~Angry Tractor~

I have two diesels. One is a BMW and one is the truck below. I have fueled them up at two different locations. The BMW started failing in 4 degree temps on the interstate, it just slowly drifted to zero mph and the pedal input made no difference. I got it home and change the fuel fileter and it ran ok for a few days then the same thing. The truck after being plugged in all night started fine and I put it on high idle then 10 minutes later it had the same symptoms as the BMW. Pedal input makes no difference. Fuel was bought at a different place both tanks have had whit PS added. I don't get it. Anyone got any cold weather tips? I can't keep these inside. No room. The block warmers seem to work becasue both vehicles start very easily. It's like once the fuel that is in the filiter is run out the cold fuel from the lines and tank hits it and it wont run? - 3 here today and I couldn't get either one to run. Wound up driving an old gas beater. This is the first fuel issue I have had with either one of these vehicles in 4 years. Looking forward to comments.

infidel

Which state are you in?
There have been lots of gelling complaints coming from IA this winter.
I'm not sure if it took effect yet or not but IA is supposed to be the 2nd state after MN to require biodiesel in all #2.
The first winter when MN had BD it was a gelling mess due to poor quality BD.
They had it fixed by the second winter with more quality enforcement.
In the meantime call a local trucking company, rental yard, etc and see what they are doing.

~Angry Tractor~

Decatur Illinois here . I filled the BMW up in Champaign, IL, 60 miles away and the Truck here in Decatur. The fuel had the usual sticker informing the buyer that this fuel may contain up to 20% biodiesel. I think this may be the issue. I'm surprised that the white PS didn't prevent the gelling. I saw alot of other diesels on the way to work that I normally see. I do know that they live in town where the wind is not as prevelant. I'm out in the country with no wind break. I wish we could still get old no. 2.

patdaly

Tractor, haven't had too many gell up here in Streator, but I also double up on the PS white.

We went through a mess here a couple of years ago. I would hit them with Howes 911 and see how they react.

~Angry Tractor~

I added the 911 and more whit PS. Started and ran ok this morning at -5.

SIXSLUG

The PS 911 red bottle is what you want. The white bottle is not as effective at anti gelling fuel.

Kurt

knc77

Unless the places you fill up at run a high volume of diesel, you may have been caught with a partial summer blend of fuel. The recent well below normal temps haven't helped if that is the case.

Father-in-laws tracor was doing OK on summer blend until we saw below zero temps. Some Howes and PS 911 red bottle, (and a 10* day) helped resolve the problem.

infidel

Beware of long term use of 9-1-1.
As the name implies it's for emergencies.
9-1-1 is mostly alcohol which dries your fuel. Excessive or long term use can damage your injection pump, especially a VP.

~Angry Tractor~

Yep, I only used a little and don't need it anymore. So far so good.

traverler48

My truck is a 95 I thought I read some were that 5% bio was all you could use. It might have been in my owner's manual. I will have to remember this because I am going up through IA next summer and stop at the Tractor shed. Think that is what it is called.

VICIOUS FISHER

just a thought...I work around refineries a bit and the talk of the town is that although they are being legislated to run a certain amount of biodiesel they have yet to figure out how to stabilize it, can`t make the stuff last. that`s the story here in bc

infidel

I feel bio is a great thing but it definitely has problems that are being worked out especially gelling.
At this point it can't be transported by pipeline because the airlines are worried about even small amounts of it getting in the their fuel.
Don't want any gelling at 30,000 feet!!!
Apparently it has been worked out but isn't widespread, an airliner flew on 100% BD just a couple months ago.

Steve Roseman

The biodiesel mandate in Iowa is going to be discussed this next go around. Hopefully it won't pass. I'm all for using bio but I'm also for freedom of choice.
Angry Tractor, I don't know about your Beemer but you might want to check your Cummins to see if the fuel heater before the filter is working.

gomer123

Yeah I use the white bottle of Power Service in the winter here in mid-Michigan and have never had a gelling issue. I add in a few ounces every fillup and even in the below zero temps no problems. Be sure not too use too much of the 911!

~Angry Tractor~

That was the weird thing, I poured half a gallon of PS white in the truck before filling it up in anticipation of the cold snap we had. The BMW i just used the normal amount. Maybe I got a bad jug of PS.