As I company driver I drive a 2009 Peterbilt 386 day cab automatic with the Paccar motor. Overall I like the truck with exception of one problem. When it gets to normal Minnesota winter temperatures the fuel system gels up. I do use 911, but it doesn't always work. I was talking with another company driver and he suggested that the hot line to the fuel filter might not be working, even though the switch is lit on the dash. Could someone please explain to me how the fuel heating system in this truck works, and what to check for, so I can relay that information to my shop mechanics? I realize that winter is finally coming to an end, but if I could figure out what's causing this then I will be ahead for next winter. Thank you.
2009 386 Gelling Problems
Discussion in 'Peterbilt Forum' started by camaron32, Feb 21, 2015.
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I live in Canada and have never heard of a heat line for fuel... -40 (without wind chill) no snake oil additives, no problems.
rexmanno Thanks this. -
Hi camaron, I don't think the "hot line" is the problem, it's gelling in the tank before it even gets to the filter. I'd be more concerned about the fuel you are getting. If you want to stick money in a company truck, I'd consider an in tank heater (runs off coolant). I had a friend that had one, and burned straight #2 all winter and never had a problem. This is something you should bring up to the boss, as being in the "cold belt", this is unacceptable. Good luck.
Mr.X Thanks this. -
911 isn't anti-gel, but it does melt gel already formed. It's in the red bottle from Power Services. The stuff in the white bottle from Power Services is anti gel as well as doing other things.
Where exactly are you getting fuel? The winterized premium from Kwik-trip locations is already treated for sure, and in my experience, most fuel purchased from large outlets in the upper Midwest is treated as well."semi" retired and MJ1657 Thank this. -
Your hot line is a coiled up heating element in your fuel line. Would guess it should be before the filter.
I purchased a cheap instant read laser thermometer and carry it around the truck with me, and I've started checking fuel Temps in the tanks this winter. The other night it was -3 when I got home I checked fuel temp in the tank it was 50. I have no tank heaters or heating elements. Just the hot fuel returning from the motor.
I have been very surprised how warm my fuel stays when it's so cold out.
Sorry for the high jack and no help -
FPPF Polor Power, and if it's like the the company 07 386 Pete I'm in the, one fuel filter is inside the frame and the other is outside the frame, which keeps it futher from the engine, and no warmth.. here's an old school trick.. buy a diaper and put some rubber bands around it and it insulates the fuel filter which would eliminate that problem.
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If you have this style filter and you are using antigel yet still having symptoms, check to see if theres any water in the bottom of housing by opening the drain at bottom. (DRAIN ONLY 1/2 cup out, DO NOT EMPTY THE ENTIRE HOUSING and DO THIS AT YOUR SHOP and DO NOT have motor running, it will die on you and it will have to be reprimed to get it to start, so make sure you have the resources if it wont start)
If nothing at all comes out that means there is water in there that's turned to ice and your fuel lines are therefore restricted.
If you have a filter restriction gauge that's pegged when the motor is cold (like Monday morning when its been sitting for 2 days) but subsides to normal when its running for a couple of hours, its a sign of water freezing in the bottom of filter housing too.
If your tanks are warm after running truck for a few hours then they are being heated properly -
I had a Hot Line on my 1988 B model cat. it worked great. It would get cold and the fuel restriction gauge would start to rise, just flip the switch and a minute later down the gauge would go. Not sure how good they would be on a newer engine, since they return so much fuel. Not sure the fuel is in the line long enough to pick up the heat.
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I want to thank everyone who responded. I learned a few new tricks, but in an indirect way I was able to get my question answered. The other day I delivered a load of biodiesel to my terminal. I asked about adding some winter chemicals (like we did last year), and I was told that none was needed. Well, I guess until spring they are going to be buying me quite a bit of anti gel. Stupidity on their part should not impact the earning ability on my part.
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