The forecast here in Delaware is calling for overnight temps in the low teens to single digits for a few days. What is the best cold weather additive for my new 2004?

 

You should not need to add any additives. Just plug in the block heater for two or more hours before starting. It will start and run without using the block heater but will warm up quicker and will not produce as much white smoke after starting.

 

In a pinch, Power Service (white bottle) or their Arctic Express. Wal-Mart carries it so it's easily found. Howes is another anti-gel additive easily found at truck stops. I'm using Stanadyne's Performance Formula which contains an additive to lower the pour point. I purchased it at a diesel shop.

BTW, I believe untreated #2 starts to crystalize at around 12 F.

 

You really don't need to add anything if your using a winter blend fuel. I added some Power Service because I don't know if the fuel I've been getting is straight #2 or a blend. Better safe then sorry.

 

I started useing Stanadyne performance formula in my 2004 H.O 5.9.It is 1 below Zero here in michigan,-20 below wind chill.This stuff works great IMHO.Go to there web site and get the facts.coobie

 

You don't need anything if you're running good, winterized fuel. So sayeth the book, too.

My opinion is that if you can get Amoco Premier, that's all you need. It was -1F here last night and my truck was not plugged in, either. It started and ran fine, and I'm running Premier with no additives.

 

With Amalgamated additive in mine it is soo much happier and quiet in bitter cold. I like the idea of an additive when driving around so much with the Temp gauge never coming off the low peg that will help reduce deposits in the combustion chambers from incomplete combustion. Plus with the poor lube qualities of #1 diesel I like something to protect the fuel system. I know D/C doesn't recommend it, just like they don't suggest changing the oil in your 6-speed tranny ever.

Vaughn

 

I put a bottle of power service in just in case the diesel from the dealer was not winterized. It started right up when I got off work. It was 22 degrees. Will the diesel be winterized at most gas stations in Delaware? Thanks for the replys.

 

I disagree with you guys that say that additives arent required....I belive that the extra lubricity is very important and keeps the lift pump, injector pump and injectors MUCH happier and makes everything last longer....

yeah, I know that DC and Cummins says that you dont need additives.....but they are the ones that are selling replacement parts arent they???

 

I asked the station attendent and in our area, they do run a winter fuel mix but, they recomend adding the anti-gel additive when the temps dip bellow 20 deg. I'm sure that number will vary depending on where you live. All I can say is for no more than it takes to be safe it's beats going through a gell up. Like Dr. Evil said it's probably a good idea from a lubrication stand point.
Also there's a thread on here about the goverment mandating lower sulfer content which in the end reduces the luberticity of the fuel anyway. I'm not sure when the new std's take affect.

ramguy

 

Although it doesn't hurt to use additives, I really don't think it is necessary. If you look at the fuel filter housing, you will notice there is a fuel heater. This comes on when the temperature drops below 45 degrees to preheat the fuel and prevent gelling. Here is the information out of my shop manual:


FUEL HEATER
DESCRIPTION
The fuel heater assembly is located on the side of
the fuel filter housing (Fig. 3) or (Fig. 4).
The heater/element assembly is equipped with a
temperature sensor (thermostat) that senses fuel
temperature. This sensor is attached to the fuel heater/
element assembly.

OPERATION
The fuel heater is used to prevent diesel fuel from
waxing during cold weather operation.
When the temperature is below 45 ±8 degrees F,
the temperature sensor allows current to flow to the
heater element warming the fuel. When the temperature
is above 75 ±8 degrees F, the sensor stops current
flow to the heater element.
Battery voltage to operate the fuel heater element
is supplied from the ignition switch and through the
fuel heater relay. Also refer to Fuel Heater Relay.
The fuel heater element and fuel heater relay
are not computer controlled.
The heater element operates on 12 volts, 300 watts
at 0 degrees F.

 

While that's all well and good, Dan, my next question would be: what about the fuel that's been sitting in the lines and tank? While we know most suppliers blend #2 in the winter, I don't want to take any chances. Plus as been stated before the added lubricity adds a measure of safety.

 

I guess it's better to be safe than sorry. I can definitely see where the additives would be beneficial for the additional lubricity.

 

You have to take that info from the shop manual with a grain of salt (it isnt a bible)....things in the real world can be different than they are on paper.

Additives also do a real good job of keeping your injectors clean and spraying properly....Im pretty sure you dont want to see the bill for replacing an injector on a thrid gen....

 

I realize it is not a bible, I just found it was an interesting feature.

Once more companies start producing aftermarket 3rd gen injectors, the prices will go down. Now whether the average do-it-yourself owner is going to feel comfortable working on the high-pressure common rail system is another question.