Posted February 5, 201510 yr 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???
February 5, 201510 yr 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?
February 5, 201510 yr Author 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.
February 5, 201510 yr 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!
February 6, 201510 yr 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
February 6, 201510 yr 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.
February 6, 201510 yr 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.
February 6, 201510 yr 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.
February 9, 201510 yr Correct me if im wrong, but IIRC mixing power service and 2stroke is frowned on (not recomended)....seems ive seen it somewhere on CF
February 9, 201510 yr 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.
February 9, 201510 yr 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..
February 9, 201510 yr 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.
February 9, 201510 yr 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..
February 9, 201510 yr Owner 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.
February 10, 201510 yr 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.
February 10, 201510 yr 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
February 10, 201510 yr 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
February 10, 201510 yr 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
February 10, 201510 yr That's where any of the above additives come into play. The phobia of fuel treatMent on this site baffles me.
February 10, 201510 yr 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.
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???