Diesel #1 vs #2 gel points in winter. Whats the difference?

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by mitmaks, Jan 17, 2021.

  1. mitmaks

    mitmaks Road Train Member

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    What's gelling point of the two in winter time? Considering filling up with #1 when its really cold in northern states
     
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  3. 201

    201 Road Train Member

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    Coming from Wisconsin, we never ran straight #1. Not sure about modern trucks, but years ago we used to "blend" our own, say, 30% #1, 70% #2. Fuel in northern states is blended from the refinery, and probably good for 20 below right out of the pump. Any colder than that, not sure what they do? I suppose Ice Road Truckers would know,,,:rolleyes:
     
  4. hookster359

    hookster359 Light Load Member

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    If it is really cold out like 10 below or lower I try to put like 20 gallons of number 1 in each tank and than top it off with the blended fuel or if its straight number two I might even put more number 1 in like 30 gallons in each tank. I look at the price difference and than I think if I have to hire a tow truck or a mechanic that .10 or .20 cents a gallon difference is pretty cheap. In the reefer I always try to fill with number 1 so you have a good blend if you end up having to buy some fuel down south or out west.
     
    Doealex Thanks this.
  5. Dockbumper

    Dockbumper Road Train Member

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    Just use a good quality Anti Gel. Plenty of them on the market.
     
  6. 25(2)+2

    25(2)+2 Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    Fuel is usually treated with antigel when it's dropped at our northern locations.

    Some places sell premium fuel that is winterized. In addition to what they sell as not winterized. But most places that sell a volume of fuel have dealt with pour point issues on all or most of the fuel they sell for trucks. The pumps freeze up if they don't.
     
    Dave_in_AZ Thanks this.
  7. lester

    lester Midwest's #1 Feed Hauler

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    Not all #2 fuel is treated the same. Ive had some not work below 10 and others go lower.
    Theres hundreds of videos covering anti gel...here's one
     
    Dale thompson, magoo68, Brandt and 2 others Thank this.
  8. Cat sdp

    Cat sdp . .

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    Cloud point of straight #2 is like 20F..... gel point is probably low teens or high single numbers above 0F. That’s a guess from memory..........

    and bio blends are worse......
     
  9. mitmaks

    mitmaks Road Train Member

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    I can't run straight #1?
     
  10. Cat sdp

    Cat sdp . .

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    You can ..... if it’s cold enough I would. Otherwise it’s just a waste .

    you get less mpg and it’s harder on the top end also.....
     
  11. Brettj3876

    Brettj3876 Road Train Member

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    Just put some anti gel in is the easiest way. Every other fill up I put the small bottle in that treats 160gal and haven't had it gel up. Few times it's sat over a real cold weekend I pop the caps off and take a peek it was still fine not cloudy
     
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