Winter and the diesel in my tractor?

[radioman]

you guys need to be aware of cloud point of diesel, not just the gelling point. the clouding of diesel plugs up the filter faster then anything else.

from the wiki:
Like most fuels, diesel is a mix of hydrocarbons, and the components have different freezing points. For Number 2 diesel, as the ambient temperatures drop toward 32 degrees F (0 degrees C), it begins to cloud, due to the paraffin in the fuel solidifying. As the temperatures drop below 32 F, the molecules combine into solids, large enough to be stopped by the filter. This is known as the gel point, and generally occurs about 15 degrees F (-9.5 degrees C) below the cloud point.

So, using a winter blend or adding anti-gel additive/mixing kerosene to summer mix will prevent problems during the winter. In old days adding kero to diesel was used to lower cloud point or run straight kero when it is really cold, below 0.

 

[corey9212]

you guys need to be aware of cloud point of diesel, not just the gelling point. the clouding of diesel plugs up the filter faster then anything else.

from the wiki:
Like most fuels, diesel is a mix of hydrocarbons, and the components have different freezing points. For Number 2 diesel, as the ambient temperatures drop toward 32 degrees F (0 degrees C), it begins to cloud, due to the paraffin in the fuel solidifying. As the temperatures drop below 32 F, the molecules combine into solids, large enough to be stopped by the filter. This is known as the gel point, and generally occurs about 15 degrees F (-9.5 degrees C) below the cloud point.

So, using a winter blend or adding anti-gel additive/mixing kerosene to summer mix will prevent problems during the winter. In old days adding kero to diesel was used to lower cloud point or run straight kero when it is really cold, below 0.

That is good info to know. Learn something new everyday (especially on this forum)

 

[5030tinkerer]

So...if I foolishly had my 300+ gallon diesel storage tank filled about two weeks ago with straight #2 product, can I just pour in some 'grey bottle' power service and perhaps pump fuel out from the tank and directly back in it to help it mix sufficiently? Should I add more than what the directions call for to increase my chances of not having a problem?

 

[bp fick]

So...if I foolishly had my 300+ gallon diesel storage tank filled about two weeks ago with straight #2 product, can I just pour in some 'grey bottle' power service and perhaps pump fuel out from the tank and directly back in it to help it mix sufficiently? Should I add more than what the directions call for to increase my chances of not having a problem?

I like the "white bottle", but yes, your plan is pretty good. Are you going to use 300 gallons of diesel in 4 months? A year?

I'd only use the recommendation ratio of product, however.

 

[Toyboy]

I'm one of those with about 3/4 tank full of #2 going into winter. This will also be my first winter with my BX, so I guess I'll know more about the do's & don't this spring. I'm done mowing and have the blower on now and it's just sitting. I do use the white PS year around though.

Most of all the conversation here is about those who have their tractor sit in the cold, either inside or outside a garage. I have a little diferent concern as mine is in a heated garage (55f) and will go into -15f at times. I wonder what the temp shock will do to fuel? I'll have to pull it outside and let it warm up for about 5-10 min before use to warm trans fluid. We'll see how that goes. Any suggestions?

 

[bp fick]

I'm one of those with about 3/4 tank full of #2 going into winter. This will also be my first winter with my BX, so I guess I'll know more about the do's & don't this spring. I'm done mowing and have the blower on now and it's just sitting. I do use the white PS year around though.

Most of all the conversation here is about those who have their tractor sit in the cold, either inside or outside a garage. I have a little diferent concern as mine is in a heated garage (55f) and will go into -15f at times. I wonder what the temp shock will do to fuel? I'll have to pull it outside and let it warm up for about 5-10 min before use to warm trans fluid. We'll see how that goes. Any suggestions?

You'll be fine. Your next fuel can will be winter blend. You can top off.

 

[check]

I live in Alberta and know what Canadian winters can throw at us in terms of cold weather. I was talking to the gas stations that I use to get fuel about "winter blends" and they said they gradually add anti gelling to their fuel based on month and weather and they start adding in September so by late October it is fully mixed for winter. I was told this by both UFA and Petro Canada. So the best thing I can say is talk to your gas station and find out if they add any anti gelling and when do they add it, to be extra safe add some yourself as well, the stuff I use also has lubrication to compensate for the low sulfur fuel (my fuel consumption has decreased by 50% since adding it) instead of getting 4 hours mowing from it I now get 6 hours.

Your fuel consumption decreased by 50%? Amazing!

BTW, I stored my BX25 outdoors at the cottage for 2 winters, and it always started and ran no problem. And the temps were 30 below (Celsius) or lower at times. I now have a block heater, however, and will be storing my tractor inside my new (unheated) garage. Does anyone know how much power those block heaters consume? (I suppose I could put it on a timer.)

 

[jonyyuma]

The timer would help on the utility bill.I had to use a Hair dryer, on the filter and pump, just one time I forgot to plug up.It took over an hour of attempts, before it started and ran good.I also use Wd-40 into the air intake for priming after filter change failures, or anytime air gets into fuel system.jy..

 

[LBrown59]

.

The typical diesel you buy is #2 diesel.
#1 diesel is the winter blend, and is comparable to kerosene. .

#1 diesel and kerosene ar 2 different things and are not comparable. .

 

[jim442]

The problem with mixing gasoline with diesel is that it won't stay mixed. Friend of mine accidently pumped some gas in his diesel tank in a boat this summer, figured the percentage, and figured he would be ok. Cost him 15 grand for the engine. Don't do it