Summer diesel vs Winter diesel?

[Doc_Bob]

last year, I wondered if I should just get extra summer diesel, treat it with power service for the winter and take advantage of the extra power that summer belnd has versus winter blend? or just use winter blend and forget this entire crazy idea!!!!
Bob

 

[Egon]

Just forget the idea. Cost of the conditioner you have to add will probably exceed any supposed gains.

Besides, getting a gelled fuel system operation immediately is a pain.

 

[jbrumberg]

Doc Bob:

I agree with Egon . I was ranting and raving in TBN posts all last winter due to gelling problems with ULSD . I finally came up with a good Power Service mix. I use PS as recommended (double loads for cold weather). Jay

 

[Doc_Bob]

Sounds like going with winter diesel is a better choice with PS as well?
Bob

 

[jbrumberg]

Sounds like going with winter diesel is a better choice with PS as well?
Bob

Doc Bob:

It kept me running throughout the winter (with the "double load" as recommended by PS). I was having problems with ULSD straight from the pump gelling at
17 F degrees before the PS. Single PS additions as recommended (I believe it was ~3 ounces/5 gallons) kept the fuel liquid into the upper single digits. The double load got me through the sub-zero temperatures. I will add that the regional refineries in the NE and the Northern Tier in general did not do a very good job as it relates to their ULSD cold weather additive "mix" last year. Maybe this year they will get the "mix" right. I will still be adding a "double load" regardless. Jay

 

[BarryinMN]

I add Powerservice in the machine tanks in the Fall and have had no problems at -30. In my area the diesel price is lowest Jan/Feb so that is when I top off the storage tank. The fuel dealer gives choices of straight B5 #2, Wintermix B5, B20, B50, whatever you want. I get Amoco premier B5 #2.

MN jumped headfirst into soy diesel - biodiesel mandates a couple of years ago and made a mess out of it when some proteins caused gelling at higher than expected temps.

 

[Doc_Bob]

I add Powerservice in the machine tanks in the Fall and have had no problems at -30. In my area the diesel price is lowest Jan/Feb so that is when I top off the storage tank. The fuel dealer gives choices of straight B5 #2, Wintermix B5, B20, B50, whatever you want. I get Amoco premier B5 #2.

MN jumped headfirst into soy diesel - biodiesel mandates a couple of years ago and made a mess out of it when some proteins caused gelling at higher than expected temps.

What does B5 mean? 5% Biodiesel? #2 is summer blend?
Bob

 

[BarryinMN]

Yes on both counts B=biodiesel and digit = %. Added benefit of bio is the lubricity since ULSD has reduced sulphur content. drawback is bio is supposed to be a better fuel system cleaning agent potentially clogged fuel filters until cleaned up.

#2 is standard diesel fuel. A Summer/Winter definition might be defined locally. #1 is near kerosene lower cetane lower MPG but much less likely to gel.

Most gas stations here start advertising an "Arctic blend" diesel mid Oct. But some truck stops sell straight #2 catering to the Southbound truckers that want better MPG. Locals and Northbound drivers either cut the #2 with #1 or like me carry a gallon of Powerservice in the saddlebag & unscientifically glug some in when refilling my 1 ton dump truck.

 

[Z-Michigan]

But some truck stops sell straight #2 catering to the Southbound truckers that want better MPG.

As Barry probably knows but readers might not, many long-distance semis have tank heaters so they can avoid gelling problems even if they show up in Minnesota winter with tanks containing straight #2 diesel from Louisiana.

If in doubt - Power Service or any other quality diesel additive is cheap insurance.

 

[john_bud]

Doc-Bob,

Remember last year it was warm up until December or so, then it dropped to -15f and lower? Around here, EVERY shelf that held anything labled "anti-gel" was empty 2 days later. The story I finally got was that the fuel suppliers were NOT mixing the USLD for low temp as that cost's $$$. They were betting on it staying warm (must have thought A. Gore was telling the truth...). My truck gelled and a dose of PS in the white bottle that should have been good for 100 gal, did nothing. Well, it cost me a second set of filters. I added Howes Fuel Treat and all was well. Have been using the Howes ever since.

YMMV,

jb