Anti-gel fuel additive

[richard5933]

In both my tractor (Yanmar diesel) and my step van (Cummins 4BT) I start mixing anti-gel additive to the diesel fuel around Labor Day. Neither of these gets constant use, and I like to know that the additive is thoroughly mixed in and run through all the lines before freezing weather starts (which can be early in this area.) The year we got the step van this wasn't done in time, and we had nothing but fuel gelling problems all winter.

Question is this...Is there any known problem using the anti-gel additive in the 8V71? Didn't know if it would react badly to either the 2-stroke engine or to some other component.

Thanks.
Richard

[buswarrior]

follow the mixing ratio on the product, 8V71 won't care.

Anti-gell is the only "additive" that is worthy of consideration for a northern busnut, only because we are not usually turning our fuel over enough, and have summer blend in our tanks.

Coaches, with the tanks enclosed up inside the body work, are not as critical for anti-gel as what the over the road trucks are.

If you are operational, the fuel will be warm when running, and retain sufficient heat overnight. It's retrieving the coach from "storage" mode to make that southern escape that triggers trouble...

Air system maintenance all up to snuff?

happy coaching!
buswarrior

[eagle19952]

spent many years in the Arctic and all we used was #1.

[TomC]

I use Diesel Power Service. I know it works down to -20 since I successfully started my 8V-92TA in the morning (with Ether). Good Luck, TomC

[brmax]

Servicing a fleet one needs to have used the summer blend #2 in early fall, frost on the pumkin.  Its forsure a priority but a personal, farm or local fleet can have and really depend on their local supplier.  I tried hard to stay ahead although equipment gets scattered and "parked".
Anyway trying to get the summer blend used is tough and a 10% #1 cut/ is typicaly worth
5 degrees as my limited understanding. I say this because some of your farm or construction equipment or tanks are unused and pretty full at times.
I know there are lots n lots of additives, I always kept a couple stanadyne bottles but only used in a repair or single issue.

Floyd

PS. Bio diesel in tanks as a requirement I had to stay ahead of also, give that a go 

[richard5933]

Thanks. That confirms my plan. There is no way that I can be sure all the summer blend will be out of the system before the cold weather, so I will start introducing the anti-gel additive with the next fill up.

Those living in the warm-weather states...you just don't know all the fun you miss not having winter on your calendar.

Richard

[windtrader]

In California there are summer and winter blends mostly done for managing the smog buildup. Temperatures don't change all that much from season to season other than wet and dry.

[DoubleEagle]

When I used to operate trucks in Northern New Hampshire, I mixed in up to 40% Kerosene with the number 2 Diesel. That worked well when it was down to 40 below. Of course, fuel was a lot cheaper then. Number One Diesel is not readily available at most places now, it seems.

[Zephod]

I've put 10% gasoline in the diesel. That works.


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[Jim Eh.]

When I used to operate trucks in Northern New Hampshire, I mixed in up to 40% Kerosene with the number 2 Diesel. That worked well when it was down to 40 below. Of course, fuel was a lot cheaper then. Number One Diesel is not readily available at most places now, it seems.

Kerosene is diesel fuel (more like #1) with a lot less parafin wax. Kinda like Jet fuel only not filtered as well.

[bigred]

When I used to operate trucks in Northern New Hampshire, I mixed in up to 40% Kerosene with the number 2 Diesel. That worked well when it was down to 40 below. Of course, fuel was a lot cheaper then. Number One Diesel is not readily available at most places now, it seems.

If you have a fuel oil delivery service near you ,they will deliver #1 and shoot it right in to your tank.These delivery guy's don't care what they put it in!!!

[TomC]

#1 is less btu's than #2-meaning worse fuel mileage and less power. Better to keep with #2 and use a fuel water dispersing agent like Diesel Power Service. If it gets that cold that Diesel Power Service isn't working, you should probably consider going further south. Good Luck, TomC

[richard5933]

#1 is less btu's than #2-meaning worse fuel mileage and less power. Better to keep with #2 and use a fuel water dispersing agent like Diesel Power Service. If it gets that cold that Diesel Power Service isn't working, you should probably consider going further south. Good Luck, TomC

Up here in Wisconsin (at least around us) nearly all fuel sold in the cold season is already winterized. Hard to find anything else. My main concern is that I always seem to end up with a good amount of summer fuel in the tank just as the weather turns cold. Never fails that I need to fill just before the stations make the switch over.

Besides, I kind of enjoy cold-weather travel. I avoid driving on the snow/ice, but traveling in the winter has its own attractions. If only I could figure out how to make the Webasto and OTR heat fire up before the frost flies...

[chessie4905]

Undyed kerosine works well. Used to run it straight in my Ciera diesel from Thanksgiving to mid March in the 80's. No issues and fuel mileage loss and power reduction were minimal. It'll work fine in the Detroit if you can find it. Don't use dyed stuff. Another consideration would be a fuel heater Incorporated into fuel filters. Might be more costly up front, but then the new problems will be getting engine started and keeping moisture out of air system.

[lvmci]

Hi All, how does the 10 to 20% Biodiesel fit into cold winter weather? lvmci...