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Diesel fuel, please educate me

Geo-TH,In

Geo-TH,In

Well-known Member
I know very little about what's the best thing to do with diesel fuel in winter.
Do I add K1? If so how much?
What additive to add? Moistue? Jelling?
No block heater on kubota.
Looks like we are in for an early winter.
Record cold temps too. Don't want to risk damaging fuel system.
I would hate to think I would have to use my old cabless gasser because Kubota won't start.
What's best for Indiana's weather. Occasionally sub zero temps.
 
Ive had good luck with Power Service diesel fuel treatment. Its sold all over the place, Walmart, NAPA stores, etc. It comes in a white bottle with a red cap.
 
So much depends on what brand fuel you buy. We have never had BP fuel gel in any of our tractors. That includes winter's that hit -25 degrees. We've pulled neighbors tractors in our shop to "un-gel" their fuel systems as warm as -10 degrees. The neighbors were using the local farm co-op as their fuel supplier. A chat with your fuel supplier may be useful.
 
Hey George, I don't own a diesel tractor but I own a diesel pickup and have a oil furnace in one of our houses. Since the truck always has fresh fuel in it, I've never had problems with jelling, even in sub-zero temps. I change out the fuel filter in the fall, but I've never had to use any sort of additives. Fuel is supposed to be seasonally formulated, so if your fuel supplier sells a lot of fuel it should be fine.

Now the oil furnace is another matter. I've had fuel gelling occur a couple of times, and it both cases the fuel was old. I added Power Service "Diesel Fuel Supplement" to the tank, thawed out the fuel line with a torpedo heater and that fixed the problem.

I supposed it's cheaper to add K-1 or #1 diesel to your tank than to use a snake oil product like Power Service. But I'd check your Kubota manual first to see what it says about running #1 in your tractor.
 
If your fuel is #1 Diesel, you should not have any trouble starting the Kubota.
The Kubotas are one of the better starting Diesel tractors in the winter.
It is less wear and tear on the engine if it is plugged in and warm.
Neighbour leaves his Kubota 80 HP 4WD out in his woodlot most of the winter, no electricity and temps regularly go down to -25F to -30F and it starts everytime.
 
The fuel you purchase is formulated for the seasonal conditions. Fuel suppliers do not want the liability of damage caused by improperly formulated fuel so they are generally very fussy about making sure that the right blend of fuels and additives is being supplied. They don't even want the angry phone calls from customers whether or not they can deflect liability.

Don't expect to use summer fuel in winter, though winter fuel burns just fine in summer.
 
Buy clean fuel and keep it clean. If you are buying from a reputable supplier it should not be a problem. We buy fuel from one of the local suppliers with no problems and don't add anything extra. Never have a problem.
All the snake oil is pretty much useless and costly. Plenty is sold and not even needed. When I drove over the road I would buy fuel in FL in February and then keep adding as I came north with no problems. Ad some in TN then OH then MI at home mixed fine and didn't freeze. Even down to -20 F
 
(quoted from post at 13:41:10 11/13/19) I know very little about what's the best thing to do with diesel fuel in winter.
Do I add K1? If so how much?
What additive to add? Moistue? Jelling?
No block heater on kubota.
Looks like we are in for an early winter.
Record cold temps too. Don't want to risk damaging fuel system.
I would hate to think I would have to use my old cabless gasser because Kubota won't start.
What's best for Indiana's weather. Occasionally sub zero temps.
Click to expand...
You can buy an inexpensive dip stick heater and plug it in an hour before you need it. When using kerosene, you can add anywhere from 10%-100% to keep it from gelling. Power Service works well. There is also Howes, and others available just about anywhere.
 
Mark,
No supplier, Buy it at gas station. A friend buys his diesel at Kroger's. Claims he gets best MPG. Also uses Lucas.

I could drive a little out of way and get country mark.
I Even broke down a bought 2 yellow cans.
George
 
Thanks, I didn't know fuel, like
gasoline, was winter blended.
Learned something new.
George
 
Buy winter fuel and then keep the tractor in a heated garage! Then everything is warm! If you can't do that you better install some kind of heater, even a magnetic heater or 2 will help.
 
> Mark, No supplier, Buy it at gas station. A friend buys his diesel at Kroger's. Claims he gets best MPG. Also uses Lucas.

By "supplier" I mean wherever you buy your fuel. Kroger sells a LOT of fuel, which is why I'm comfortable buying diesel there. Many of the local major-brand stores around here are expensive and so they don't sell a lot of diesel; for that reason I suspect you get fresher and better fuel at Kroger than at most other places.
 
where you get your fuel now, they should be having the winter blend they will call it always have to go to that in winter, second item that always makes things so much easier engine block heater, I always have my tractors/skidsteer etc plugged in if use in winter or they are in my heated shop. first thing I would do is get you engine block heater put on your unit,period. but that's me it really makes diff on those terrible cold mornings
 
Just because, and for peace of mind I use power service or howes (sp) and mix it in according to directions on bottle. I use it year round. I do not run a lot of hours on mine so it sets a lot.
Your local Rural King or maybe even Menards should have it.
 
I use bulk #2 diesel and add a little Power Service to the bulk tank in the winter. I keep on top of the fuel filters and clean and replace them on a regular bases. I've owned 8 different kubotas and currently have four. I have put the lower hose heater on a couple of them but just to make it a little easier on them when it really gets cold. I have started my dailey user 30 hp kubota as cold as -20 without plugging it in. I never had a problem starting a kubota in the winter unless the battery is getting weak. I have a Farmall C, like you, and any of my 4 kubotas would start easier than that C in the cold.
 

In the 80's I was transferred to our Indianapolis trucking terminal, ran a lot of In, Oh, Mi, Pa, and Ky during winter, most of my fuel was purchased in In.
Never had a gelling issue with Indiana's winter blend, I did gel up just north of Indy with fuel I purchased in Ga one winter.

Not sure about the newer Kubota's but my cousins has glow plugs, turn the key half way between on and start activates the glow plugs, wait 5-10 seconds then turn the key to start, engine fires up quick like it's summer time
 
#2 diesel is the best summer fuel. But it can start gelling below about 25f or so, and will below 15f.

#1 diesel costs more, has less btu, and is ?drier? so is harder on a diesel in summer weather. but it won?t gel down to 60 below.

Blends of the two will work at different temps, probably 1/3 #1 will get you through winter fine.

Or you can add the recommended amount of anti-gel additive to your #2 and be good to below zero. At minus 10 or lower even the additives have difficulty keeping #2 flowing smoothly. You need to be on top of things all the way around that cold....

A new clean fuel filter helps in any case.

I would -not- depend on any fuel supplier to have it right for you automatically.... the additives or the #1 cost more, so they won?t try to be ahead of the game early..... my coop delivers what you order, #2 is going to be #2 it won?t be blended. And so on.

The trick is, you need the blend or additives in your tank and circulating through your filter and engine -before- it gets that cold. You need to be ahead of the game.

Paul
 
Drive a little save a lot. Drive to east Terre Haute Country Mark . As stated before USE Country Mark diesel oil series III . Do not use dip=stick heater. It can burn oil close to heater. Pan ok block heater is ok. However if kept in shed as I know you will . Should be no problem. You might even find a Menards on east side of town. George most all have been telling you Country Mark premium diesel is the best!!!!. Used to be called ruby red now a different name showing their premium diesel. I would bet you will not use more than fifteen gal of diesel before May. Do keep tractor fuel tank at least 3/4 full too prevent condensation. I am reminded of a fellow who bought a car from me 50 years ago .He called stating oil light stayed on. I knew the engine had less than 10, 000 miles on complete rebuild. Checked oil, was as thin as pee. I asked what did you put in as it was also way over filled. He had bought 5 different brands of oil additives. Dumped them all in. He said friends at BAR all said different ones were best so bought them all. I drained the mass out , filled with 20 weight. Car ran for many years . George do not over think this!!!!!!!!!!!
 
Wow. The "winter grade fuel is actually #1 diesel fuel. Summer fuel is #2. #2 fuel can start forming wax Crystal's to plug fuel filters at temps as high as 20 degrees F. Winter fuel is a mix of #1 and #2. The #1 can form wax around Zero to 5 degrees F. Below zero you need an anti-gell additive, I've used Power Service as long as I've been around diesels and never gelled up a truck/tractor. Years ago ratchet jaw truck drivers bragged about using regular no-lead gasoline in diesel fuel to degell the fuel.
I'm a HUGE fan of block heaters, Dad kicked me out of a garage about middle of December, went to town and bought 1500W tank heater for my car and two 100 ft x 12 gauge extension cords, used that block heater any time below 32 degrees. Think there's only been 2-3 cars or trucks I've owned without block heaters. There may be a small heater somewhere close to the fuel filter on your Kubota, check with your dealer, the 7.3L IH built Powerstroke engines had a small low wattage heater in the bottom of the fuel filter, heated just enough fuel to keep them idling. If your dealer says your Kubota doesn't have ANY kind of heater have him promise it never jells or he installs the block heater for FREE. Buy a timer, set the timer to start the block heater 3 hours before you normally use the tractor. They REALLY don't cost that much to run. Think the block heater on my 7.3L PSD was 1200-1500W, Cost a Buck to run it ALL night. Next morning truck rolled over about 1 revolution and was running, No clatter, no smoke, no rattle. I know that's a lot of the reason it runs so good after 307,000 miles.
 
we use between 7 and 10000 gallons a day at work and it comes from the Countrymark refinery in Mt Vernon in. He needs a small truck tank with a pump and he can get enough to make it worth his drive. I have never had a tractor or truck gel on me.
 
GEO how cold does it get wher yo are at. My Kubota will start at 0 degrees without the block heater. After that things go much smoother with the block heater
 
I just have to speak up here.
You're getting a lot of advice about dipstick heaters, oil pan heaters, block heaters and the like.
NONE of them have anything to do with your fuel system! Be sure to sort out the oil or water comments from the fuel comments.
They are talking about heating the oil or heating the water but have nothing to do with the flow of fuel.

Plugging in your tractor to warm the oil or water is a good thing of course. It'll help the tractor to roll over easier, start easier and some of that heat may migrate its way to the fuel system if in a protected shed, but all your tractor will do is start easy and them quit on you when you get a half mile from home. The temperature of the fuel in the tank, filters and lines is what needs to be above 25 degrees if you run #2. Otherwise you had better have straight #! in there if you want no trouble. A mix of the two or a winter blend as some call it doesn't work in our area and not worth the trouble once the cold sets in.

Also, be sure to use either #2 with your own additives or #1 without, but don't use a blend WITH additives.

Many anti-gel diesel fuel supplements are designed to attach to the waxy paraffin molecules in the #2 fuel. #1 diesel has the paraffin removed. If you put a anti-gel diesel treatment in #1 fuel, it doesn't have the paraffin to attach to and will end up as snot in your tank and filters and cause more plugging than if you left it out. So adding an additive to a blend is rolling the dice depending on your winter temps. Like I said, up here in the North country, nobody sells a blend. Once the weather changes we go straight to a #1 and keep rolling. No messing with additives and never a problem with gelled filters or ice in the tank.

Just my 2 cents.
 
You can always get one of those magnetic block heaters, not perfect but will still warm the oil. Example:

https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/kats-magnetic-heater-1155/11124839-p?c3ch=PLA&c3nid=11124839-P&adtype=pla_with_promotion&product_channel=online&store_code=&gclid=CjwKCAiA8K7uBRBBEiwACOm4d5yrun3A5BY5YtSNpdvGEnEZmufqWFgR4h7t_UihxiHcxZ2RXznrohoCwy0QAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

I would much rather use a heater rather than use ether! So much better for engine longevity! Also full synthetic oil is a must.

I have had my john deere compact utility tractor for almost 20 years. Use power service, Mobil 1 oil, and make sure I run out the summer fuel and replace with winter blend before the snow flies. Use the block heater when it's below 10 degrees but it will start at much lower temperatures. 18 years and never had a problem with starting or fuel gelling.
 
Bill and 4520,
Not sure what fuel was in tractor when I bought it. Not sure what fuel I put in in when I bought it. So I plan to replace it with county mark and use whats in the tank next summer. I haven't added nothing to fuel.
Sound good?

BTW, no heat in pole barn. Always a few degrees warmer. The 6 inch concrete floor is a heat sink.
George
 
You are really overthinking this. Add some fuel conditioner and call it a day. It's not like you have to be out with it every day feeding cattle and need it to run if it's 40 below.
 
Hello, Geo,

If not advertized, fuel is blended for your area. Ask the station where you by it. Or the Company-Brand it may save you money and worries too,

Guido.

cvphoto41871.jpg
 
Our fuel suppliers sell fuel appropriate to the time of year. Any diesel we buy now will be winter blend, likely number one diesel. But I'll usually get caught with summer fuel in my tanks. All I do is pump it out into a barrel or smaller tank and mix in some "thinner". Brand name Polar Max is what I've used and they give the mix ratio right on the container. It does not take much to turn summer fuel into winter fuel. This year I am trying Howes for the first time so we will see if it works as well as Polar Max that I have been using for years. My old Super 90 Massey has never gelled up yet and you know it gets cold here in Sask.
 
You can easily put on a magnetic block heater, they're cheap and you can get them at most any farm supply store.
 
Complete waste of time and money ,pour you about a half pint of Power Serve in the tank and run it till you need fuel. You are not going to have problems with the KUBOTA. Draining that fuel and storing it makes for chances of getting dirt and water in it. Just run the tractor till you need fuel and buy your two new cans full and add it at that time.
 
holy smackers, diesel has been out lots longer that u are old. international had diesel tractors 85 years ago. all winter blend is diesel with some wax removed to make it flow. burning winter fuel in summer works but you will not get good lubrication for the injection system. that is when you could use an additive. just buy your diesel and fill your tractor and all is good.
 
Of the 6 Kubota?s I?ve had with way over 10000 hours you?ll be fine with power service in your #2 fuel. Run that and get some fresh fuel after thanksgiving and it?ll be winter blended I bet. No problems here and I?m 2 hours north. If it gets really cold and your still worried ( I was 5? Years ago ), use up your fuel and fill it with #1. Kubota?s don?t use any fuel, that?ll last you. I pull a 12 row planter with my big one and use .2-.25 gal per acre. Love it.
 
If you want to be sure it won't gel up use Schaffer's winter formula conditioner. I am NOT a dealer, but it works perfect.
Otherwise, just go to John Deere and get some of their fuel treatment. DOUG
 
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