Oil & Fuel New to diesel - winter operation question

[bxowner]

This is embarrasing - but I suppose that's what's handy about the anonimity of the internet and sites like this...

I'm expecting delivery of a new BX1500 any day now. Typical winter temps in this part of Vermont are 20s by day in Jan to a little below 0 at night. When it gets 'really cold,' I don't anticipate a need to start the tractor, as there typically isn't any snow to be removing at temps below -10 (some day if I can afford a 3-pt-hitch generator, that may change).

I asked the dealer to put in a block heater in place of one of the freeze plugs.

My question is about diesel additives in cold weather - i.e. adding kerosene to diesel - I've seen it mentioned here and there, but without a 'recipe.' What percentage of kerosene to diesel? Does it depend on 20s vs. teens vs. negative temps? Do all fuel dealers that sell diesel also sell kerosene? In the spring and warmer temps, if I have a gallon of diesel/kerosene mix, will it harm the engine to run it?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Egon]

Rather than kerosene use some diesel fuel conditioner.

 

[Boondox]

Welcome to the realm of Kubota owners!

I also live in Vermont (Lamoille County) so have the same situation. I use Stanadyne diesel conditioner in my fuel year round. The Maynard's Auto Parts chain carries it if there's one near you, also Burlington Diesel Service on Industrial in Williston if you live near the Big City.

And don't plan on never having to move snow on cold days. We have this annoying thing called "wind" that blows the stuff around and blocks driveways, etc.

Pete

 

[Northland]

yes well don't feel bad. I have a new B7800 that I had stuck within an hour of owning. I hadn't read the manual to figure out how the rear diff locked. I have done a number of other stupid thing things like banging the unfolded ROPS into the top of my garage twice. I think of myself as a smart guy mostly but I do make mistakes daily.

This late fall and winter we have had a lot 32F (0 C) weather that causes condensation issues. I had a big problem with water in my fuel in Dec that caused continous white plumes of smoke to come out the exhaust and terrible engine running. I had to change the filter and then eventually even drain the tank of it's fuel. After that I added PowerServe to the new fuel and everything is now good.

I ordered a Mr.Funnel to take the water out of the fuel but I have not got it yet. Based on my problems I would urge you to add the diesel additive. Also, the block heater makes a huge difference in how fast the entire tractor (engine, trannie and hydralics) warm up and become operational.

 

[Youare]

I live just across the river in New Hampshire and I had the same question four years ago. I use Power Service diesel fuel conditioner a quart will last you a long time, I am on my second quart in four years.

I add a little to my fuel all year round as it also helps keep the injectors clean.

Randy

 

[Buckeyeman]

Lucas Oil makes a very good additive for cold weather that can be found at any truck stop or auto parts store.

 

[George2615]

I'm in the snow belt of upstate NY. You don't need to mix Kero with diesel if you buy some Stanadyne or Power Service additive that prevents fuel gelling. Kerosene doesn't have the lubricating properties of diesel but it can be added to diesel and used if you choose to do so. Around here most home heating fuel sold is a 50/50 mix of diesel and kero but costs more than just #2 home heating diesel.
I use the PS 911 in my home fuel oil tank as well.
We usually have winter temps 20 deg F or less ( not this winter yet). I use Power Service 911 or similar. It de-ices fuel lines, lubricates pumps and injectors, re-liquifies gelled fuel and removes water. I think I got it at Wally world. 96 ounces for about $14. One 96 ounces bottle treats 100 gal. or 9.6 ounces for 10 gal is the way I mix it. Have not had a freeze up since I started using it.

 

[TonyS]

we have used power serve in our diesel trucks, RTV and L3400. use the white one in winter (prevents gelling) and the silver one in summer for more oomph

have fun

 

[jk96]

I use Howes diesal additive. I've never had an issue with freezing and I think it also works to help remove water as well.

 

[johnk]

I use power service year round. Cheap Insurance ...........Don't want no gelled up diesel...Never had a problem with diesel gelling or going bad...