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Olds5282 · 11-10-2019, 10:19 AM

How do you keep diesel fuel from jelling while parked in a cold area?

RVRon · 11-10-2019, 10:43 AM

This is what I use, 1 quart per 100 gallons. Under $10 per quart.
Add it to your fuel just before you fill up so it will mix thoroughly then run your engine for 10-15 minutes to get the now-treated fuel into all your lines. If you have a generator, run it the same.

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**CountryFit** · 11-10-2019, 10:55 AM

Some people also use Sta-bil, I have been using Star Tron Enzyme (now Home Depot carries it), works great.

dsnutes · 11-10-2019, 11:30 AM

25% K-1 works for me north east Pennsylvania

**Petro** · 11-10-2019, 11:34 AM

We always used additive (Howes). Don't forget to run your generator for 15 minutes also to get the treated fuel in its fuel pump and filter.

Don

Filthy-Beast · 11-10-2019, 11:47 AM

If you have hydronic heat run the burner in your Aquahot or Oasis too.

RVRon · 11-10-2019, 12:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Filthy-Beast

If you have hydronic heat run the burner in your Aquahot or Oasis too.

Good Point!

RobbyII · 11-10-2019, 01:26 PM

Power Service brand is the only one OK'd by Cummins.

richard5933 · 11-10-2019, 01:48 PM

If you're going to be running in cold climates, it's also a good idea to fill from stations that sell winterized fuel. It has additives and a formulation designed to help prevent gelling.

Jshopes81 · 11-10-2019, 04:50 PM

Get power service, diesel 911, and carry an extra set of fuel filters. Run the power service as you would any other fuel additive, it should keep you out of trouble most of the time. The diesel 911 is for when youre already in trouble and will be the first thing you do. The fuel filters (fill them with 911 before screwing them on, not diesel) will be your last resort before calling a tow truck. I work in the oilfield and we run everything on diesel fuel and ive operated all the way to -30. Ive learned a few tricks over the years. Weve also used big forced air heaters on gelled lines with alot of success but i dont see anyone carrying a torpedo heater, tarp, and a small generator to run it. Youre really in trouble at that point.

DonB2 · 11-10-2019, 05:43 PM

Does anyone add anything if temp is only going to be below 32 for a few days at nite and in 40-60 during the days? Then above freezing at nite. In myrtle beach right now until jan 15th. Temps higher during day, cool at nite but only couple nite below 32

Gary RVRoamer · 11-10-2019, 05:46 PM

Diesel starts to gel around 32 F but doesn't become a clog problem until around 10-15 F. And that assumes the tank full of diesel has "soaked" long enough to reach that temperature - it takes more than a few hours at sub-freezing ambient temperatures.

This article is sort of an infomercial for the Sno-Cat brand of diesel treatment, but it covers the basics of diesel gel issue in easy to understand terms.

https://fuelandfriction.com/trucking...-fuel-gelling/

Here's another: https://www.injectorsdirect.com/how-...in-the-winter/

Note that the diesel sold in cold climates (snow belt states) is probably already treated at the refinery, i.e. it is "winter diesel" or is Diesel #1 rather than the common warm weather diesel #2.

Jshopes81 · 11-10-2019, 06:32 PM

Winter treated diesel at the pumps has bit my rear a few times. Dont trust it.

dave&ginny · 11-10-2019, 07:05 PM

#1. Never trust the stations to winterize the fuel enough.
#2 in most cases, we’re all running “biodiesel”. If you look on the directions of the product, it says to DOUBLE the amount of treatment.

#3 it won’t hurt the engine to use too much treatment.
#4 the fuel must be treated before it starts to “wax”. Once it starts to wax, you must use 911 treatment and usually change all the fuel filters.