Winter Fuel for dummies?!?

[tc24guy]

Ok, now that I have had my first experience with a frozen fuel filter. I have been introduced to the "can of worms" of winter fuel blends and additives. Over the past 5 yeas it hasn't been a problem so I've never worried about it but this year my garage space has been limited and the tractor stayed outside longer then I planned and the filter froze.

So can someone explain the additives, mixes, blends and recommended fuels to use?

 

[bp fick]

As shared on the other thread, this problem was much more due to the presence of water, than gelling of diesel. Still, the check list is important to review.

For most CUT owners, the local Fuel Mart where they purchase their diesel must be reputable and care for their underground storage tanks. If you see a pattern of watery gas or diesel, it's time to buy somewhere else.

The change over from summer to winter is a progression, not a moment in time. This begins taking place in late September and the tank should be completely changed over by mid to late November.

Every owner/operator accepts responsibility for his tractor's operation with the onset of cold weather in autumn. There is no better time to replace the fuel filters and change the engine oil/filter if needed.

The majority of guys here on TBN seem to prefer a shot of Howse or Power Services treatment in every fuel can they fill. The cost is so minimal.

Finally, common recommendations include keeping the tractor fuel tank full to abate condensation. If storing a tractor outside, measures might be considered to provide some minimal protection through the use of tarps.

Waking up to a frozen fuel filter, on a bitter cold January morning is simply no fun. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. This harsh winter has demonstrated that even the fellows in the deep South were not exempt.

 

[Duffster]

Ok, now that I have had my first experience with a frozen fuel filter. I have been introduced to the "can of worms" of winter fuel blends and additives. Over the past 5 yeas it hasn't been a problem so I've never worried about it but this year my garage space has been limited and the tractor stayed outside longer then I planned and the filter froze.

So can someone explain the additives, mixes, blends and recommended fuels to use?

Look to me like more of a water problem than a fuel gel problem.

 

[George2615]

I agree. Looks more like water was in the fuel. Its not gelled, its frozen. Stations that sell a high volume of diesel have less problem with water getting in their tanks but it does happen. Looks like you may need to flush your fuel tank and lines and start with a new batch of diesel. You can use additives as memtioned, they will help prevent gelling but won't remove that much water.

 

[B8FISH]

I think a major key to this comment is how much fuel you burn--if you don't "turn over" your whole tank in the fall--you will be burning summer blended fuel in the winter--and have the associated problems!!


The change over from summer to winter is a progression, not a moment in time. This begins taking place in late September and the tank should be completely changed over by mid to late November.

Every owner/operator accepts responsibility for his tractor's operation with the onset of cold weather in autumn. There is no better time to replace the fuel filters and change the engine oil/filter if needed.

The majority of guys here on TBN seem to prefer a shot of Howse or Power Services treatment in every fuel can they fill. The cost is so minimal.

Finally, common recommendations include keeping the tractor fuel tank full to abate condensation. If storing a tractor outside, measures might be considered to provide some minimal protection through the use of tarps.

Waking up to a frozen fuel filter, on a bitter cold January morning is simply no fun. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. This harsh winter has demonstrated that even the fellows in the deep South were not exempt.[/QUOTE]

 

[coobie]

I can,t say it enough,anti-gel added in the winter months will save you a lot of grief later on.I would not depend on any fuel supplier to add the correct amount of additives to my fuel.coobie.

 

[Mark_in_NH]

I think a major key to this comment is how much fuel you burn--if you don't "turn over" your whole tank in the fall--you will be burning summer blended fuel in the winter--and have the associated problems!!

The above statement is Exactly why I treat my fuel ALL year long. For me and my normal usage, it just makes the onset of cold weather that much more "Worry Free" !

 

[coobie]

The above statement is Exactly why I treat my fuel ALL year long. For me and my normal usage, it just makes the onset of cold weather that much more "Worry Free" !

Mark,I could not agree more with your statement.I treat my fuel year around also with anti-gel and centane booster just to be safe.coobie.

 

[tc24guy]

thanks but I was kind of hoping this thread would take a different path. bp you have been most helpful. More along the lines of different fuels and what the blends mean, I have been reading about different blends with numbers like #1 and #2 and K1 kerosene instead of spending hours searching through different threads and putting bits and pieces together it would be nice to get that info condenced in to one thread. I understand what the problem was with the tractor and I should have stated that there was another thread on that issue. So, educate me on diesel fuel if you would. Or point me to a good past post or online article.

Thanks
TC 24 Guy


and where do you guys purchase Howse and Power Services treatments?

 

[coobie]

thanks but I was kind of hoping this thread would take a different path. bp you have been most helpful. More along the lines of different fuels and what the blends mean, I have been reading about different blends with numbers like #1 and #2 and K1 kerosene instead of spending hours searching through different threads and putting bits and pieces together it would be nice to get that info condenced in to one thread. I understand what the problem was with the tractor and I should have stated that there was another thread on that issue. So, educate me on diesel fuel if you would. Or point me to a good past post or online article.

Thanks
TC 24 Guy


and where do you guys purchase Howse and Power Services treatments?

There is some good reading not to far below your post called fuel gelling,good read.Wally world has power service and any truck stop should have howes fuel treatment.coobie

 

[bp fick]

In the real world in which most of common scut owners live, we simply go to our nearest Fuel Mart (I use the term generically)and buy our diesel in a fuel can, right?

If I am off here, then let's re-direct, but this is just so simple. Most of us scut owners do NOT have a fuel truck deliver to our homes, as our consumption just isn't enough to justify such a thing.

Thus, all we buy is the standard diesel, yes, over the road, from our local Fuel Mart. Number #1 diesel is finer, but contains less zip (btu). Closer related to Kero. Number #2 is closer related to Heating Oil. That's more than we need to know, frankly, because at our local Fuel Mart, they likely give us no choice. THE Diesel pump. That's it. It is #2. In the winter months, their distributor and refiner will blend it for "winter". (in our area, they also reformulate gasoline for winter blend too.) This means they add a touch of this and that and maybe add a lighter diesel, more akin to kero. Not much, but enough so that their customers, 18 wheelers, busses, trucks, F-250 type owners and yes, the lowly SCUT owner won't be stalled from here to kingdom come. It works, because honestly, there are not stalled vehicles strewn everywhere.

If you have a trustworthy local Fuel Mart then that is all you need to know. If you sense you are getting junk, then buy from someone else. End of story. Again, we SCUT owners simply buy our diesel the way we buy gasoline for our other appliances, by humping our fuel cans.

Adding a splash of treatment is something many guys do, just to hopefully protect themselves.

 

[Mark_in_NH]

TC 24 Guy


and where do you guys purchase Howse and Power Services treatments?

I buy my Power Service right at my local Walmart. Most hardware store will carry it, service stations will carry it or atleast something similar.
My apologies for hijacking your thread off into a different direction then you intended.

 

[tc24guy]

Thats more like it )

I do have a few choices, I live near a highway so I have a BP, Shell, Marathon, and Sunoco that sell on-road diesel and one station on the far side of town that sells both on and off-road diesel (I think its a Marathon) I notice alot of black smoking and smell when I use off-road.

No worries Mark, Im just not that good at asking specific questions LOL

 

[Duffster]

I would figure out the water thing before I even would concern myself with additives.

That much water didn't happen overnight.

 

[coobie]

In the real world in which most of common scut owners live, we simply go to our nearest Fuel Mart (I use the term generically)and buy our diesel in a fuel can, right?

If I am off here, then let's re-direct, but this is just so simple. Most of us scut owners do NOT have a fuel truck deliver to our homes, as our consumption just isn't enough to justify such a thing.

Thus, all we buy is the standard diesel, yes, over the road, from our local Fuel Mart. Number #1 diesel is finer, but contains less zip (btu). Closer related to Kero. Number #2 is closer related to Heating Oil. That's more than we need to know, frankly, because at our local Fuel Mart, they likely give us no choice. THE Diesel pump. That's it. It is #2. In the winter months, their distributor and refiner will blend it for "winter". (in our area, they also reformulate gasoline for winter blend too.) This means they add a touch of this and that and maybe add a lighter diesel, more akin to kero. Not much, but enough so that their customers, 18 wheelers, busses, trucks, F-250 type owners and yes, the lowly SCUT owner won't be stalled from here to kingdom come. It works, because honestly, there are not stalled vehicles strewn everywhere.

If you have a trustworthy local Fuel Mart then that is all you need to know. If you sense you are getting junk, then buy from someone else. End of story. Again, we SCUT owners simply buy our diesel the way we buy gasoline for our other appliances, by humping our fuel cans.

Adding a splash of treatment is something many guys do, just to hopefully protect themselves.

I think you hit the nail on the head,IF YOU HAVE A TRUSTWORTHY LOCAL FUEL MART.If you sense you are getting junk fuel it might be to late,it might give you gelling problems or worse injector issues the first fill up.That is why I use additives,but not a cure all.Chose you local fuel mart wisely.coobie

 

[tc24guy]

I would figure out the water thing before I even would concern myself with additives.

That much water didn't happen overnight.

agreed but that was discussion for this thread.
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/new-holland-owning-operating/161254-freezing-tc24da.html

 

[Duffster]

Thats more like it )

I do have a few choices, I live near a highway so I have a BP, Shell, Marathon, and Sunoco that sell on-road diesel and one station on the far side of town that sells both on and off-road diesel (I think its a Marathon) I notice alot of black smoking and smell when I use off-road.

No worries Mark, Im just not that good at asking specific questions LOL

Odds are real good that the on road and off road are the same thing.

So you shouldn't be noticing a difference in smoke etc.

 

[bp fick]

Odds are real good that the on road and off road are the same thing.

So you shouldn't be noticing a difference in smoke etc.

+1

I agree. Other than the DOT dye for tax collection/enforcement purposes, there should be no difference whatsoever.

Also agree that since we don't have our own refineries in our back 40's we do have to trust some Fuel Station, in the end. Trust, but verify.

 

[Opti-Mist]

and where do you guys purchase Howse and Power Services treatments?

Any auto parts store like NAPA or even Wal-Mart.

Sorry, failed to read through the entire thread. My bad.

 

[tc24guy]

+1

I agree. Other than the DOT dye for tax collection/enforcement purposes, there should be no difference whatsoever.

Also agree that since we don't have our own refineries in our back 40's we do have to trust some Fuel Station, in the end. Trust, but verify.

I was under the impression that the off-road had more pollutant causing sulfur and that was one of the reasons it was not legal for on-road use. However a call to my friend that has been building and repairing gas stations for the past 20 years confirmed that the only difference would be the red dye. when I mentioned the extra smoke and burning eyes he said that was probably the result of what ever blend that particular station is using and may be caused (by some small extent) by the red dye.