Anti-Gel

I will treat my fuel if the low temperatures are expected to be below +10F. Above that temperature, running and buying fuel in the northeast, I have NEVER had a problem with fuel gelling.

 

Last winter I used Howes and gelled up 3 times. This year I used PS. Still gelled up once with these super cold temps in the northeast. I drive a daycab Prostar so it sits overnight when I go home. Last week I just left it running until I got back. It is so nice getting in a truck that wasn't freezing. I also get the big bottle because when it gets cold the Pilot usually runs out and guys are out of luck. Better to have a day or two supply on hand just in case.

 

I wasn't referring to windchills in my posts, actual temperatures.

It doesnt get nearly as cold in Pennsylvania as it does in states farther north and west.

 

I got Yukon fuel from Stamart in Fargo a few weeks ago (advertised good to -25).........it was -30 that night. The truck ran ok but the engine still derated until I got back to warm weather. It could've been something to do with the DEF that caused it to derate, but who knows. Usually the new engines with water separators are good down to 5, but I treat the fuel with 911 or #1 diesel anyway just to be sure because the weather robot isn't always right.

And the comment about going south to north is right on...better be prepared. I've also heard that some truckstops treat their fuel by dropping the anti-gel into already gelled fuel or not properly mixing it........good luck with ungelling your fuel......I'd rather be safe than stupid.

 

I dumped a power service in with a couple fill ups over the last couple weeks just to be on the safe side. (It was -18 one morning last week outside Columbus...cold enough to be worried about it.) I don't usually worry about it though until temps get down near 5* or less.

 

I was told in the past not to add any additives to the fuel because it can cause problems with the injectors among other things. IS THIS TRUE???

 

I would say no I say this after 27 yrs of driving in the Northeast. Maybe if someone dumped in alot more than reccomended it would do some damage. I know using ether can damage engines

 

Ether damages engines using intake grid heaters rather than glow plugs.
hot air go boom in front of intake manifold. Good times had by no one in that case.