As topic states, my fuel keeps gelling when temps dip below zero and I am already using super-tech two stroke @ 1oz/gal.  What do I need to be checking???

For starters 2 stroke oil isn't an anti gel for a diesel one adds it to diesel fuel for added lubricity only.

What do you have for fuel in it right now any winterized or blended fuel or any other additives for cold flow anti waxing ect? When was the last filter change?

What area of the country are you from?

_{Live in Iowa.  As far as I know I am getting winter blend fuel.  I fill up at Caseys and BP stations.  I'm not using any anti-gel.  Last filter change was roughly 8 months ago I believe but I have barely put 5,000 miles on since then.}

Try to stay away from  Caseys for  your winter  diesel needs.     

 

'winterized'  fuel    is  just  plain ol #2  with a dribble of   antigel   product  squirted in.

Blended is    a combination of  #1 and #2..   typically   a  50/50 blend  in our  area.   (eastern Nebraska and  Iowa)    And  it seems  to be  alright  until it  get  to  5-10 below.   That's when I'll throw in  a little more  Howes, or  PS.  

The  days  that promise  20-25 below zero  I'll make  dang sure  I have  50-50  #1 and  #2,   antigel,  and   2 stroke.

 

I've  had  pretty good luck with  just  'winterized'  fuel  down to   zero  for   a  few days.     When  I  go  to more extreme  cold,   I'll start adding   #1   so  I can  get close to  50/50  in tank   THIS IS  WHEN I like to  make dang sure  the  2 stroke is in for  lubricity. 

If you've ever  seen  straight #1, and  'felt' it,   you'd swear it's just like water.  with about as much  lubricity too!

I did not drive my truck today, looked at my sample of fuel it was cloudy about -12 this morning. so they don't lie when they say it's only good for -10.

Edited February 6, 201510 yr by Dieselfuture

I have to put the white bottle of PS every time I fill up thanks to the big city not treating their fuel properly. In 2 years I've gelled 4 times.

Back home in my little country town I don't add any PS. It gets down to -20 and no one gels. 

They haven't used #1/#2 blend here in years, and I've never had any problems. Even last year when the temps dropped down 20-30 degrees below average, our equipment always started and ran just fine and no anti gel was used. That being said, we know the owner of the fuel station and are very comfortable with his fuel. Stick to bigger name fuel stations or stations that have a good reputation with the local farmers. Farmers stick together, and if they're getting some bad fuel the word gets out quick!

I use Schaeffers Diesel treat year round instead of 2 stroke oil. The only time I'll dose my fuel with an antigel is if it gets cold (-15 and colder). I order from a local rep but you can order from their website and anything over $75 qualifies for free shipping.

Many places don't blend 1/2 anymore, but that doesn't meant it's not winterized. Most ULSD #2 is winterized with additive. Standard #2 can start to cloud in the 40's.

Correct me if im wrong, but IIRC mixing power service and 2stroke is frowned on (not recomended)....seems ive seen it somewhere on CF

Correct me if im wrong, but IIRC mixing power service and 2stroke is frowned on (not recomended)....seems ive seen it somewhere on CF

I do it. PS keeps the fuel from gelling while the 2stroke keeps the pump lubed. No ill side effects either.

X2 ^^^

 

Been doing it  with  several  brands..  howes,  PS to name  a couple.   

The only thing that makes me  'frown'  is  the  cost of  putting it in!!  LOL         Never seen any   'ill effects'... such as    the fuel turning into  manure..  

  

The only thing that makes me  'frown'  is  the  cost of  putting it in!! 

Which makes me wonder why not just go buy a quality fuel treatment in the first place and be done with it... I know there is a strong belief in 2 stroke as a lube on this site but if you need an anti gel there are additives on the market that will prevent gelling AND does a better job at improving the HFRR score. I'm not picking at you specifically but I have seen several comments like this about adding both and I dont see the benefit of doing so over a good additive.

why don't I  use a  better treatment?     good question!    I am  'unaware' of   a product that does  both.    Seriously,   I just don't know of one..      

 

If you have  any  suggestions,   I am all ears    

 

Sometimes   I'll fill with  straight #2..  cause the weatherman promised  a certain  forecast..  and  a week later,  BOOM!    20 BELOW!   So,   I become the   'dump artist'...  little this, little that..    

What bout stanadyne? I believe they make a winter additive....

Correct me if im wrong, but IIRC mixing power service and 2stroke is frowned on (not recomended)....seems ive seen it somewhere on CF

 

I typically don't suggest mixing products. Because some products negate the abilities of other products. 

 

Like PS is cetane boost and 2 cycle is a cetane reducer.

 

Like PS is typically more of a injector cleaner / cetane booster and 2 cycle oil is more of lubricant.

 

So mixing products might yield results less than favorable at times. If you use one product then you guaranteed success. Like if you stick to PS for anti-gel then the product will work properly without fail. But mixing with 2 cycle might create other issues. Becuase of how your changing the chemistry of the fuel.

Optilube XPD and Optilube winter blend, FPPF, Schaeffers, and Staynadyne are all good quality antigel that scored better HFRR improvements over 2 cycle oil. The Optilube was ranked the best of the group, but they're all good products that have been extensively tested by all the major OEMs. You probably have to order most or all of them but once you have it and more is needed I typically have my order on the doorstep within 3-4 days. I have a Schaefer's rep within an hour or so of me but I've ordered off their website in the past and had it in about the same time frame. Ordering from the website costs more than if you deal with a rep personally but if you do order off the website they do free shipping on orders over $75.00.

I just figured the stanadyne winter blend might be the best of both?....lube and anti gell

Idk tho.....never seen the stuff nor do i know whats in it

never seen the stuff nor do i know whats in it

That's because you and I are not chemists. Any reputable fuel treatment will have met the performance criteria of the OEMs (Mack, Cummins, etc). Thousands of hours are spent on developing and testing these formulas to ensure they do what is required with no ill side effects.

Edited February 10, 201510 yr by diesel4life

That's because you and I are not chemists. Any reputable fuel treatment will have met the performance criteria of the OEMs (Mack, Cummins, etc). Thousands of hours are spent on developing and testing these formulas to ensure they do what is required with no ill side effects.

The problem we now face is the vp44 requires more lube than today's injection pumps. Thus the companies are working toward the newer engine's standards. Heck regular ulsd doesn't even provide the proper lubercation

That's where any of the above additives come into play. The phobia of fuel treatMent on this site baffles me.

That's where any of the above additives come into play. The phobia of fuel treatMent on this site baffles me.

I think it's more of not wanting to replace vp's because we didn't run some sort of treatment that keeps the pump lubed. I went through 3 pumps in less than a month... It gets pretty scary when you're taking that kind of money.