[Olli]

What fuel in the winter? From Mexico.

There has been some nice discussion about winter blend fuel in the past few days, especially for those that are new to diesels. The discussion just had me come up with a question. Since the trucks are assembled in Mexico, and they leave the plant with some fuel, from say Nov-April, is it winter blend? Sure, it is only 5-7 gallons (?) but it would gel in the fuel system while in transit if it wasn't winter blend wouldn't it? Just wondering. Anyone know for sure.


Olli

 

[Guest]

what fuel in the winter? diesel. simple as that. summer winter doesnt matter. we get one blend here

 

[Olli]

I'm wondering about MEXICO where the trucks are assembled.


Olli

 

[Ram3500Dually]

what fuel in the winter? diesel. simple as that. summer winter doesnt matter. we get one blend here

What?

 

[Jabaniz]

what fuel in the winter? diesel. simple as that. summer winter doesnt matter. we get one blend here

ummm... i bet by the end of the week i can take pictures of just one truck parking lot with over 30 trucks that will be jelled because of not running proper fuel.

Most no2 should be good to at least 20, i start blending at this point because many night are well below zero, when i know its going to be real cold i run straight no1.

 

[#2burners]

Just my two cents but I have been in the #2 fuel burning business for many years and have owned, operated and maintained all brands of diesels. The WORST thing one could do to their modern ctd or any 07 and up modern diesel would be to run straight kero. no lubrication quality whatsoever, messes with injectors, sensors etc. The BEST one could do for their modern diesel to prevent gelling is to run additive such as Howes, or powerservice, just follow the ratios and you'll be good. Its economical as fuel economy is not sacrificed as with running kero. Howes actually has a guarantee that if you gel the will pay for a tow. Us in the colder climates also are prepared for gelling possibilities by keeping powerservice 911 in our trucks storage just in case.

 

[MeatGeek]

I could just test drive one here saturday morning. That would answer it. The fuel up here is treated to -20 right now. Its supposed to be -11 (so says the weather man). Jump in crank and see if she fires.


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[Jabaniz]

Right, but number 1 clear isn't kero correct? Owners manual suggests number 1 at like 10 or 20 below I think

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[Jabaniz]

I promise you, that straight 2 will gel in your truck up here, whether or not that is because water in fuel or poor filter maintance. My company has about 30-40 crew trucks. About 25 rigs, and same number of pumps, wranglers, air heaters, generators, loaders and we try to run number 1 with additive, and sometimes still have gelling issues.

In the last couple years fuel quality has been much better, maybe due to updated service stations. But when it gets in that 20 below area one should be damn careful what you run.

Its fine that said company will pay for repairs because of gelling but that doesn't get you too work or allow you to use your work truck.

After all is said and done the additive company says you had poorly maintained filters so they won't fix it, and dealer won't fix it because you overused some weird additive

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[#2burners]

#1 IS kerosene

 

[#2burners]

We run over 100 school buses on straight #2 with Howes additive we are the fuel supplier for the buses not one bus ever gelled. ever. And we too have below zero weather for weeks.

 

[Jabaniz]

http://www.cumminsforum.com/forum/a...diesel-additives-study-done-diesel-place.html

it dated but worth reading

 

[#2burners]

list is incomplete as it does not have howes fuel conditioner on list. Only cleaner. Don't matter anyway, we use what works for us and will not be liable for injector failure and other problems associated with running straight #1. As I stated we have had zero gel ups. last I knew below zero is below zero no matter where your location.

 

[mpierce]

We run over 100 school buses on straight #2 with Howes additive we are the fuel supplier for the buses not one bus ever gelled. ever. And we too have below zero weather for weeks.

Below zero for weeks is fine with #2, and Howes. What we are talking about here in ND, and north of us, is when a cold snap sets in, and we are looking at -25F to -40F. THAT is when the problems start.

Two winters ago, hauling crude in the Bakken, my son was running 1/2 winter blend fuel, and with a cold snap forecast, I told him to top the Pete off with #1. So, about 150 gal #1, and the same of #2, the #2 was blended to -20 rating BEFORE the #1 was added.

It was forecast to be -35F, so I had my son dump several bottles of additive in.

Well, he made it 30 miles before it jelled up, on the side of the road. It took us 2 days to get it going! We had to get propane heaters, and put tarps around the truck, and put two large heaters under the truck, and run them for almost 20 hours to get the fuel to ungel. Changed filters a couple times.

Never got above -25F the whole time, with LOTS of wind!

Now, tell me how Howes with #2 will work fine! LOL We should have had pure #1 in there.

Cost me a couple thousand $, by the time you figure cost, wages, running pickups around, and lost work. I would rather pay for #1, than risk it.

 

[Jabaniz]

and manual says to run number 1,

NOTE: Use “Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel Fuels” ONLY.
*No. 1 Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel Fuel should only be used
where extended arctic conditions (-10°F/-23°C) exist.

 

[#2burners]

understood at those temps. how do you replace the loss of lubrication running straight #1?

 

[Jabaniz]

up here if a bus were to break down kids could die i promise you they arent relying on supplement

 

[mpierce]

understood at those temps. how do you replace the loss of lubrication running straight #1?

Usually there is some #2 in there. However, when I used to drive school bus, we ran straight #1 for a couple months at a time. No failures that I know of.

Same with my other engines. No failures. And, it is what the manual calls for below -10F. I watch the weather, and if it is to be warm for a while, I will blend #2 in.

 

[#2burners]

interesting that the cummins manual says it is okay to run#1. my 4 yr old Mercedes sprinter does not recommend using it whatsoever. This is great info but I hope you guys in that really cold area protect Your engines from the lack of lubrication. Man i'm getting chills just thinking about 45 below!

 

[805RAM]

Not that I would ever have to worry about it in So. California but at what temp does diesel gel? It is supposed to get down to a bitter cold 29 Wed night. Definitely news worthy here! :-0

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