When should I start adding cold flow additives to fuel?
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Cross-Country
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 56
Likes: 0
From: Ohio
When should I start adding cold flow additives to fuel?
I live in Ohio, and I am a first time diesel owner, when should I start adding cold flow additives? I am currently putting Diesel Kleen with cetane boost. I bought Diesel Kleen supplement with cetane for winter (white bottle). Any suggestions or tips? Thanks!
Fleet Owner
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 28,290
Likes: 6
From: BLT, MN
You can start using that anytime you think there will start being chances of freezing weather just to be safe. Not sure what the actual range of temps is for a recommendation though. I live in Minnesota so we start adding that anytime from November through April. LOL
you can't fix stupid!
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,906
Likes: 2
in short: NOW!
its a good idea to put some DK in the tank when the temps start falling for the winter just to get it in the system and in the lines so when it really needs it youre not just dumping a buttload in the tank and not having any in the lines. they normally do a decent job (i hope im not jinxing myself) keeping the additives in the diesel at the gas station and you can tell this by the loss of MPG's during the winter blend months. so dont be alarmed if you lose 3 or 4 MPG's in the winter its just winter blend with more anti-gel additive and less fuel.....
its a good idea to put some DK in the tank when the temps start falling for the winter just to get it in the system and in the lines so when it really needs it youre not just dumping a buttload in the tank and not having any in the lines. they normally do a decent job (i hope im not jinxing myself) keeping the additives in the diesel at the gas station and you can tell this by the loss of MPG's during the winter blend months. so dont be alarmed if you lose 3 or 4 MPG's in the winter its just winter blend with more anti-gel additive and less fuel.....
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2009
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From: Maryland
samw57
I can't speak for others, but I have always decided to add an anti-gel treatment anytime the temps get in the 30's. I understand that bio-diesel will gel quicker than non-bio-diesel. As a rule, diesel fuels sold in the colder areas of the US are supposed to be a winter-blend with an anti-gel additive for winter useage. You can't count on that or count on the proper amount of anti-gel to be in the fuel from the supplier or retailer. So, as a rule always add a good anti-gel yourself to prevent gelling. You can count on your milage dropping somewhat with winter blend fuel.
Good Luck with your diesel, I really like mine.
I can't speak for others, but I have always decided to add an anti-gel treatment anytime the temps get in the 30's. I understand that bio-diesel will gel quicker than non-bio-diesel. As a rule, diesel fuels sold in the colder areas of the US are supposed to be a winter-blend with an anti-gel additive for winter useage. You can't count on that or count on the proper amount of anti-gel to be in the fuel from the supplier or retailer. So, as a rule always add a good anti-gel yourself to prevent gelling. You can count on your milage dropping somewhat with winter blend fuel.
Good Luck with your diesel, I really like mine.
Hotshot
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 11,286
Likes: 263
From: North of Greenville
samw57
As a rule, diesel fuels sold in the colder areas of the US are supposed to be a winter-blend with an anti-gel additive for winter useage. You can't count on that or count on the proper amount of anti-gel to be in the fuel from the supplier or retailer. So, as a rule always add a good anti-gel yourself to prevent gelling. You can count on your milage dropping somewhat with winter blend fuel.
...
As a rule, diesel fuels sold in the colder areas of the US are supposed to be a winter-blend with an anti-gel additive for winter useage. You can't count on that or count on the proper amount of anti-gel to be in the fuel from the supplier or retailer. So, as a rule always add a good anti-gel yourself to prevent gelling. You can count on your milage dropping somewhat with winter blend fuel.
...
1. Keep a bottle or two of 911 in your vehicle at all times in winter months in case your fuel gels (treated or not)
2. try to always treat every fillup with anti-gel, preferrably one which will also tie up any absorbed water content in the fuel.
Thread Starter
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Cross-Country
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 56
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From: Ohio
Thanks guys, all good info. It is a good idea to put a bottle of 911 in the truck. I will probably start using the DK white bottle now since it's getting in the 20's at night and highs in the 30's. Are there any other reputable brands simular to Diesel Kleen out there?
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 14,541
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From: Dallas-Ft. Worth
Yep -- now's the time. I'm switching over as well. Lows are getting in the 30s here, and we seem to get nice cold snaps every now & then dropping in the 20s or even teens. We don't get winter diesel here, so I run the white bottle just in case...
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Cargo Master
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 2,726
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From: Slatington, PA
And its always a good idea to stock up on a few bottles. Last year when we had a cold snap, you couldn't find 911 anywhere! I managed to get the last two bottles autozone had.
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From: IOWA
FPPF
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Joined: May 2004
Posts: 516
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From: Upstate NY
I also ran Howes in the 6.0 I use to drive at work. I had it jell on me twice in one week. The first time it did, when I removed the fuel filter on the frame rail it looked like butterscotch pudding. Seemed like the fuel filter housing held all the Howes in it. Considering fuel here is a neon/lime green. Never been a fan of it since for winter use. Anyone else have bad results with it?
I usually use the DK in the white bottle for the winter as well. Have used it for years in the farm tractors with no problems.
Sorry for the hijack.
I usually use the DK in the white bottle for the winter as well. Have used it for years in the farm tractors with no problems.
Sorry for the hijack.
Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 3,455
Likes: 8
From: Williams Lake B.C.
I use Howes all year round in all my diesels.
Tractor, excavator and trucks.
Never had a gell problem but I think they treat our fuel up here to keep it from gelling.
Iuse it in the summer to get rid of the water that can find its way into things.
Tractor, excavator and trucks.
Never had a gell problem but I think they treat our fuel up here to keep it from gelling.
Iuse it in the summer to get rid of the water that can find its way into things.
