Fuel Gelling with 2-stroke oil

[overthehill]

I know everyone has been talking about if the fuel has been winterized or not which can cause gelling but I have not seen anything about making sure that the fuel heater is working correctly. This is out of the 2001 service manual.

 

"A malfunctioning fuel heater can cause a wax

build-up in the fuel filter/water separator. Wax

build-up in the filter/separator can cause engine

starting problems and prevent the engine from revving

up. It can also cause blue or white fog-like

exhaust. If the heater is not operating in cold temperatures,

the engine may not operate due to fuel

waxing."

[diesel4life]

Yes, the filter is typically the first place fuel will gel. A heater helps tremendously.

Yesterday morning was -39F and EVERYTHING was gelling up around here. 2 semis and a diesel pickup on the side of the road on my way to work at 5am. You can bet they weren't hanging out for the fun of it!

One of the semis already had a wrecker on scene, I stopped and asked the other 2 if they needed anything. They both had help on the way. At those temps, I have a hard time passing people by knowing they are broke down and likely without heat.

It occurred to me when I saw the first truck that I didn't treat my tank with any antigel, just my normal treatment of Schaeffers. So either I got lucky, or the stuff is doing as advertised and treating the impurities that typically cause gelling in the first place.

[Dieselfuture]

AH64ID Sounds like you got a tank of fuel from over in Ontario if I'm not mistaken? I can't remember the B level Oregon mandated.

 

Well anyways the biodiesel is more prone to separate from the petroleum part and the bio settles to the bottom like old bacon grease. Typically solidifies sooner that petroleum diesel.

here is some of what you're talking about

[diesel4life]

Minnesota mandates the use of B5 throughout the winter months (B10 in the summer months IIRC) and they are one of the coldest state in the lower 48 in terms of averages. Someone correct me if I'm wrong but I seem to remember Maine on the list as well. The ones that have issues is more of a quality issue from individual suppliers,not B2/B5 as a whole. Personally I wish B2 was more readily available here, its got great lubricity properties.

Edited February 23, 2015 by diesel4life