What do you use as an anti gel for diesel during winter

Randy G

Member
Just wondering. I"ve used "Power Service Cetane Boost" in the past. Have you guys had better luck with other options? If so, why was it better?
 
Cetane boosters lower the btu's in diesel and will make your machine use more fuel. Just like ethanol in gas. It takes MORE gas to go the same miles then gas WITHOUT ethanol. Ive got a Dodge Cummins and ive never used any anti gel in fuel but one time in five yrs. Get good fuel or you can dump in some #1 fuel as it has a lower gel rate then #2 does.
 
I use Howes lubricant, knock on wood I haven't had any problems, I have a friend that runs #2 fuel all winter in his equipment and swears by the stuff. If you can't find it at your local store try a truck stop I know the ones around here carry it, it must be good stuff because right on the bottle they guarantee not to gel or they'll pay your towing expense.
 
It don't get all that cold here but when it does I add gasoline to my semi about 3-4 gallon to 100 gal of fuel,, an N-14 cummins power unit
 
Prefer and use number 1 if I can get it, otherwise "winterized" right out of the pump.
 
I live in SE WI. Our diesel supplier does a good job of winterizing our fuel, and so there is almost never a need to add something else.

With a dairy, tractors, loaders, and skid steers need to run every day... so it has to work.

On the rare occasion there is an issue, I do what Tim S does. One quart of gas for each 10 gallon of diesel in the tank will do the trick.
 
(quoted from post at 05:43:50 09/18/14) number 1 has about i/3 less btu,s per gal.so you get less mileage with it

I believe that "i/3 less" is not accurate. according to http://www.dieseltrucksite.com/showthread.php?t=422

#2 Diesel Fuel (40 Cetane) ------- 133K BTUs
#2 Diesel Fuel (45 Cetane) ------- 129K BTUs
#1 Diesel Fuel (53 Cetane) ------- 126K BTUs

another citation would be http://www.g-w.com/pdf/sampchap/9781590707708_ch14.pdf
indicating

#1 diesel at 137k BTU
#2 diesel at 142k BTU

From these sources, it appears as though #2 has in the range of 4% to 5% more BTU (i.e. energy) per gallon than #1 diesel.
 
My fuel supplier does a good job of blending No. 1 and No. 2 as the weather turns colder. The only times I have had gelling issues is when I am using fuel that was left over during a sudden, early cold snap. If I know cold weather is coming I try to put some Howe's in beforehand. A diesel shop told me to NEVER use Power Service in anything as it is predominately alcohol and is very hard on injection pumps. His words. I have had good luck with Howe's. One thing I have learned by reading a few labels is this: fuel treatment that says "anti-gel" will only work if it is in the fuel BEFORE it gells. It will not "de-gell" a filter. Once this is happens it's time for another filter. Mike
 
Up here where it Actually gets COLD- everyone puts in #1 all winter. When it really get down there you still need antigel - howes, power services, Shaeffers. But it's really gotta be cold to gel #1.
 
have always under stud # 2 diesel has 155000 btu #number 1 at 110000 btu i think that is close as you will find that fuel usage really climbs up if you run strait # 1
 
(quoted from post at 04:23:32 09/20/14) have always under stud # 2 diesel has 155000 btu #number 1 at 110000 btu # 1

citations? because http://www.epa.gov/ttn/chief/le/cadmium.pdf clearly states for FUEL OIL:

No.1 - 137,000 Btu/gal and 19,670-19,860 Btu/lb
No.2 - 141,000 Btu/gal and 19,170-19,750 Btu/lb

a difference of in the ball park of 3% btu/gal.

Where did you source your specifications?
 

Who really cares about the btu's ? Just use the #1 diesel in winter instead of fooling around adding witchcraft, sorcery and additives to the fuel.
 

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