Frozen, Gelled fuel

[mike69440]

Once gelled, does the diesel stay gelled?

I had problems with our RTV900, additive and heat and finally a warm 50F day got it running again, but the same is not true for my Komatsu excavator. I used it 2 weeks ago to buy the family dog as it had enough omph to break thru the frozen grond easier than my L39 BH. Batteries good & cranks, but will not fire when tried when 40-50 Def F outside 2 days ago. Added Howes anto gell, but did not try to start it during last weeks cold snap (-8F) This is the first time in 6 years it did not fire when cranked. I have not repalced the filter, only 500 hours on it. I hope changing the filter and filling with treated fuel does the trick.
I was suprozed the L39 and B7200 started right up.

 

[rockshaft]

I had a major gelling problem earlier this winter, even with triple treated PowerService (white bottle). I think I must have had a bad bottle of PS, because I switched to another brand and the problem is gone (after lots of frustration, change of filter, and ample use of hair-dryer). Now I'm using FPPF Polar Power.

 

[Don87]

]Once gelled, does the diesel stay gelled[/B]?

I had problems with our RTV900, additive and heat and finally a warm 50F day got it running again, but the same is not true for my Komatsu excavator. I used it 2 weeks ago to buy the family dog as it had enough omph to break thru the frozen grond easier than my L39 BH. Batteries good & cranks, but will not fire when tried when 40-50 Def F outside 2 days ago. Added Howes anto gell, but did not try to start it during last weeks cold snap (-8F) This is the first time in 6 years it did not fire when cranked. I have not repalced the filter, only 500 hours on it. I hope changing the filter and filling with treated fuel does the trick.
I was suprozed the L39 and B7200 started right up.

No, it will be ok once it gets warm enough. Even though the air temp got to 50, if the sun wasn't on the fuel supply areas it will remain gelled. You can add 'diesel 911' to the fuel filter, and the tank. it should get it running. The more biodiesel in the fuel, the quicker it will gel also. the cloud point for biodiesel is somewhere around 40 degrees, much lower and it begins gelling up.

 

[Don87]

I had a major gelling problem earlier this winter, even with triple treated PowerService (white bottle). I think I must have had a bad bottle of PS, because I switched to another brand and the problem is gone (after lots of frustration, change of filter, and ample use of hair-dryer). Now I'm using FPPF Polar Power.

View attachment 300802

That's what my filter looked like after getting fuel at one of the local places. Surprised me because he puts that same fuel in his concrete trucks.

 

[rockshaft]

That's what my filter looked like after getting fuel at one of the local places. Surprised me because he puts that same fuel in his concrete trucks.

Yeah, this was supposedly fresh winterblend from my local station, and we have more than avg diesel usage up here.

 

[Don87]

Yeah, this was supposedly fresh winterblend from my local station, and we have more than avg diesel usage up here.

I replaced my filter, but I wouldn't have needed to. I had it in my pocket, and my body heat thawed it out before I got to my dealer.........13 miles away.

 

[rockshaft]

I replaced my filter, but I wouldn't have needed to. I had it in my pocket, and my body heat thawed it out before I got to my dealer.........13 miles away.

Similar story for me. Changed filter in below zero conditions- pia, then new one was frozen same next morning.

 

[Don87]

Similar story for me. Changed filter in below zero conditions- pia, then new one was frozen same next morning.

.ouch

 

[rockshaft]

At that point i realized the triple dose of powerservice wasn't working for me :-(

 

[creekbend]

I had the fuel gel up on my 5203 Deere two days ago, it was down in the single digits though. Started it and it ran for a couple minutes, sputtered and died. Tried adding some de-icer/anti-gel additive but it didn't do anything, I think it is plugged up in the petcock at the bottom of the tank as no fuel is reaching the filter. It's supposed to be warmer tomorrow so I'll see if it will start then.

After that incident I went and got some Power Service fuel additive which prevents gelling and added it to my B3200 along with a full tank of fresh fuel. Started yesterday in single digit temps and ran fine.

Honestly, in the very cold I mostly use my old Ford NAA. Starts right up regardless of the temp and warms up quickly, cold weather operation is one thing I still do like about a gas powered tractor.

Anyone else using Power Service diesel additive?

I use it year round. The temperatures have been below 20 degrees several times. Even when I don't use the tractor, I start it once a week. I haven't had any problems. "Knock on Wood".