Diesel Fuel Gelling

mikecop · Feb 13, 2003

I heard a guy call in to "Hank's Place" on XM radio who said he was having problems with fuel gelling at -25 degrees in northern Maine.

A guy from Michigan called in later and said that the guy with gelling problems could resolve the problem by putting 2 gallons of gasoline in each diesel fuel tank.

When I was at a service location today I asked the lead mechanic about this, and he said that some drivers use up to 10% gasoline to avoid gelling problems.

Anybody on the forum who has experience with this method of dealing with gelling, or potential gelling?

rollnthunder · Feb 13, 2003

Some stations will even bring in some Kerosene and add it to the diesel tank in the ground with out you even knowing this thins it out and keeps it from Gelling up...But they only do this in extreme cold conditions and that is in michigan.Might be different in other places.

geo · Feb 13, 2003

only use gas as a last end, it works as i have had it done when
from gelling up one time,
when you fuel up in winter or going north add fuel adv, in white plasic can at most truck stop or howels fuel adv in a clear plactic can, it saves time and money

treeman · Feb 15, 2003

I always carry an extra set of fuel filters and a can of additive to fill them with. It's cheap insurance and paid off once already this year.I also use the power service fuel additive at every fill up. I have found I get an extra mile to the gallon,so it more than pays for itself.

RichM · Feb 15, 2003

I use Howes Meaner Cleaner similar to Power Service. Never have had fuel gelling problems with temps as low as 20 below in Eastern Quebec. I also get 1 mpg better then without.These additives work and can save you some money over the course of a year.

Weave · Feb 17, 2003

Use of kerosene is acceptable to prevent gelling, but I would avoid gasoline, esp. with any newer diesel with electronic fuel injection. According to Detroit Diesel, use of up to 50% kerosene is acceptable for extreme cold climates with temps below -40. Smaller amounts can be used up to 0 degrees. Kerosene has similar properties to diesel fuel, gasoline does not.
-Weave-

Larry · Feb 18, 2003

I went to truck driving school a couple of years ago and the trainer I had was driving truck before World War II (@ 80 years old at the time). He said that he would never fill his fuel tanks more than 3/4 full. That way the fuel would pass from one tank to the next (said the fuel pump would pump more fuel than the engine could burn). The fuel temperature would be raised and that he never had a problem with gelling.

Note: I was the last student that he trained. He felt that since he kept falling asleep in the cab while I was driving, that it was probably a good idea for him to nap at home.

Drive Safe.

Weave · Feb 24, 2003

Those old guys know the magic! I do the same thing, and live in Buffalo. I have never had gelling problems. What I think it does is helps to keep the return lines bled after shutdown, which keeps them from gelling. If the returns gell up, the fuel pump won't function. It's an old theory, but it seems to work.
-Weave-

Freight_Shaker · Mar 9, 2003

why dont you try fuel conditioning that actually prevents gelling it's worked for me the past 2 years and with the weather we get here in canada if it works here it will work anywhere lol

streetsweeper · Mar 10, 2003

Fuel Gelling??

Advice from a rookie diesel mechanic, ( i am a rookie, Honest!) The use of power service, howes & other fuel additives are ok.

If you must use fuel conditioners, use 'Stanadyne'. In the white can with green label.

Be aware using fuel antigel or conditioning agents. Follow the directions on the container explicitly.

Do not overtreat your fuel (IE) "One *-* oz can per tankful, I'll use two", its the same effect as untreated fuel.

Blended winter diesel fuel is 50% No. 2, 50% No. 1, (no kerosene)(Some warmer climate states blend 75/25, not sure though.)

Straight winter fuel - No 1 diesel, nothing else.

Kerosene - or 'Jet A', if your using this, you dont need PS,Howes or any other, lol.

Do be cautious of where you buy your fuel. Some sellers may use a 75/25 blend and say it is 50/50 winter blend.

Last tip - Use a winter front, keep the cooling system temp up around 'normal' so your engine burns the fuel properly & you don't freeze your hiney off.

Questions? feel free to torture me here LMAO!

*Never look a gift horse in the mouth. It may belch in your face*