My first diesel, and I live in Texas so not usually a problem...but, we are expecting to drop down to about 12F and remain below freezing for a couple days. I can plug the block heater in, but do I need to do anything to the DEF / Fuel?
Cold weather prep?
- Thread starter Chrisbert
- Start date
Def..no.
Fuel...yes.
Can you get #1? Mix 2/3rds #2 and 1/3rd #1.
Or double up your choice of treatment. I run OptiLube XPD year round...
Best be getting fuel treatment in now. Doesn't work well mixing below freezing.
Fuel...yes.
Can you get #1? Mix 2/3rds #2 and 1/3rd #1.
Or double up your choice of treatment. I run OptiLube XPD year round...
Best be getting fuel treatment in now. Doesn't work well mixing below freezing.
If I am remembering you and your truck, you have less than 1000 miles on it?
If so, ignore this as it won't be applicable, but for the others that may looking at your question, if the fuel filter percent is under 50% on the dic, I recommend change the filter, too.
A restricted filter seems to gel up for some reason on diesels. Much rather change filter in a heated shop or in dry conditions, than on the side of the road in a snow bank.
If so, ignore this as it won't be applicable, but for the others that may looking at your question, if the fuel filter percent is under 50% on the dic, I recommend change the filter, too.
A restricted filter seems to gel up for some reason on diesels. Much rather change filter in a heated shop or in dry conditions, than on the side of the road in a snow bank.
Like mentioned nothing you have to do with the def as there is a heater in tank. You can add a fuel treatment of your choice that has a anti-gel treatment, I'm running Amsoil all-in-one year round. As far as plugging it in, I wouldn't worry about it for those temps, I live in Michigan and haven't yet for mine even if it gets left outside since it was new. It may code and run your coolant fans 100% and you'll have to get it cleared if it gets it too warm from heater being left plugged in or from warm ambient temps, check your manual supplement for plug temp if concerned or if it really struggles. Good mention on last post with fuel filer/separator, I usually change mine before winter hits.
'20 GMC AT4 3.0l
'20 GMC AT4 3.0l
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wishywashy
Member
Not a helpful reply but, I can't help myself.
Seeing the title and reading Texas made me laugh. As a gasser up near Canada, the answer is, plug it in. If the temps go below zero, the computers do stuff. It was -45 a few days ago. All is well.
Seeing the title and reading Texas made me laugh. As a gasser up near Canada, the answer is, plug it in. If the temps go below zero, the computers do stuff. It was -45 a few days ago. All is well.
Another safeguard against gelling is to fill half the tank with #1 diesel if it’s available. #1 is more like kerosene and has a lower gel point. Mixing half and half with #2 will be extra insurance. Also stay away from biodiesel. It gels far quicker.
The Soy theory has been debunked many years ago. Cloud point is the same.
Unless you are talking about the other biodiesel, made out of animal fats and frying grease and not from soybean. Soybean is far from making diesel gel faster.
I guess it all depends on the percentage of soy. At 5% or less it looks like it has minimal effect. I just prefer to stay away from it in cold weather. I also have noticed a reduction in mpg’s with it. Your experience may vary.
use diesel kleen white bottle for below freezing ,keep diesel kleen 911 red bottle on hand if your fuel gels. I have been driving freightliners for years . both work great,
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