Winter Fuel

RobS · Oct 5, 2004

Is there such a thing as winter diesel fuel? If so, how do I know if that's what's at the local BP station? When do they changeover?

I just filled my tractor and emptied my yellow jug in doing so. I'm approaching the time of year when the tractor doesn't go through much fuel so what's in the tank will last until the snow flies probably. I do use PowerService in my fuel year 'round.

Should I wait to refill my yellow jug until I know the winter stuff is at the pump? Does it really matter? I do need the tractor in winter for snow removal and we see temps well below freezing up here /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

MadReferee · Oct 5, 2004

Ask the station owner. He should know if the last load was the winter blend or if the leftover in his tank was thinned with kerosene to make it winter blend.

When I had my station, any diesel delivered after late October was winter blend. My distrbutor always brought in a load af kerosene (amount depended on what was left in my storage tank) just before the winter blend became available.

SkyPup · Oct 5, 2004

They switch over from #2 to #1 when the ambient temps fall below 20*F. since the paraffins in #2 begin to gel and wax soon thereafter.

kevinj · Oct 5, 2004

If you are at BP just look at the pump. Diesel is just #2, Premier and Power Blend are set for winter and have additives. Not all BP stations have all grades, some by me have only diesel while some a premium diesel pump. I use the Premier year round and done so for the past 30 years.

BobG_in_VA · Oct 5, 2004

Get some Power Service and put about an ounce or two in the tank. This good to increase the cetane rating a couple of points and will also keep the fuel from gelling (if you're in a cold climate). If it gets really cold you can put a little extra in the tank ( I have a 17 gal tank and use this stuff all year down here in VA). A bottle will treat about 100 gallons. BobG in Va

Bird · Oct 5, 2004

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( A bottle will treat about 100 gallons )</font>

Depends on which size bottle your buy. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif I also used it year round and had farmer neighbors who bought it by the gallon, but I just dumped a pint in my 55 gallon barrel every time I filled it.

Junkman · Oct 5, 2004

I purchased a quart bottle and it lasted me about 100 hours. I would just give it a "shot" whenever I filled the tank. I have never had any problems with my fuel gelling, and when I did run out, I could tell the difference in the sound of the engine. I just purchased a gallon at Wally World and that should get me through the winter... Junk.....

DocHeb · Oct 6, 2004

Power Service makes several diesel additive products. What is the full name of the product that you've used?

SeymourBota · Oct 6, 2004

Here are a couple of additives from Amsoil I use in the winter, since it is difficult to know exactly when the modified version of diesel fuel actually hits the local pumps:
http://www.amsoil.com/products/adm.html
http://www.amsoil.com/products/acb.html

Like Junkman, I do an approximate "shot" when fueling from a yellow 6 gal tank.

BobG_in_VA · Oct 7, 2004

I just use the Power Service in the white quart plastic bottle. I believe they make their winter stuff for mostly anti-gel in the Silver bottle. I don't think it gets cold enough here in VA to have to go to the winter formual though. BobG in VA