 in there? Think up there they'd add 30 to 50% kerosene to the winter #1 blend.

Kero and some heat applied via a hair drier would melt the gel.

Don't think it helps to put more additive than recommended. Generally, it's about 0.15%. Just multiply it out and convert to ounces. Should be able to do this online.

Ralph

 

[oosik]

The second winter we lived here - '83/'84 - I got half way down my mile long gravel driveway and the tractor just quit. It was well below zero and the fuel in the tank looked like semi hardened jello. Shake the tractor - side to side - and looking with my flashlight - it "sloshed" like jello. So ...... S*IT was the word as I walked back to the house. Loaded my small Honda generator and the wife's hair dryer into the ATV. Back at the tractor. Took half an hour with the hair dryer and tractor ran again. Let it sit there at 1200 rpm for half an hour and eventually I could feel the diesel in the fuel tank was slightly warm to the touch. That was the day I went to NAPA and got Power Service, white jug. Use it both summer/winter and have never had any jelling problems again.

In retrospect, guess I was lucky. It could have happened at the beginning of the driveway. I would have had a mile walk and probably completely used my entire vocabulary of four letter words.

 

[seville009]

Your fuel leaves your tank, goes through the filter, through the fuel pump, injectors, etc... and any of it that isn't used goes back to the tank and the cycle repeats. As your fuel gels, as someone else mentioned, the paraffin starts to solidify. The solids get sucked into the filter and concentrated there, as they can't pass through the filter.

That痴 what I always assumed....basically the filter itself slows the flow down and makes it the perfect spot in the fuels supply for things to solidify.

on my MF1540, the fuel filter sits on the outside of the engine, so it really doesn稚 get warmed up by the engine heat either. The furl filter in my skidsteer on the other hand is tucked in the engine bay and has never gelled up.

 

[RalphVa]

One time I had wax globs come out of solution was with the one time I bought off road. Had to syphon the tank and then fish out the globs with a 3 finger fish tool. Don't think additives protect against this. Wonder if the red dye somehow doesn't contribute to it.

Exxon allowed me to take the dyed fuel back and gave me credit for it. They just poured it back into their dyed tank.

Ralph

 

[Deepdrop]

After all the comments, I've learned some things. The fuel filter is indeed in the perfect spot to gel. On my tracgtor, if the fuel is going to gel, that is where it's going to happen. I'm going to see if there is a way to warm it.
I have to pay very close attention to learn exactly when gas stations switch to winter fuel, and be sure to take all the summer fuel out of action. I guess it's possible there was a very small amount (half gallon) of summer fuel still in the tank when I filled with the dyed winter fuel. I think that I didn't realize how seriously one has to take this. I thought the additive I put in would be enough. After all, the label says it prevents gelling :confused3:
I have suspicions about dyed fuel now. I will only buy the on-road type, which is not dyed.
Unfortunately, kerosene is simply not available right now. I don't know if it all went to Texas to help people with the cold weather, but I called every single store in the area and none had it and none knew of anyone who does have it. So, I've drained the tank and ordered new filters. I'll put in a new filter and fill the tank with undyed winter diesel and hope for the best.

 

[Deepdrop]

Again, thank you all VERY MUCH!!

 

[Peter 315]

You buying fuel at the Fort?

 

[Egon]

Many refineries adjust their produced fuel ( gasoline, diesel ) to meet seasonal temperature changes in areas they supply. The retailer may lag behind if the volumes sold are low.

High volume truck stops are usually a good choice for good fuel.