I run my L3301 on Shell diesel from a busy service station. It's in East Texas that recently had unusually cold 10 degree weather for a night or two. I've never put any additives in the fuel and ran that tractor for two hours after the freeze with no problem. My question is should I start using an anti-gel additive? Should I add it to diesel in a couple of plastic fuel containers on my porch before using it? What about algae protection.
Cold effects on diesel fuel.
- Thread starter TxTom
- Start date
Yes, you should use an anti-gel additive in your fuel. You can also add a biocide to the fuel if you think that you might have water contamination in your fuel.
Biker1mike
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B6200, Kubota 2030 Front Blade, King Cutter 60" finishing deck
Toss in the additive. 15 F is about when diesel starts to cloud (gel) . Good news is that it returns to normal when the temperature rises.
It's much easier to maintain your fuel with a biocide, than it is to clean bacteria/sludge out of the fuel system. Even if you don't have water in your diesel supply, the cans and tank can sweat. Anywhere there's water, bacteria can form.
PowerService in the white bottle. In general, it's a good thing to run year round since it adds lubricity. It only takes a tiny amount.
Pic is from last year. Normal road fuel from the pump. I believe it was Shell or BP. We got a bitter cold snap for a week or so and the lows were in the single digits to negative single digits. That was rather unusual for the area. The fuel is treated for your region averages but not the random severe temps.
I set this jar out overnight and took the photo in the morning. Granted, a full tank in the truck would not have lost as much heat as 8 Oz in the jar. But the lines, filters and such would. I use an additive at every fill up. Those that don't had some issues for a couple days.
I set this jar out overnight and took the photo in the morning. Granted, a full tank in the truck would not have lost as much heat as 8 Oz in the jar. But the lines, filters and such would. I use an additive at every fill up. Those that don't had some issues for a couple days.
I use Power Service in the white bottle (antigel) in the winter, and the silver bottle in spring / summer / fall. 1 oz per 3 gallons, and make sure the treated fuel is run through the whole system.
Microbial contamination can be a disaster to deal with, and as mentioned, requires water contamination to develope. I filter my fuel out of the transfer tank with a 10u water blocking filter, and added a Racor separator / filter (2u) to my tractor.
Microbial contamination can be a disaster to deal with, and as mentioned, requires water contamination to develope. I filter my fuel out of the transfer tank with a 10u water blocking filter, and added a Racor separator / filter (2u) to my tractor.
mcmxi
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I use Stanadyne and have been since 1992. I lived in Hawaii for many years where algae and similar were a real concern and never had issues there. Up here in MT cold is a much bigger concern and once again I've had zero fuel issues, even at -30F.
Not that I'm aware of. I had to ask for biocide at the counter at O'Reilly's. It's not cheap but it only takes a little.
Put it in your containers so algae doesn't get started there.
Dave Ogren
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BX23S w/FEL &BH &60" Mowing Deck, 48" Dirty Dog Box Blade, 48" Tar River Tiller,
The white bottle is for when it is beginning to gel, how about the silver bottle and use year around ???
Bmyers
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I use Stabil All-Season Diesel treatment. Being in Southern Illinois we get blessed with all the temps, from highs in triple digit, to negative temps. So, I tried to find something that I could use year around that would reduce water in the fuel, prevent gelling and lubricate the system. We just had the great artic blast and all three tractors started without any issues.
www.goldeagle.com
As others have stated, it doesn't take much to treat your system and prevents you a lot of headaches. Having algae in your tank is no fun and can end up being a costly repair.
STA-BIL® Diesel All-Season
Advanced year-round formula for all your additive needs Cleans and lubricates entire fuel system Demulsifies water Anti-gel protection down to -40°F Boosts Cetane Safe for all diesel engines
www.goldeagle.com
As others have stated, it doesn't take much to treat your system and prevents you a lot of headaches. Having algae in your tank is no fun and can end up being a costly repair.
mcmxi
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This is an interesting question. Algae needs water and a specific temperature range in which to grow. If the additive contains demulsifiers that cause tiny water droplets to come out of suspension/emulsion, the filter/separator can more effectively remove water which will reduce the likelihood that algae will have an environment in which to grow. So it can be inferred that some additives prevent gelling and prevent algae although indirectly.
If you don't allow an environment for algae you won't need a biocide. Just my opinion based on personal experience over 30 years of owning and using diesel engines in various climates and never having an algae or gelling issue.
fried1765
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Kubota L48 TLB, Ford 1920 FEL, Ford 8N, SCAG Liberty Z, Gravely Pro.
BioBor JF (not cheap) is a commonly used additive for increased lubricity, and as a biocide.
mcmxi
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Looks like Stanadyne and Hot Shots Secret were the best products tested in terms of lubricity, corrosion prevention and anti-gel performance.
Speaking of Biobor JF, here's some information from their website. Note the need for water in order for microbials to flourish.
Microbial Growth:
When discussing issues in diesel fuel, microbial growth is widely known as the most common reason for fuel related engine failure. Inherently, diesel fuel and fuel tanks have the tendency to accumulate water whether by tank condensation, entrained water from fuel delivery or just receiving a bad batch of fuel. To compound this issue, today’s ULSD can successfully carry much higher concentrations of water providing a breeding ground for HUM Bugs (or Hydrocarbon Utilizing Micro-organisms). Hum-bugs live in the water phase of a fuel tank and feed off of the fuel developing dark, slimy gel-like mats. As these colonies of bacteria and fungi grow (potentially at a rate of doubling every 20 minutes), they can quickly clog fuel filters, plug injectors and lead to excessive sludge accumulation. Additionally, their waste products are one of the leading causes of corrosion in fuel tanks and metal components. With the continued use of Biobor JF, microbial growth will be eliminated from the fuel system leading to a sterile fuel system, extending the life of fuel filters and preventing corrosion issues.
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From their website ...
Diesel Kleen Cetane Boost - Power Service
Diesel Kleen Cetane Boost from Power Service is loaded with cetane, detergent, and lubricity improver to provide peak diesel performance.
powerservice.com
Diesel Kleen +Cetane Boost does not provide antigel protection – in cold temperatures, use Power Service Diesel Fuel Supplement +Cetane Boost (in the white bottle) to prevent fuel gelling.
Fwiw, I use the silver during warm weather for the Cetane boost in both my truck and tractor.
mcmxi
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Everyone is free to buy and use what they want, but the video that @LFP57 alluded to didn't reveal Power Service Products to be particularly good compared to some others.
In all honesty, I started using Stanadyne back in '92 due to the recommendation of a friend who owns a successful towing and recovery company. This is the same friend who sent me the LMTV if some are familiar with that adventure. I seem to remember the local boat companies selling Stanadyne products and I think I used to buy it from a marine repair shop. It was 30 years ago so I might be off a little.
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I'm not sure what "particularly good" means. I'm also not sure what his test actually proves although it was extremely boring.
I do know Power Service in the white bottle has worked for me for 16 years. Granted, that just proves it works for my conditions.As soon as someone has a big enough test bed to prove that I should switch, I'll consider it. Otherwise, it's an academic argument since I know the product I use works for me.
You've also just proven Stanadyne works for you.
Two of us is a very small sample size or 3 if you count the YouTube tester.