Diesel Gel

-14 was the coldest I've been in with no additive on straight No.2 didn't gel but never shut the truck off either. The fuel pumps however did gel. This is the first year I've actually had a diesel gel up on me. Nope didn't happen on the road happened at home. I know my dodge has gelled at least once (couple below -10 nights) I know my 2000 gelled those nights too. Neither one were needed or running so I didn't bother worrying about it. Just said screw it I'll dump power service in the dodge today but I've got a bottle of 911 in the Pete just in case.

As long as the truck is running and the return line is hot and the fuel is warm you shouldnt run into a gelling situation as long as the temps aren't ridiculous like -40. If there's steam rolling from the tanks when I remove the cap I don't worry too much. When I don't see steam the additive goes in or number 1 goes in. In a PINCH I have used a few gallons of unleaded I don't care for doing that but in an EMERGENCY it will do the job.

 

I think diesel gel is publicized more then needed.

First off, the fuel at the pump is winterized as long as you buy in the cold areas. If you buy fuel in miami and then drive to Detroit and shut your truck off, yea, it will gel.

If you buy in detroit, then shut off in detroit, you should be fine down till at least 20 or so. If you get colder then that, the fuel return line will keep your fuel somewhat warm if you keep it running. When i drove a company truck i didn't put in additive until it was down to 15 out.

In my current rig, I have a hot fox collant heater on my fuel pick up and an electric filter warmer. I run my truck under 15 or so and never put additive in. Both can be turned off in warmer weather.

I have never had fuel icing problems. I'v run my current set up down to -20 with no additives, just the heaters. The company truck i added the white bottle at +15 and never had trouble.

 

That is HORRIBLE for you engine. If you plan on shutting off, add a little additive b4 using unleaded.

 

You read in an emergency right? And 2 gallons of unleaded per 300 gallons of diesel IN AN EMERGENCY is better than freezing to death. I'm going to take the word of a man that has been turning wrenches for 35+ years and owns a sucessful diesel shop over yours. Who do you think gave me the okay to do that? The bum standing on the street corner?

I'm sure you'll also tell me dumping a bottle of transmission fluid in my fuel tank every 70 gallons in my 5.9 24v is horrible as well.

Probably tell me you cant run used oil in a 5.9 12 valve too.

 

why would you ever let it get to that point...just carry a few bottles of 911 for the emergency

 

I had my truck start to gel on me yesterday. I had what was supposed to be an advertised 70/30 blend but I don't think those numbers are always accurate. I dumped a some 911 in it and it cleared it up within about 30 seconds.

This is the first time I've ever had trouble gelling with this truck. We have had some brutal cold and my truck had been sitting for 3 days without running.

 

The 911 has an expiration date, so you need to buy new ones every year.

 

Well let's see it must be really nice to live in a place with 24/7 gas stations that have a massive stock of diesel 911 lying around. Sorry there is 1 truckstop within 50 miles that is open 24/7 and they were sold out of both power service and diesel 911. I had straight number 2 in my tractor. Last place fueled at didn't have winter blend. We don't all live in the big city like you do and southern Oklahoma doesn't get as cold as Nebraska does. And when I fueled the forecast according to my phone was a low of 12 low of 12 turned into -6 that truck isn't going to gel up at 12 it will gel up at -6. y do you think everybody was sold out of power service and 911 there's one place in town that sells 911 and additive 24/7 911 is 30.99/bottle to treat 250 gallons additive is 19.99 for 250 gallons. Now tell me if they were sold out do you think I was the only one that was worried about a truck gelling up?

I'd say its a safe bet that I wasn't, but I was the person that paid the least to keep their truck from gelling $7.80 when everybody else got raked over the coals. I ain't had a problem yet and them injectors were replace at 500k. Still having lost one and that was many gallons ago. It didn't kill my motor and it was done IN AN EMERGENCY. My god with the racket you're making over this I wanna hear you talk to one of my buddies in Iowa that pumps 5 gallons of unleaded in his Coronado to clean the injectors. He's never had a problem with that truck and yes put 200k on it. Had it since new. Ain't been in the shop since it rolled off the line.

 

There is no need to be upset.