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cold weather trouble

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Old Jan 20, 2008 | 01:23 PM
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Question cold weather trouble

Have an '06 F-250 PSD 20,000mi, had problems last winter when temp went down to -10F with fuel delivery. Change filters (15,000 mi) and problem went away. Chalked it up to a bad load of fuel. Now this year, at about -5F same thing. Just changed filters about 1500 mi ago, use power service as well.

Any one know if I can check the HFCM to see if the heating feature is working?

This is getting old.
 
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Old Jan 20, 2008 | 02:30 PM
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heating feature was done away with a few years ago, what oil are you using? a 5-40 synthetic will help alot
 
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Old Jan 20, 2008 | 02:36 PM
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Have been using Schaeffer 15-40 syn blend for the last 15,000 mi. Just changed about 1500 mi ago, same time I put new fuel filters in.
 
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Old Jan 20, 2008 | 03:46 PM
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Below 10 degrees, 5W40 oil is recommended. Hard to say how much this may help. Are you just experiencing long cranks or are there other symptoms?
 
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Old Jan 20, 2008 | 03:51 PM
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Filled with fuel on Friday night, Went to go get some straw at the neighbors on Sat afternoon & acted like it was gelling up, started it this pm & hardly made it to the end of the lane & back. She's in the heat now & I'm going to change the filters again? Wouldn't think I need to carry multiple fuel filters around all the time.
 
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Old Jan 20, 2008 | 04:17 PM
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Quit using PowerService! Use something like Howes. Ive seen a ton of people gell up on powerservice, including myself. I strictly use howes now and Ive yet to have a problem.
 

Last edited by a-rod; Jan 20, 2008 at 04:38 PM.
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Old Jan 20, 2008 | 04:48 PM
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I can tell you from experience that the 5w40 oil WILL make a difference in the start ups alone.
 
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Old Jan 20, 2008 | 05:21 PM
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Primary filter was all fouled up. Looked like butter on the outside of the filter. Changed both & put some HOWES in the tank. We'll see what happens now.

Got a call in to my old fuel man to find out if this is bad fuel or to much BIO in the blend.
 
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Old Jan 20, 2008 | 07:06 PM
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You did not state that you were using bio fuel at the beginning of this thread it is more likely to gell than straight diesel fuel. What blend bio are you using.
 
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Old Jan 20, 2008 | 07:10 PM
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yeah bio gells very easy, you shouldnt be using any in those cold of temps.
 
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Old Jan 20, 2008 | 07:28 PM
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didn't intend to use BIO, pump I filled at didn't state it was BIO or I wouldn't have used it. I'm not sure if it is bio or not but sure looks like it?
 
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Old Jan 20, 2008 | 08:26 PM
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Also, make sure you're using the PowerService in the white bottle...the gray bottle doesn't have the anti-gel agent.

It's 7 degrees outside right now....I've plugged the truck in for the first time. She really started hard...but once she did there were no issues.

Joe
 
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Old Jan 20, 2008 | 10:55 PM
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Not sure but the temps here in Alaska have been hovering around -5. I use power service with no block heater. Maybe I'm asking for trouble but she starts first time everytime. Powerservice in the white bottle. I second that notion
 
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Old Jan 21, 2008 | 09:39 AM
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Just an update in my case...I plugged mine in for the first time last night...it was 6 degrees out according to the readout. The truck started like it was 80 degrees outside! No hesitation, no rough idle, no smoke, no stumble...she just fired right up!

Joe
 
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Old Jan 21, 2008 | 09:49 AM
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A guy should probabaly change the fuel filter oncce a year before the cold weather sets in. My guess you wouldnt have had trouble. When its this cold use No 1 if you can especially if your truck sits out an is not plugged in. This newer ULSD fuel is more suscetible to gelling then the older fuel. Any restriction in your fuel filter will show up pretty quick in this cold weather. Another tip park your truck away from the prevailing wind. If its from the north park it south. You get the idea.. Keep her plugged in if you can.
 
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