Fuel gelling and icing: What causes it, the myths, and how to prevent it

Drivers need to be more careful with these new motors with the high pressure common rail injection systems. I know for a fact the new Cummins return very little fuel compared to the earlier generations of electronic engines. It bit a couple of our drivers in the rear last winter, as they were used to the high return rate of warm fuel from their old trucks. My next new truck will have fuel tank heaters for just this reason.

 

Could a fuel tank heater be something one could employ during winter and remove for off season?

 

You can get them with thermostats or just put shut off valves on them.

 

Best anti gel I have used is fppf polar power or bio anti gel. Howes sucks pen-ray okay will use power service if out of pen-ray or fppf. Truckers inn in Sauk centre, stamart Fargo, coffee cups in sd carry #1 plus a lot of the local small town mom/pop places do too in Mn and Dakotas. Tank covers on fuel tanks will help keep some of the heat in the fuel. I Don't rely too much on the theory of oh these new electronic engines return a lot of fuel had one jell at 26 above going down the road with crappy howes in it. Be safe when it's real nasty cold out don't take long when wind is 30 plus mph and a -20 temp to freeze. Respect Murphy's law. Artic fox in Delano mn make all sort of fuel and oil heaters for trucks and equipment. Tank heaters, heating pads 110 and 12v and heated fuel lines. I have all three on my truck. Rather have overkill then stiff as a board when found next day.

 

gonna bring this thread back up.

VERY GOOD READ

 

I dont think company drivers and guys with newer trucks should or would dare do this. But when I'm going to be in an area where temps fall below 20f, I will add 1 gal of 87 octane to each full tank. Thats 1 gallon of gasoline to each 150 gallon tank.

Thats an old school method I picked up from my old boss who had me do this to his trucks back in the 80's. Has served me well over the years. If I were in a newer truck with DPF and DEF,.. I think I would need to read up or find out what if anything bad could happen to the emissions systems first. I doubt anything serious could happen. But in some of the newest trucks with sensitive injection systems,.. I think it may read the fuel or fuel needs differently and could cause harm that way. So dont take my method as gospel,.. this is an old school trick mainly for old school motors.

Hurst

 

heard of that one,Hurst,but never tried it.

chicken?,hell yeah!!! lol

 

I've got a Pre-DPF BXS ACERT C15 in this truck and no problems to report. It seems to get a little 'spunky' (Not sure how to describe it,.. smoother idle, crisper throttle response and though I wouldnt say increased hp,.. but it does seem to pull smoother under a load) when gasoline is added. No knocking or pinging or other fearful noises.

And best part,.. IMO,.. whats a gallon of 87 octane cost? I've been in Williston and Minot ND where they wanted $22 - $24 for one bottle of diesel treatment. Absurd.

I've got a buddy who's got a late model Dodge 3500,.. he's been using a mix of garden hose water and vinegar in the DEF tank. Says it works great and smells more like a douche than Cat urine when it comes out.

Hurst

 

At least it keeps his truck from feeling not-so-fresh.

 

I've never had a truck physically gel up on me, I have always had a problem with the fuel water separator plugging up with wax, look in the tank and there the stuff is, just floating around in there. Always use to use Howes, I have since switched to Power Service, and knock on wood, have not had any problems.