Does adding more fuel additive than required (the winterizer anti gel version) protect the diesel from gelling any better than adding the regular amount?

 

The recommended amount is all you need. When estimating how much to add it’s better to add a bit more than a bit less.

I’m using cold flow from amsoil and yesterday we started up just fine with outside temps at 5 F with wind chills between -10 and -20 F. No block heater used either.

 

Just went to the PS site as that is what I use. When below 0, use double.

 

in Canada winter diesel is used starting sept 1 to april 30

 

In Alaska, we get the winter blend diesel. From my past experience, most places that get below zero use winter blend. I add additional additives (PM23) to my fuel when it dips below 0. Never had an issue even when not using the PM23, but I just try to be on the safe side.

 

Yes, there is a benefit from higher concentrations. From what I've seen on manufacturer's websites, there is normally a "recommended" blend ratio and also a "maximum" blend ratio. My recommendation is to read the product documentation on the websites, create a spreadsheet with the cost/gallon and go with the best option for your application (which only you can decide).

Take for example Optilube Winter. It says to use 1/4 oz per gallon but if less than -20F, use 1/2 oz per gallon (double the additive).
Winter Diesel Fuel Additives (BLUE) - Diesel Fuel Additives

The Hot Shot's Secret Diesel Winter Anti-Gel says it protects down to -65F at a little less than 1/4oz per gallon.
https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/pr...anti-gel-16-oz

The Power Service brand requires a much higher ratio (more additive to the amount of fuel) up to 16 oz per 20 gallons. They also list a higher concentration product on their page which is up to a 1/500 ratio.
Diesel Fuel Supplement +Cetane Boost | Power Service

Good luck!

 

No anti-gel additive and no issues in MI with single degree F temperatures. If my truck was parked outside in below zero temps I'd add some XPD just to be safe.

 

Another thing to mention, if you read the product specifications, it says to add the anti-gel additives at temperatures above the protection levels. So while it may protect down to -65F, you should add it at +15F or above. Basically, mix it into your fuel before you need it.

 

Just to add to your post Braggs.......

The benefit of higher concentrations is strictly limited to what is instructed as proper amounts on the bottle label. Those "maximum" blend ratios are there for a reason, additive manufacturers don't want anyone using more than the maximum ratio.

If someone adds more than the maximum recommended amount, then you can actually cause serious problems. Too much anti-gel can clump the fuel and plug up your fuel filter, which is worse than just having gelled fuel.

Always follow the instructions on the bottle and you'll be just fine.

 

I've never had gelling issues here in spokane, wa..I hear just mixing in a few gals of #1 will lower the gel temp of fuel

 

Normally when the temperature is below 10 I plug my block heater in. Spent the night in Albany Wednesday and the temperature went to -5. Went out to the truck and it fired right up. Let it warm for 5 - 10 minutes and made the 100 mile trip home without incident. Nothing special other than I do have DieselSite Fuel Filter / Water separator with the fuel heater option. Just scared me a bit having those 2 plastic bowls hanging out there in the freezing cold. I do use PM22A but that's not supposed to contain an anti-gel additive.

 

Nice to see you on FTE...

And our winter blend is 100% D1...

University of Alaska, Fairbanks has a good document on additives and fuel oil for generators. http://www.uaf.edu/files/acep/Diesel...eport_2013.pdf


Excerpt: Pour Point Depressants

Diesel No. 2 is the standard diesel fuel in most climates. However, as distilled, No. 2 diesel begins to produce
wax crystals that clog fuel filters at around 10°F, much too warm for most Alaska utilities. There are two basic
solutions to this problem: the first is burning No. 1, rather than No. 2 diesel, or blending the two fuel grades
together. Diesel No. 1 fuel sold in Alaska can be used at temperatures as low as -60°F, so it naturally satisfies
utilities’ requirements.

---

IMHO, if the fuel is good, and prepared for the climate you are in... Additives do little to help, if the fuel is marginal they can help. Anti-Gel will help you use D2 in the winter. I'm an additive guy as well, in fact, I prefer Chevron Xtreme Diesel which has Power Service in it. Otherwise I add an additive, because I am always suspect of the fuel quality once it gets up here. With the exception of the one time I had summer fuel in the truck during the winter, I haven't had an issue either.

 

Here in Utah, every pump at a gas station is dispensing Winter Grade fuel from Oct to March. It's what the refineries send out. It's #2 with an additive from the refinery. Up in Montana and North Dakota, I used to see a lot of pumps where you could select your blend of #1 & #2

But our climate in Utah is not cold enough to justify using #1 So the Winter blend is enough. If I work in certain areas of Utah where the temps drop below 0°, I'll add more additive. I've had to pull concrete blankets over the top of Skid steers and other equipment and put a propane heater under the tent to warm up construction equipment that has sat on a jobsite overnight.