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Fuel gelling

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by JC1971, Apr 11, 2016.

Page 1 of 2
  1. Apr 11, 2016 #1
    JC1971

    JC1971 Road Train Member

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    I know this seems to be the wrong time of year to be asking this but I was recently in PA when they had this late cold spell in the Northeast.

    I woke up and checked the outside temp display and it said 12 degrees and instantly realized I had forgotten to put anti-gel in the fuel tanks. I was afraid to start the engine because any gelled fuel would clog the fuel filter.

    I called the shop at the terminal and they said to put the anti-gel in the tanks. So, I added the anti-gel and everything was fine.

    It was my understanding that after the fuel has gelled it's too late to add anti-gel and that's when you use the 911, which can only be used by a road service tech or shop for some reason with my company. I don't know if the fuel was gelling, I just assumed that because the temperature was 12 degrees it might be a problem, but maybe that's not cold enough to cause serious issues.
     
    JC1971, Apr 11, 2016
    JC1971, Apr 11, 2016
    #1
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  3. Apr 11, 2016 #2
    w.h.o

    w.h.o Road Train Member

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    Diesel gel up around 10-15 degrees depending on the fuel, what treatment is put in and water in it.

    If it was just a overnight freeze, I wouldn't worry about. I was in PA/NY border last night and it fell below 30 and snowing but it warm up later.
     
    w.h.o, Apr 11, 2016
    w.h.o, Apr 11, 2016
    #2
  4. Apr 11, 2016 #3
    MrEd

    MrEd Road Train Member

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    Your filter and fuel lines would likely gel first anyway. So not starting the truck would not really help you any.
     
    MrEd, Apr 11, 2016
    MrEd, Apr 11, 2016
    #3
  5. Apr 11, 2016 #4
    AModelCat

    AModelCat Road Train Member

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    Fuel tends to take on a waxy/butter look when gelled. If you shine a light down in your tanks and it looks fluid still you're probably ok.
     
    AModelCat, Apr 11, 2016
    AModelCat, Apr 11, 2016
    #4
    JC1971 Thanks this.
  7. Apr 11, 2016 #5
    JC1971

    JC1971 Road Train Member

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    Never thought of doing that. I guess like a bottle of olive oil if you put it in the fridge.
     
    JC1971, Apr 11, 2016
    JC1971, Apr 11, 2016
    #5
  8. Apr 11, 2016 #6
    Blackshack46

    Blackshack46 Road Train Member

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    Don't use a torch for light though. Or road flare.
     
    Blackshack46, Apr 11, 2016
    Blackshack46, Apr 11, 2016
    #6
    Mudguppy and tucker Thank this.
  9. Apr 11, 2016 #7
    TAfool

    TAfool Medium Load Member

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    He didn't get the memo.....


    Start at 1:15 for the good stuff.

    Sad part is, there are more videos just like this.

    TA
     
    TAfool, Apr 11, 2016
    TAfool, Apr 11, 2016
    #7
    rabbiporkchop Thanks this.
  10. Apr 11, 2016 #8
    STexan

    STexan Road Train Member

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    If northern fuel "gelled" at 12 degrees F this nation would come to a standstill in the winters. With northern fuel I don't even begin to worry about issues until forecast lows drop below 5 F for more than about 5 hours of engine off time
     
    STexan, Apr 11, 2016
    STexan, Apr 11, 2016
    #8
  11. Apr 11, 2016 #9
    STexan

    STexan Road Train Member

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    Sounds like some here are heavily invested in Power Service or other similar company.
     
    STexan, Apr 11, 2016
    STexan, Apr 11, 2016
    #9
  12. Apr 11, 2016 #10
    TAfool

    TAfool Medium Load Member

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    21 years out and have never had a gel issue. Never added any fuel treatments. I do idle if it gets below 0 to -5f.

    TA
     
    TAfool, Apr 11, 2016
    TAfool, Apr 11, 2016
    #10
    Starboyjim Thanks this.
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