Diesel fuel noob . . .

[Bruze Heim]

Hi all: I bought a '13 New Holland T1510 last month, got rid of my '51 Fergie that needed A LOT of work.

I have never owned anything diesel before. I saw someone mention online that you need to add an anti-algae substance to the fuel. A trusted local buddy said you don't need to, it's a standard additive in all the pump fuel -- around here anyway (northeast).

Googling/AI I get mixed results.

What say you?

 

[Midniteoyl]

Its added if the fuel is going to sit for a longer period, like if you rarely use the machine or have a large storage tank, otherwise it's not really needed.

Using a Winter Anti-Gel additive during winter in cold climates is a good idea, however.

 

[Sawyer Rob]

I say, I never add ANYTHING to my fuel and over all the years I've owned diesels I've never had algae even one time.

I agree with your buddy, as long as you buy fuel from a station that sells a decent amount of fuel.

SR

 

[RjCorazza]

I really doubt there is an anti microbial added to the stations fuel supply, but it's possible. In the finger lakes region I would definitely ensure that your fuel is winterized, which it SHOULD be at the pump after a certain date based on location.
I winterize my fuel regardless of the supply, but do not add any anti microbial additives. Careful fuel handling and storage to keep water out will prevent any microbial contamination, as water is required for them to develop.

My recommendations are :
Store your fuel at the very least under cover, preferably in a shed or barn
Use a water blocking filter and particulate filter when dispensing.
Keep long term storage tanks full if possible.
If you don't want to add additional anti gel for winter use, at the very least I would test the supplier's fuel by placing a mason jar of it in the freezer for 24 hours and see if it gels up, and at what temperature.

 

[kneedeep]

Only treat stored fuel.

 

[IH3444]

HayDude uses Hot Shot diesel fuel additive, and I have great respect for his technical expertise. I'm still using up my supply of Power Service but will transition to Hot Shot.

 

[chim]

Back in the day when I bought diesel 5 or 10 gallons at a time at local stations I didn't worry much about additives. Now I buy 150 gallons of offroad diesel every year to year and a half. It gets biocide and anti-gel.

 

[dodge man]

I also don’t use an additive except in the winter for anti gel. If you store fuel for a long period of time, say more then a few months, an anti algae additive is probably a good idea.

 

[Sprinkler Fitter]

I say, I never add ANYTHING to my fuel and over all the years I've owned diesels I've never had algae even one time.

I agree with your buddy, as long as you buy fuel from a station that sells a decent amount of fuel.

SR

Do you just use normal pump diesel fuel like you would put in a truck in the winter?

From what I’ve told the red died diesel fuel does not have cold weather additive in it, but that’s just what the neighbor told me. I have only bought that twice but because we fill our trucks with diesel, I just fill my diesel cans then instead of wasting time for a couple 5 gallon cans.

 

[Thomas]

I for one wouldn't want the fuel to jell it can be p.i.t.a to free up.
I use anti jell also purchase diesel where lot sold to truckers city towns.