Winter Fuel Treatment

I used Howes when temps were below 20. I find the main thing to keep in mind is that truck stops below I40 usually don't use blended fuel. If you are going from say Florida to Minnesota use an additive. I have been fortunate in that I never gelled up, but as an O/O it was cheaper to use a quality additive than to set on the road and pay a tow bill.JMO

 

I never used additives, but since the ULSD has been out, and I've had some marginal gelling, I ad when it will be in the teens or less. I have an APU, so I don't idle unless it is under 15 below zero or less. My Vovlo shows problems when it starts to gel at the fuel proportioning valve, and the fuel will pull from only one side, or only return to one side, depending on where the problem is. It's not really fun to watch the fuel gauge crawl down, or up when this happens.

 

Use caution when using any additive with these new CARB compliant engines!

You can void the warranty!

Check with the manufacturer about what to use with your engine!

DO NOT RELY ON INFO ON THIS THREAD!

This is your engine and not worth screwing up with "bad" or incorrect information.

CHECK WITH THE MANUFACTURER ! They built it they know what you need to use!

Now for the older engines before this CARB crapola I used Howles when the temps got below 0* but really had no problems until the temps got below that. First treatment was a full bottle but after that follow the directions. Don't waste your money!

 

When we are talking about fuel and what to put in it in cold weather what about bio fuel. In my home state many truckstops have a boi blend. I have had trouble with it even when I treat the fuel.
I get cloged filters from this fuel and just change it and go on. Is there something that works with this kind of fuel?

 

Just a tip for some who may not know. It's a federal law that whatever is pumped through the pump at any refueling station the product must be identified. If it's ULSD then it must say on the pump that it's ULSD. If any additives are put in the fuel it must say on the pump. Now not all places follow that law and they are in violation so you might what to remember that if anything happens to the engine. Never take anybody's word for it.

 

power service works fine but you must increase the dosage 50% with the new fuel same goes with howes ......... 1st hand experience

 

I've always run the "winter blend" sold at stations in Wisconsin with no troubles,...

 

Last winter, I rolled into Saskatoon in an 09 386 Pete with an ISX. Had Howes in each tank. Temps dipped below minus 50. Truck ran fine. Suddenly, the STOP ENGINE light came on and the engine cut out. I popped the hood and checked the fluids. Fluids were fine. I looked at the fuel filter and could see ice crystals form before my eyes. "Sonofa....!"
I ran and got a gallon of kerosene and dumped it in. Kept the truck running until a service truck showed up 6 HOURS LATER!

What do you do when your anti-gel starts gelling?

 

Here in upstate NY I start blending when it gets to the low 20's, I just don't want to take any chances nor do I trust that the fuel hasn't been watered down......so far in 15 years out here I have only froze once and it was 100% my fault because I bought some fuel in VA on the way up then parked at the house for a few days...doh !!

GP