All of these warnings some of you have, and all of the suggested fuel additives, and the changing of filters, etc.... Well...I'll just say pfffft.

I've been driving a Ford diesel in Montana for going on 30 years. I fill it up with #2 diesel when it's low, and that's the extent of my "winterizing". While the last few years I have kept it in the shop when it's really cold, I've never had an issue.

If one was up on the North Slope I could understand the precautions, but not down here other than perhaps in extended periods of -0.

Of course, that's just my experience. Your's may differ.

I’d imagine someone is doctoring your fuel before you buy it. The problems arise when you trust the wrong people to take care of that job.

quote:

Originally posted by Gustofer:
All of these warnings some of you have, and all of the suggested fuel additives, and the changing of filters, etc.... Well...I'll just say pfffft.

I've been driving a Ford diesel in Montana for going on 30 years. I fill it up with #2 diesel when it's low, and that's the extent of my "winterizing". While the last few years I have kept it in the shop when it's really cold, I've never had an issue.

If one was up on the North Slope I could understand the precautions, but not down here other than perhaps in extended periods of -0.

Of course, that's just my experience. Your's may differ.

The OP’s experience was different than yours and his truck was outside in sub-zero temps, so it would appear you agree with the advice you are being dismissive towards.

Usually a fuel supplier creates a suitably additized diesel for the weather conditions. The in ground fuel tank contents are tested and additives to prevent issues are added.

What’s the timing on that? How likely is it that a station’s fuel would have the right additives when a three day cold snap hits in areas that don’t normally see sub-zero temps?

So I treated with some antigel and topped it off with some non biodiesel. Ran like a champ and wouldn’t have known anything was an issue except for the emissions check engine light is still on. Maybe that will cycle off after a few more starts. I think I’m just going to have to condition the fuel here and there more when the temp gets way below freezing.

Most auto parts stores will read the code for free. Basic code readers aren’t all that expensive. I think mine was less than $50.

Took it to Ford dealer and they said it would be about $275 to check it out so since I was pretty confident the issue had been resolved (as the filter was most likely gelled and just needed to thaw out to allow fuel flow), I took it to the auto parts store across the street and they let me clear the code.

I figured if there is a real issue the code will come back on. Got some more anti gel solution and will just monitor now through the winter. Thanks for all the insight and suggestions!

I plugged my 2002 dodge in. The weather warmed up quite a bit. Dug it out of the snow. When I turned the key on the glow plug indicator did not even come on. I guess it was warm . That had never happened. Fired right up. We have cold weather diesel here. I also use a Lucas fuel treatment. I bought some Howes anti gel but have not used it. So all good to this point.

quote:

Originally posted by smlsig:
1. As mentioned above ALWAYS use an anti-gel fuel additive when it get below freezing no matter what fuel you’re using.
2. Plug in your engine if it’s going to get below 20 degrees.
3. Use synthetic oil in your engine. I use Shell Rotella 5w-40 year round as the engine turns over easier particularly when it’s cold.
4. Let the engine warm up for a couple of minutes before you drive if it’s below 20 degrees or so.
5. When it’s below 20 degrees or so I use a front grill cover like this:
https://realtruck.com/p/fia-wi...ALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

Diesel owner since 2008 here and pretty much do all of the above in the winter. I went the first 2 years without a winter front and was really amazed at the difference with and without in sub-zero temperatures. I keep a red bottle of Diesel 911 in the cab, but never had to use it. I'm pretty consistent on putting in the Diesel Power Service (white bottle) when it's less than 20F.

Thanks to all of you for contributing to this thread, I have really learned a lot!

I don't have a diesel truck anymore, but I do have a couple of 50HP tractors and an 80HP skid loader. All were made prior to 2009 and ULSD was created.

I use the skid loader all year round to feed round bales. Last year it seemed like the fuel line froze at 10 degrees, so I replaced the fuel filter and added Sta-Bil diesel treatment and never had another problem. But it never got that cold again, either.

I had no idea that there was a difference between summer and winter diesel blends. I fuel from jerry cans, and I think I was filling the loader with fuel that I bought in the summer.

I have used Sta-Bil for decades in my boats and mowers, but I haven't seen any opinion of the diesel version in this thread.

I am going to try to find the Power Service white bottle.