Hey everyone
I have read alot about anti gell products for diesels (whcih to use what hodl up best etc) However I have not found out if I need to use them . I live in Maryland and it has gotten down to 0 before but not much lower. I do plan on driving my truck in the snow and not let it sit around in the driveway. So baiscally my question is do I need to add some type of anti-gelling products to my truck. and if so what do you guys suggest. Thanks!

 

I also live in MD, and don't think it's necessary. If we got a freak cold snap early in the season before the truckstops switch over to winter blend (September/October), it might be necessary to dump some kerosene in the tank to thin it out a little, but it hasn't happened in the 8 years I've been living here.

 

I've never used the anti-gell PowerService. Although if I lived maybe 100 miles further north, I would. I'm right on the Illinois/Wisconsin border and we get some -15 to -20 degree overnight temps most every winter. Some of the guys from the really cold states should chip in on this one along with the Canucks!!

 

northeast has winter blend fuel now-obviously. but it really is cheap insurance. why take a chance?

 

And it increases the lubricity, and it raises the cetane level of the fuel by 3-6 points depending on the PS product you use.

Power Service...........It's a good thing.

 

get some power service from truckstop or walmart and keep fuel filter clean. dont ask how i know such things

 

Some things are best learned the hard way. Not using a fuel additive is one of them.

 

I live up the road from you in Millersville and I wouldn't lose any sleep from fuel gel if I didn't use an additive. I can probably count on one finger the days its been lower than 0 around here since 1994 - and probably don't need that finger either.

Our trucks work great in the snow, but you still have to keep an eye out for the idiots who emerge from the woodwork during snow days. Heck, its snowing right now, I think I'll go for a joyride....

That being said, I do buy Power Service at Wally world.

 

in -20 degree weather my truck fired right up without gelled fuel. if it gets lower than that this year, then ill be glad to buy an additive.

 

The problem isn't getting it to run, it's keeping it that way. The fuel heater on these will cover it about long enough for you to get good and far away from a phone until the gelled stuff in the your fuel line plugs your fuel filter. Not sure about you, but I hate walkin when it's -25 out.

 

I use an additive (Howe's ) not to prevent gelling but to prevent freezing and clogged filters due to bad fuel .

 

the thing i have notice about the winter fuel blend is that its not all that great its like a really dry martini and that plays hell on your fuel system beings that it cools is self with the fuel so by adding the additive you get your lube back and you gane the certane levals you lost in the winter fuel and it makes your truck run better and it dont sound like there is this guy in your engine.

 

If you like living on the edge by all means don't add any anti-gel.
If you want a reliable diesel put some anti-gel in it.

 

in the winter here in north dakota i'll put some in in the winter months. i was deployed for 2 months, with the anti gell in there in -20 when i got back no gelling in the tank. i'm a firm believer in that stuff. wouldn't want to take the risk with 30 gallons of fuel. to me that would be $80 down the drain.

 

I don't know where the line between north and south is drawn but on the north side of the line it is near impossible to buy non-winterized fuel at the pump after Nov 1.
Station owners don't want their pumps to gel up just as much as you don't want your truck to gel.
It's hard to get straight answer from the guy at the station but most winter fuel is no longer a #1/#2 blend but straight #2 with additive.