I usually use Amoco Diesel and it is advertised as "winterized". Do I still need to add my own anti - gel treatment to my fuel ? If so, what is the recommended anti - gel product to use ?

 

Where 'yat, Mallard?

 

I'm from South-Central Wisconsin in Horicon (about 1 hour North of Madison), and I travel to Northern WI to go ATV and Snowmobiling with my truck quite often.

Is there a certain outside temperature range that we need to worry about gel happening or not happening ? I'm a rookie at owning a diesel. In browsing the net I saw diesel additives for normal driving as well by PRI. Any input is appreciated.

Thanks.

 

Yeah, I'd carry some anti-gel for those really cold days. Most, if not all fuel suppliers will blend the diesel oil in the winter months. I dose mine every fill-up with Stanadyne Performance which also lowers the pour point some more. Can't hurt. You can always tell when the blend is happening because your mileage will drop somewhat.

 

Mallard- additives are cheap insurance, and its nice to know you're not going to gel up. I'd only really worry below 0F.

Since you're in WI, you are lucky enough to have access to Amoco Premier in your state. Its a true premium diesel, low aromatics and 50 cetane minimum. Only a few states get it, but it's worth whatever they charge. There's a map of the locations somewhere floating around the web, if I see it I'll post it for you.

 

I like the idea of added insurance as well when the temps are in the single digits or -0. I have tried them all (that I could find up here), Stanadyne, Power Service, Shell. I have never had a gelling problem with any of them, but even with that nasty winterized fuel, the truck is very quiet when I use the Shell Rotella DFA...no clatter at all. Sounds like crap in the winter when I use Power Service. Stanadyne is OK, however it is much more popular amongst the forum users. Just my observations. As far as gelling goes, they all did the job, even in minus temperatures.

 

WHen I lived up north, in single digit F temps, the stanadyne made a noticeable improvement in starting, clatter, and idling. THe powerservice did nothing. It did nothing because powerservice is 77+% diesel fuel and is really pretty worthless IMO.

 

Thanks for the great info. I am going to order me some stynadane right away. I saw that it come in a pre-pack "one-shot" and in bulk quantities. What are most of you guys using ? The one shot is rated for 30 gallons. I typically need about 22 or 25 gallons when I fill up. Will the extra overdose hurt anything or should I use bulk and funnel what I need in ?

 

It won't hurt anything to use extra, but it's cheaper to buy in bulk. I think most get the pints that treat 60 gals with the little level indicators on the side. That makes it a LOT easier to tell how much you're pouring in, without funnels or measuring cups.

I believe it's cheapest here - http://www.dieselpage.com/add1.htm

 

Mallard, as a reference, I purchased a 5 gallon can of Stanadyne Performance Formula for $116.00 (tax included). The same amount in One Shots were $180.00. I bought 2 of the One Shots because the bottles fit great in the side pocket of the door. Try to get it local because shipping really adds to the price. The 5 gallon can really isn't a problem. I pour from the can into an old 96 ounce Power Service jug, then fill the One Shots from that. There's a nifty measuring cup available with a hose attached and a trigger mechanism to empty the cup. I haven't found it local though.

 

The problem with that is, the one shot forumula is about half the concentration of the formula in the other bottles

 

John Deere winter formula is also a very good additive; if you have a John Deere place nearby, you can get it in gallon jugs, or 16 oz. plastic bottles, or 5 gallon cans.

 

FYI, Nalgene is a great material to haul around nasty stuff. I keep some spare oil for my bike in a 1/2qt bottle, it never leaks, the nalgene holds up great. It's designed for stuff like this.

Plus they are cheap if you buy them from lab surplus shops, for example .35/per 8oz bottle from American Science and Surplus:

http://www.sciplus.com/singleItem.cf...LogFrom=Search

What about Howes diesel anti-gel? I've noticed it at truck stops in big displays.

 

I bought a case of 1 pint bottles of Stanadyne at a local diesel repair shop for something like $60. I usually fill up when the gauge hits 1/4 tank and typically put in a bit over 20 gallons, so I pour in 1/3 bottle before fueling. I keep 1/2 liter bottles of water in six pack packaging for beer in all of the vehicles anyway, so I just replaced one of the water bottles with the Stanadyne.

 

Thanks everyone for the great info. I have my pints of stanadyne and am ready for the cold winter weather.