Diesel fuel noob . . .

[Sawyer Rob]

If locals bought the diesel the same place many of them truckers bought it they would have had gelled fuel in their tractors.

BUT, only if they drove their tractors to another state like those truckers did.

SR

 

[Sprinkler Fitter]

If locals bought the diesel the same place many of them truckers bought it they would have had gelled fuel in their tractors.

BUT, only if they drove their tractors to another state like those truckers did.

SR

We started seeing semi’s on the side of the highway right away the morning we left Tulsa, it was 19° in Tulsa Oklahoma, something I’m guessing the fuel suppliers weren’t planning on.

The first three or four we wondered what was going on, but then when we started seeing some of them with heaters under the fuel tanks with a shelter of cardboard or something around it, I just figured it was bad fuel that was gelling

 

[Texasmark]

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.

I never used an antigel in the 40 years I have been running diesels here in N. Tx. until last, or the year before last, winter when the temp got down to single digit F temps it told me that I should have installed the anti-gel additive......I had no idea it was going to get that cold....never has since 1978. Since then it has been part of my fillips regardless time of year as I don't know if that fueling will still be in the tanks in the upcoming winter.

I buy from one source and it feeds the local farm industry so I don't expect any purchasing problems. I have a 20' delivery hose and between the tank and hose is a Golden rod (or something like that name) final filter. I have 3ea. 55 gallon tanks in a trailer made from a PU bed. I keep the tanks under cover and plugged so that they don't breathe with weather changes. I use Power Services additives per the container recommended ratios. I have 7 diesels and have had for awhile and usually had a couple or so sitting around.

Other than purchasing a used tractor with an injector problem, I have never had a problem with my diesels and can't say that for the gassers I had before I converted to diesels.....bullet proof if you keep the fuel clean. I have a Ford 3910 that was vibrating at max RPM but bleeding the injectors a couple of times pretty well solved that problem.

 

[Torvy]

We started seeing semi’s on the side of the highway right away the morning we left Tulsa, it was 19° in Tulsa Oklahoma, something I’m guessing the fuel suppliers weren’t planning on.

The first three or four we wondered what was going on, but then when we started seeing some of them with heaters under the fuel tanks with a shelter of cardboard or something around it, I just figured it was bad fuel that was gelling

Diesel doesn't gel at 19 degrees. The problem was more likely ice. Apparently when they lowered the sulfur content, it created a higher likelihood of ice as the water separates and freezes.

At What Temperature Does Diesel Fuel Gel?

Do your fuel problems actually stem from diesel gelling or another winter problem? It's important to know what temperature point diesel fuel gels at, how to restore gelled fuel, how winter affects diesel fuel and the difference between icing and gelling.

petroleumservicecompany.com

Also, 19 is not an unusual low temp in Tulsa. It's below average, but in an average year they get a little over a week where temps drop below 20. We're hours south of Tulsa and we still get a handful of sub-20s lows.

 

[Robert walker]

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?

I’m in east Texas and I use anti-gel treatment in my truck and tractor. I have had my truck, 2012 Ram, refuse to start because the fuel gel’s up. I had to take the fuel tank off of my tractor one year because it had algae/gel clumps big enough to block the fuel outlet so bad. I don’t know what the difference is in the “winter blend” but in east Texas I cant see anything different.

 

[doneill127]

I think that article is a little misleading. Yes it does state that ice is a problem before gelling and gelling typically happens Around 10F. But filters plug and shut off the fuel supply when the cloud point is reached. For untreated #2, that’s typically 14F to 20F.

 

[D&D]

Actually, my original question was about anti-algae additives. My tractor isn't going anywhere except to plow my driveway in the winter.

But that's fine, this other stuff is interesting too.

I would think you can get #1 diesel in that part of the country during the cold months (Sep - Apr ?)

 

[CoyPatton]

In my opinion, adding an additive is fairly cheap insurance. I use a multi purpose additive as my old tractor was designed around higher sulfur fuel. The sulfur added some lube to the fuel. Since I add the additive anyway, and my tractor may sit for periods of time, why not be sure that the additive which will go in for extra lube also is anti-algae and anti-gel?

 

[HayFarmer]

I buy diesel at the gas station, but got spooged twice. Now I always add some biocide.

 

[RobertEH]

All I know is that I filled up eight 5gal tanks with diesel from a busy station when I wanted to start storing a little extra fuel around the property. It sat for a year and when I went to cycle it thru there were huge globs of black goo that had formed. Having little knowledge of diesel, I was not sure what it was. I tried to filter it out with a screen and the gunk clogged up the screen something horrible. I found it was algae. I now use biocide and anti-gel 100% of the time. Have not had an issue since. For the quantities I store (40-60 gal) it is very cheap insurance. If I was storing 200 gallons the economics change and I might consider alternatives.

 

[Stu Cozza]

I wonder if the Archoil line of additives would help for their respective tasks as designed. The offer an anti-gel (AR6300) additive that also contains a cleaner and cetane booster; they also offer a stronger cleaner (AR6400) and a general use additive (AR6500). One bottle of any of them, except when used in Diesel trucks, would seems to last a long time.

I use the Amsoil Cold Flow in my truck; it has worked well over the past many years, but my next additive(s) will be from Archoil. I use no additives outside of the coldest months of the year, although their 6400 is claimed to have the ability to clear out an almost plugged DPF.

 

[bgr]

From personal experience, if your tractor fuel tank is not completely full in fall and winter, you will get moisture in the tank, and algae will grow in the moisture. Fuel cans are even worse for moisture. You can also have snow sucked into the tank air vent if you are plowing in a heavy snow. Algae looks like black scum on the tank bottom. It grows on the surface interface between the moisture and the diesel fuel. It is hard to get rid of once it starts and plugs the fuel system. A good fuel station will have enough volume to keep their tanks clean, always use biocide, and put in anti gel, too, in the right proportion for the weather.

I have had both problems and they were not something I want to repeat. I always add biocide and anti gel at moderate levels in every tank in the winter, and biocide every 4 or 5 tanks in the summer.

Biocide goes in at very moderate levels unless you are fighting a problem, so a bottle will last you a long time. I add it to my fuel cans, so it keeps them clean. If I had a fuel storage tank on the place, it would get biocide every fill if my supplier didn't use it. With diesel fuel, you always want to know your supplier and what they put in their fuel, and with a tractor, not driving all over the country, you can do that.

Marine supply stores sell biocide at good prices if you can't find it locally. One brand is Biobor, I believe. Try West Marine. They sell on line and should also have stores by the Finger Lakes. Note that general "diesel fuel conditioners" don't have either of these unless they specifically say so on the label. Something that "cleans" the tank is not biocide. Biocide is usually sold by itself.

Hope you don't have to find out about these problems.

 

[MongoCT]

I saw someone mention online that you need to add an anti-algae substance to the fuel. What say you?

I'd give your fuel filter a good lookover and why not change it now. Probably $7-$8.

I've had my diesel tractor for about 5 years. Stored outside through New England winters. Gets used year-round from mowing and FEL/BH, moving stuff with pallet forks, and snow blowing in winter.

I have three 5-Gallon diesel cans. Forget the brand, but pricey at the time. Well sealed so they don't suck and blow atmospheric air in and out as the weather changes. That can help minimize potential moisture accumulation in the fuel.

I've not ever had the need to add an algaecide. I have a jug on hand. But I've never seen any discoloration or contamination or any sign of organics in the tractor's fuel system or in my storage cans.

Not asked, but I do use anti-gel during the winter. It gets added to my 5-gallon tanks when I bring the fuel home. Can't say if it helps, but I can say I've never had fuel issues in the winter. I have a small jug of 9-11 but obviously haven't had to use that. It's insurance I guess. Also not asked, but I add Lucas diesel additive year round. Can't say if it helps either, but those additives are each used at about 2 fluid ounces adder per 5-gallion tank, so I'm not crying over those pennies. I'm not crying even if they're dimes or quarters.

I would cry, or at least cuss and moan, if I had negative engine or fuel issues.