[Watchmaker]

Mods... if this is in the wrong place please move it and sorry.

I live in San Antonio Texas. It’s supposed to be hot here. Monday they are predicting a low of 5 and a high of 27. What do I need to do so my fuel won’t gel at that temperature? I can put in an additive but will it protect to 5 degrees? Which one? Would a couple of lightbulbs under the hood work? I park outside with no chance of getting it in the garage. Any help is appreciated.

 

[hydrex]

Can you buy kerosene? I run summer #2 in my Ram Ecodiesel year round in Maine. But I dump in 5 gallons of Kerosene to a tank if it's going to get 15F or so, 10 gallons if it's 0f. Diesel Kleen's winter additive helps a lot. With kerosene you should dose it with something for lubricity, I have 0F tonight, btw.

 

[hydrex]

Don't use the 911 additive, it's hard on injectors and pumps. Hot Shot's EDT is also a good additive, maybe better than Diesel Kleen, double dose it.

 

[jmperlik]

I run Stanadyne Performance Formula and Stanadyne Lubricity Formula every tankful, plus I added a Block Heater in January of 2021. For your expected temps, I'd look at some form of fuel treatment -- Stanadyne Performance or Winter Formulas will protect you down below the temps you are expected to see. I'd drop a bottle of either into your tank and top off, as you just need to weather thru your expected cold spell. You should be able to make it thru this cold snap with just fuel additive made specifically for cold weather protection. Only think about the Diesel 911 if you are certain you have fuel gelling and do not use it for freeze protection ahead-of-time.

 

[Watchmaker]

Thanks for the reply's everyone. I was a little panicked last night when I thought I was behind the curve and would find all the additives sold out at the auto parts store. Not the case. I chose Power Services Diesel Fuel Suppliment Winterizer/Antigel. It had the most specific directions to protect down to 0 degrees. I had a half a tank of fuel so I dosed for a full tank then filled up to mix it all well. (I also learned how to hack the locked fuel cap door as I couldn't find the funnel that came with the truck.) Then I went on a 20 mile highway drive to make sure the treated fuel had gotten to the engine. No problem today at 28 degrees. I'll post back Monday morning after I make it to work in single digits.

 

[jmperlik]

@Watchmaker - some previous posts that may help answer any outstanding questions:

• Cold weather operation discussion: Winter operation/precautions
• Location in vehicle of factory funnel: Factory Funnel
• Part # for replacement factory funnel: Fuel funnel Ford number?

Based on what you did, you should be in good shape for Monday...

 

[DMECH]

Mods... if this is in the wrong place please move it and sorry.

I live in San Antonio Texas. It’s supposed to be hot here. Monday they are predicting a low of 5 and a high of 27. What do I need to do so my fuel won’t gel at that temperature? I can put in an additive but will it protect to 5 degrees? Which one? Would a couple of lightbulbs under the hood work? I park outside with no chance of getting it in the garage. Any help is appreciated.

I live in Central Texas as well. We have had the same weather and the temps will be getting colder. I went to start mine today and it didn't want to. I use Hot Shots on a regular basis. After several attempts and some help from my wife, I was able to get it started. I had to block the exhaust to build heat in the engine. Once it did the check engine light came on and a low fuel pressure warning, although it drove normally. I have not found a cord for a block heater, although I am not sure if it came with one. Never thought I would need to think about that in Texas...lol
Has anyone else experienced similar starting issues?
Watchmaker, have you had any issues?

 

[chiefdave]

About a week of teens to below zero temps here in central MO. for the last week or so with no issues. I do use the block heater when possible. Mid 30's are predicted on Saturday and I'm ready for that.

 

[Dunrollin]

Happy I usually avoid extreme cold but I just looked at Lincoln NE and see it is -17 F in the middle of the day! Without a lot of preparation most diesels won't start in these cold temperatures.

 

[Vb150]

I run motorcraft anti gel here in ct with similar temps and I don’t plug it in she fires everytime

 

[Steve_A]

Good Morning, I was in Northern VT last week with no access to Plug in the Block Heater; -12 degrees and it fired right up! Very Impressed.