Winter fuel additive

[ancomcabs]

I've never owned a diesel until the S130, It will be kept inside during the winter but in unheated space (shiping container) Just wondering if I should use an additive for the fuel and if so what do you recomend. I live in southern New England so temps can get quite cold.

 

[Bobcatdan]

I recommand running additives solely to remove water that buids up in the system. I consider it a maintance things vs a miricle in can when the system is frozen. Then there is nothing to one can really do other then warm the thing unitl it defrost. I don't push any brand and don't give into any of their claims other then I want the water out. I tell guys if they store fuel on site, add it to that. On site storage is where water is picked up most of the time.

 

[lesgawlik]

I recommand running additives solely to remove water that buids up in the system. I consider it a maintance things vs a miricle in can when the system is frozen. Then there is nothing to one can really do other then warm the thing unitl it defrost. I don't push any brand and don't give into any of their claims other then I want the water out. I tell guys if they store fuel on site, add it to that. On site storage is where water is picked up most of the time.

I've read some tests that favor Opti-Lube as the best additive. The ULSD is reported to lack the lubrication properties of the old diesel. I've used Opti-Lube for about a year. I can't say it has prevented any problems, but it hasn't caused any.

 

[RodNH]

I use Power Service DFS (http://powerservice.com/dfs/) year round. It was recommended by my Bobcat dealer.

 

[reaperman]

"Power service" brand is very popular among truckers. It seems to be the most available product at most truck dealers and gas stations in the winter. We have always used it without any problems on our heavy equipment/trucks during the winter here in Minn. Surprisingly, it seems to be the least expensive at heavy truck/semi dealers in the parts dept. I think even walmart carries it. A 16 ounce bottle will usually run around $7 and treat approx 40 gallons. So its cheap insurance, if your fuel tank is around 15 gallons, a bottle will last about 3 full tanks, or about $2.50/tank. Always keep a spare fuel filter handy in the winter.

 

[ancomcabs]

"Power service" brand is very popular among truckers. It seems to be the most available product at most truck dealers and gas stations in the winter. We have always used it without any problems on our heavy equipment/trucks during the winter here in Minn. Surprisingly, it seems to be the least expensive at heavy truck/semi dealers in the parts dept. I think even walmart carries it. A 16 ounce bottle will usually run around $7 and treat approx 40 gallons. So its cheap insurance, if your fuel tank is around 15 gallons, a bottle will last about 3 full tanks, or about $2.50/tank. Always keep a spare fuel filter handy in the winter.

Thanks for the help!

 

[OldMachinist]

Thanks for the help!

I use Power Service diesel fuel supplement year round. http://www.powerservice.com/dfs/ I keep a bottle of their Diesel 911 around for emergencies.

 

[sstec]

I use Power Service diesel fuel supplement year round. http://www.powerservice.com/dfs/ I keep a bottle of their Diesel 911 around for emergencies.

I too run Power Service year round.
My 873 and pickups with 7.3 power-strokes were not designed to run the ultra low sulfur or bio-fuels.
I always carry 911 as well and use it when I have to buy diesel from someplace I normally don't use.

sstec

 

[Mikefromcny]

I too run Power Service year round.
My 873 and pickups with 7.3 power-strokes were not designed to run the ultra low sulfur or bio-fuels.
I always carry 911 as well and use it when I have to buy diesel from someplace I normally don't use.

sstec

sstec, Not to highjack the thread, but how come the 873 doesnt like ultra low sulfur fuel? Looking at the "pumps" on my 873 I thought they were the plunger type like the kubotas have and the unltra low sulfur fuel didnt bother them. My backhoe, forklift and dozer all have rotary inj. pumps so I always mix some 2 cycle oil, atf or whatever is handy to keep things lubed. On a side note, How do you like your 873?

 

[sstec]

sstec, Not to highjack the thread, but how come the 873 doesnt like ultra low sulfur fuel? Looking at the "pumps" on my 873 I thought they were the plunger type like the kubotas have and the unltra low sulfur fuel didnt bother them. My backhoe, forklift and dozer all have rotary inj. pumps so I always mix some 2 cycle oil, atf or whatever is handy to keep things lubed. On a side note, How do you like your 873?

Mike,
My 873 is 1999, at the time that was a tier 1 rated off road engine.
http://www.dieselnet.com/standards/us/nonroad.php
If you want to read more about tier rating and the EPA BS.
It all has to do with rated HP on the old fuels and ppm discharge out the exhaust.
The Diesel Service adds cetane which the higher cetane delays the combustion we would get with ultra low sulfur fuels, in turns gives us cleaner burning and higher HP.
As far as how I like my 873.... Would not trade it for a new model.
Has the lift and HP I need and love. When ever someone tries it out who has a 600 or 700 series they want to trade me theirs and cash.
I think people get a little freaked out about the timing belt issue, but once you change it and see what goes on with it, its no big deal.
sstec

 

[SkidRoe]

ancomcabs - Are you concerned with fuel waxing? How cold is cold? In Canada, we do get winter diesel fuel that helps prevent waxing, it is basically a mixture of standard summer diesel and kerosene. Waxing of summer diesel should not be a problem until you hit about 0°F. HTH. FWIW - At work we build diesel equipment that has to operate down to -50°F. At that point, we are running on jet fuel (JP-8). Every thing else is solid!!

 

[ancomcabs]

ancomcabs - Are you concerned with fuel waxing? How cold is cold? In Canada, we do get winter diesel fuel that helps prevent waxing, it is basically a mixture of standard summer diesel and kerosene. Waxing of summer diesel should not be a problem until you hit about 0°F. HTH. FWIW - At work we build diesel equipment that has to operate down to -50°F. At that point, we are running on jet fuel (JP-8). Every thing else is solid!!

Skid- Not that cold!
we'll be below freezing most nights Dec-March and may go thru a week or so at a tie when the temps never leave the teens. That being said it is New England and you never know, we could have another mild winter like last year rarely had to put on more than a sweater or sweatshirt.
I'm just asking because I've no prior experience with diesels and to be honest the skid could sit for a month or more without being used if there is no snow

 

[sstec]

Skid- Not that cold!
we'll be below freezing most nights Dec-March and may go thru a week or so at a tie when the temps never leave the teens. That being said it is New England and you never know, we could have another mild winter like last year rarely had to put on more than a sweater or sweatshirt.
I'm just asking because I've no prior experience with diesels and to be honest the skid could sit for a month or more without being used if there is no snow

Ancomcabs,
Most service/fuel stations in your area will sell blended fuel out of the pump.
Ask the person if they are selling straight #2 or blended , could be 30/70 , 50/50 60/40 75/25.
Blended is with #2 and #1 diesel in the US. Some change by the calender others by temperatures expected and should post them at the pump. #1 has a much lower gel point and does not produce the same amount of BTU's (horsepower) as #2.
Truck stops will sell blended or straight #1 and #2 and let the operator determine what ratio they want to run.
You will be fine running what ever you buy locally, add a little 911, this will help with moisture and keep the tank full.
sstec

 

[OldMachinist]

Skid- Not that cold!
we'll be below freezing most nights Dec-March and may go thru a week or so at a tie when the temps never leave the teens. That being said it is New England and you never know, we could have another mild winter like last year rarely had to put on more than a sweater or sweatshirt.
I'm just asking because I've no prior experience with diesels and to be honest the skid could sit for a month or more without being used if there is no snow

If the fuel in it now was bought during the summer months you should treat it with a additive like Diesel Service because it was likely summer blend. You should also store it with a full tank of fuel to help prevent condensation from forming in the tank. If your fuel filter has a water drain use it often. Most problems with diesels not starting in cold weather comes from fuel gelling or water freezing in the fuel filter.

 

[mahans7]

If the fuel in it now was bought during the summer months you should treat it with a additive like Diesel Service because it was likely summer blend. You should also store it with a full tank of fuel to help prevent condensation from forming in the tank. If your fuel filter has a water drain use it often. Most problems with diesels not starting in cold weather comes from fuel gelling or water freezing in the fuel filter.

Diesel Service and 911 additives are available at Wal-mart.

 

[donald73d]

Diesel Service and 911 additives are available at Wal-mart.

The HFRR test is for lubricity. While the ULSD should have enough additive for lubricity it may not always. Some injector pumps are pickier than others in that respect. The Bosch VP44 is an example of one in my Cummins engine in my pickup. Two cycle oil is good to add for lubricity. (1 oz to 1 gallon). Winter additives are another story. Some help with cetane and water, but hurt lubricity. I think its best to run the blend sold locally and easy on the additives.

 

[ancomcabs]

The HFRR test is for lubricity. While the ULSD should have enough additive for lubricity it may not always. Some injector pumps are pickier than others in that respect. The Bosch VP44 is an example of one in my Cummins engine in my pickup. Two cycle oil is good to add for lubricity. (1 oz to 1 gallon). Winter additives are another story. Some help with cetane and water, but hurt lubricity. I think its best to run the blend sold locally and easy on the additives.

Picked up the Diesel Service stuff at the local TSC yesterday, thanks for the suggestions