Can someone explain what exactly happens when diesel fuel gels up

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by A Bug, Jan 2, 2019.

  1. Tb0n3

    Tb0n3 Road Train Member

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    Isn't that wat the separator is for? And I can vouch for my separator filter being caked in wax at -17.
     
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  3. SteveScott

    SteveScott Road Train Member

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    Glad I just run the I-5 on the west coast in the winter and don't have to deal with this crap.
     
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  4. gekko1323

    gekko1323 Road Train Member

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    What is the blended gallon of diesel for? Can't you just put the antigel in the tank? Thanks.
     
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  5. gekko1323

    gekko1323 Road Train Member

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    I remember when I worked at Steven's Transport (my first gig), they would require us to put in antigel if it got below 32F. But let me ask this...if the diesel is a pre-treated winter blend like they have in the big chains, is antigel still necessary or advised? Thanks.
     
  6. xsetra

    xsetra Road Train Member

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    To put in your new fuel filter.
     
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  7. xsetra

    xsetra Road Train Member

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    Sometimes the blending is not treated for cold enough. Also depends on how much untreated fuel you have in your tanks, when you fuel up.
     
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  8. Cattleman84

    Cattleman84 Road Train Member

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    Forget throwing your $$$ away on them #### fancy anti gel additives... Go get you a case of Isopropyl Alcohol... It must be 90% or higher... Not the common 70% stuff. 4 ounces will treat 100 gallons... If I'm getting southern fuel I'll double the dosage to 8 ounces for 100 gallons. I have NEVER gelled up since I switched to isopropyl alcohol, but I have gelled up using Howes and other popular products.

    And if you are running alot in -15 or colder put 2 baby diapers on that water separator filter... A little duct tape will hold them in place. They will help keep that water in the separator from freezing.
     
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  9. Lepton1

    Lepton1 Road Train Member

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    That blended gallon is to shock treat a situation. I want the first pull into the injectors to be a well treated blend of anti gel and anti water. Once I finish getting a new fuel filter spun on and turn the key to "start" I want to hear a nice, even firing of the pistons in sequence.

    I tried one time using normal diesel siphoned out of a fuel tank to top off the new fuel filter. It was about five minutes of "will she or won't she" fire up. I've never had an issue firing up with my blend. It fires up and gets into a nice high idle immediately.
     
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  10. snowwy

    snowwy Road Train Member

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    Bossman puts ATF in the fuel filters.
     
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  11. Cattleman84

    Cattleman84 Road Train Member

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    Not a good idea in these new emmissions engines... Older engines helped lubricate the injectors.
     
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