Alcohol anti gel

Discussion in 'Heavy Duty Diesel Truck Mechanics Forum' started by jeffman164, Nov 11, 2019.

  1. jeffman164

    jeffman164 Medium Load Member

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    1999 Detroit 12.7. Pre emission . Heard quite a few times that you can use rubbing alcohol as opposed to commercial anti gel to avoid gelling. I would appreciate the help from some old school mechanics what the ratio of ounces of rubbing alcohol to the gallons of diesel to avoid gelling. I've used commercial anti gel products according to the directions and have still gelled up. NOT fun !!
     
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  3. Tx Countryboy

    Tx Countryboy Road Train Member

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    Cattleman84Road Train Member
    Forget throwing your $$$ away on them #### fancy anti gel additives... Go get you a case of Isopropyl Alcohol...
    See post below.
     
    Last edited: Nov 12, 2019
  4. Tx Countryboy

    Tx Countryboy Road Train Member

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  5. Rideandrepair

    Rideandrepair Road Train Member

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    That Detroit shouldn’t gel up, as long as your running. I’ve used 90% alchohol, half bottle in each tank. Mainly for protection against water, I thought it evaporated, always use any of the others,Howe’s, PS, or ? in southern fuel, have never gelled up.
     
  6. Tx Countryboy

    Tx Countryboy Road Train Member

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    @Cattleman84 runs in some cold stuff. So I take his word for it.
    I gelled up in montana with howes one time at -22°
     
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  7. Rideandrepair

    Rideandrepair Road Train Member

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    Reminds Me, I need to get some. Good for ice in air lines too.
     
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  8. Tx Countryboy

    Tx Countryboy Road Train Member

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    Shop used to swear by howes till trucks went down.
     
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  9. Cattleman84

    Cattleman84 Road Train Member

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    Certain anti gelling products will give emission systems fits also... And they can play hell with bunk heaters to.... 90% or better Isopropyl Alcohol is safe for all diesel engines and heaters.

    Also... In the post above where @Tx Countryboy quoted me, I must have been tired when I posted it cause the mix ratio is wrong... I use 8 ounces per 100 gallons, southern fuel I double that to 16 ounces. 1 quart treats 400 gallons.
     
  10. starmac

    starmac Road Train Member

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    If I use anything it is howes, or plain old gasoline. Howes will not do anything as far as dispersing water, water will still collect and freeze in the filters if it is present.

    Do not use rubbing alcohol in your air system, unless you want to replace all the air valves, been there and done that. Airline antifreeze is cheaper anyway.
     
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  11. Rideandrepair

    Rideandrepair Road Train Member

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    I’ve used it without problems, however I usually buy the “conditioner” on sale in springtime. Just used half a bottle, I’ve had for a while.Cleaned out lines and tanks before putting on a new air dryer. The bottle was all blown up, like it’s ready to explode, Lol. Main ingredient on label? Methyl alcohol.
     
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