two questions
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Junior User
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 89
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two questions
At what temperature does diesel fuel start to gel? I work at a utility compnay and i go on call starting today until next friday and with the temp getting cooler i didn't know if that was something to worry about. My truck wont get started for a week and the tmeps will be in the upper twentys and above at night and in the fiftys during the day. My next question is how often do you guys recommend draining the FICM? I have heard do it every oil change, but the owners manual says to do it when the water in fuel light comes on. I hope i am talking about the right part here forgive me if i have it mixed up. Thanks for the help.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,467
Likes: 107
From: Staten Island, NY
Use one of the popular diesel fuel treatments (I use Stanadyne) and you won't have to concern yourself with fuel gelling. Mine has started at -20 without the heater. It smoked some, but it started just fine. I've used Stanadyne in my 05 since the first tankful. I've never seen the water in fuel light and when I drain the HFCM at filter changes I inspect the fuel and see no water.
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 13,834
Likes: 26
From: Middle Tn.
Maximum, you are sharp tonight. shows how people read what they are thinking instead of what's printed.
Super Moderator
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From: Ohio
I had to look at it twice though.......
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Elder User
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 765
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From: Patricia, Alberta
You guys don't know nothin. I took my FICM apart looking for bad solder, couldn't find anything wrong, welded a drain plug in it, drain it every other oil change, and the truck has never ran better.
(Not making fun of you swamp, just having some Friday night fun) :-)
(Not making fun of you swamp, just having some Friday night fun) :-)
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Postmaster
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,424
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From: BC Canada
Actually, you should fill your tank with fuel, treat it for antigel, and then you wont get water in fuel from condensation. What the problem is for water is an empty tank full of damp air, as the temp goes down, the water condenses on the tank and gets in the fuel. That is why when you are finished for the day, running a logging truck, skidder, tractor, its advisable to fill er up. Less air space, less condensation. Also, yes, always drain HFCM on oil changes, always if water in fuel light. I have never had a WIF light up, but, i never like to leave an empty tank, change filters and check drain on oil changes and use fuel conditioner.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,132
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From: Baldwin, ND
Actually, you should fill your tank with fuel, treat it for antigel, and then you wont get water in fuel from condensation. What the problem is for water is an empty tank full of damp air, as the temp goes down, the water condenses on the tank and gets in the fuel. That is why when you are finished for the day, running a logging truck, skidder, tractor, its advisable to fill er up. Less air space, less condensation. Also, yes, always drain HFCM on oil changes, always if water in fuel light. I have never had a WIF light up, but, i never like to leave an empty tank, change filters and check drain on oil changes and use fuel conditioner.
Second, the cloud point or gelling temperature depends on the fuel and what it has been treated with. Since your temps are only going to be in the +20F range you should be fine or you could use single dose of anti-gel. If you were going to be operating in severe cold ie -20F of below then you might want to consider using #1 diesel and Howe's Anit-gel......
Thad
