calvin

I'll be moving to Colorado next week where the elevation is 8000ft.+ and the winter lows reach -20*F. I will not always have access to an electrical outlet and I'm worried about this thing gelling up. I'm sure the fuel will be winterized but is that enough to prevent gelling at sub-zero temps? Should I be using an anti-gell additive?? If so what brand do you recommend and will this additive change the engine performance??
Thanks for the help.
Calvin

scottrod

I've been using blended fuel and adding some Power Service to it. The Power Service adds a lubricant to the fuel also. I've never gelled mine and it got down to the -40 range some days last year.
I still gotta get a condo in Arizona.....

cp

The fuel suppliers are supposed to blend fuel for the anticipated low temperature in your region, but that doesn't mean it always happens. It pays to know your fuel supplier in the winter. In my area, Amoco is far more diligent about keeping fuel in their tanks that is capable of dealing with low temperatures. I am going on my 12th(?) winter of buying fuel from Amoco and have yet to encounter a gelling problem and I don't use additives of any kind. In your area, it may be someone else but the point is that you cannot expect to buy fuel from any old source and treat it with a few ounces of magic potion and expect to never have problems, because at some point you will inevitably get straight #2 from someone and the additive will not save you from gelling.

TPilaske

Howe's diesel treat "guarantees" you won't gel or they will pay for the tow... I used it for a while, but am currently using Power Service. Haven't had any trouble, but I don't think it get's as cold here.... ;D


Tony

tarpilot

power service arctic express, you can check out their products at www.powerservice.com or call 800-643-9089. They were really patient and informative.

induchman

As long as you buy your premium fuel from a high output dealer, you shouldn't have any problems. Practically all fuels are winterized (specific to the area), except where it doesn't freeze too often, like here in GA.

Water is the problem you may encounter. Keep an extra fuel filter on hand and use a non-alcohol/methanol anti-gel if you're that concerned about it. That would be Stanadyne. You can buy it from Flying J's, Petro, TA or Pilot truck stops, also from some Cummins dealers.

Plugging in overnight isn't necessary unless you want to support your local utility. When I lived in MT, we plugged in about four hours before going out to start.

Commatoze

[quote author=cp link=board=8;threadid=21467;start=0#msg201313 date=1067104080]
The fuel suppliers are supposed to blend fuel for the anticipated low temperature in your region, ..........
[/quote]

I purchase my fuel from the same place except when I'm away. What I do once winter hits is to carry a small jar to the station and squirt a little in it when I fill up. Then I take it home and put it in the freezer, and check to see if the supplier has added an anti-gel to the fuel. I've had different results over the course of the winter, but never had batch that gelled completely. Maybe the freezer isn't cold enough. Another sure sign of blended fuel is a drop in mileage.

induchman

When we bought fuel in Butte (Rocker), the station was always mixing #1D into their tanks. The mileage drops dramatically, but you won't freeze up!