10/28/05 Maintenance Tip: Fuel Anti-Gel Additives

[Capt._Chaos]

It's getting close to that dreaded time of the year when concerns about fuel gelling begin coming to mind.

When temperatures approach zero degrees fahrenheit, untreated diesel fuel in a truck that isn't running at a high enough idle speed to circulate hot fuel through the fuel ystem, and to the tanks via the return lines can gel up.

Over the years, many of us have developed our own practices to avoid gelled fuel.

What brand of fuel anti-gel additive have you had good luck with in the winter?

I have had very good luck with FPPF Polar Power (sold in black 1-quart bottles).

When temps get below zero, I start loking for #1 Diesel to mix at 50% with my #2 fuel, and I still use the FPPF with it.

I did learn to avoid shutting off the truck when it got that cold, even if I was going to get a motel room. Oil in the pan can turn to molasses, and the engine may not crank (especially if the truck is parked where a block heater can't be plugged in).

[maxmiddle]

Additive: I have had good luck with PowerService and bad luck with Howes.

Hard to get #1 diesel any more. Sapp Brothers offers a 50/50 blend.

If for some reason, I cannot park in front of the house and plug in (single digit temps), I leave the truck running. It is better on the engine to be run at high idle than be started in very cold temps.

I have been rescued a couple of times (embarrassingly right in front of my house), after gelling up. Luckily, the local rescue guy only charged me $100 each time.

I run the south, so I need to keep an eye on my fuel. When heading back north, I always put additive in the tank down there. When I get up here, it is blended fuel AND additive.

[Big_Dave]

It's getting close to that dreaded time of the year when concerns about fuel gelling begin coming to mind.

When temperatures approach zero degrees fahrenheit, untreated diesel fuel in a truck that isn't running at a high enough idle speed to circulate hot fuel through the fuel ystem, and to the tanks via the return lines can gel up.
It was -14 degrees between Evanston and Lymon WY last night. This morning I counted 4 trucks parked on the shoulder. I asked each one if they had help coming and what the problem was. 3 trucks were gelled up and 1 lost the transmission.
Over the years, many of us have developed our own practices to avoid gelled fuel.

What brand of fuel anti-gel additive have you had good luck with in the winter?

I have had very good luck with FPPF Polar Power (sold in black 1-quart bottles).
Howes. I've used it for 6 years without any problems. The company I now work for uses it also.

I also carry a couple 96oz. jugs of Power Service 911 in case I have to change filters due to gelling. Haven't had to use them in over 4 years.
When temps get below zero, I start loking for #1 Diesel to mix at 50% with my #2 fuel, and I still use the FPPF with it.
If you're 'up north', fuel stops sell BLENDED FUEL. This is a blend of #1 and #2 diesel mixed anywhere from 10% to 50% of #1 added to the #2 diesel.

Their suppliers watch the forecast for the next week and sell the stations fuel blended accordingly.

Another thing to remember, if you're heading north and you know it's below 20 degrees up there and you last fueled in TN, buy anti-gel additives and FUEL UP with BLENDED FUEL as soon as you can! It'll save you from freezing your butt off waiting 2 or more hours for some schmuck to come out and get you going again.

I also have a tendency to use more additives than the directions say to. Example: If the jug says it'll treat 450 gallons, I'll use the whole jug in my 2-150 gallon tanks (dumping 1/2 in each tank).

[Capt._Chaos]

It's getting close to that dreaded time of the year when concerns about fuel gelling begin coming to mind.

When temperatures approach zero degrees fahrenheit, untreated diesel fuel in a truck that isn't running at a high enough idle speed to circulate hot fuel through the fuel ystem, and to the tanks via the return lines can gel up.

Over the years, many of us have developed our own practices to avoid gelled fuel.

What brand of fuel anti-gel additive have you had good luck with in the winter?

I have had very good luck with FPPF Polar Power (sold in black 1-quart bottles).

When temps get below zero, I start loking for #1 Diesel to mix at 50% with my #2 fuel, and I still use the FPPF with it.

I did learn to avoid shutting off the truck when it got that cold, even if I was going to get a motel room. Oil in the pan can turn to molasses, and the engine may not crank (especially if the truck is parked where a block heater can't be plugged in).