Additives and Cleaners
 

Since its getting closer and closer to the snow really flying, i know its time to start thinking about anti-gel additives, etc.

My question is, what do you use, what WOULDN'T you use, and what just is junk and don't work?

The only thing i've used in my truck has been that anti-gel additive..forget who makes it, but its that 'gold' color. Thought about those oil additives, or other internal engine "cleaners" that promice to boost power and increase MPG.

Most any of the anti gel supplements will do the job. Personally, I prefer rubbing alcohol. Gelling is caused by water. Alcohol gets rid of the water so problem solved. For the most part if you buy fuel in the areas where you are running it is already blended for that particular climate or temperature. I think most of these supplements are a waste of my money. Some years ago I tried rubbing alcohol that I purchased off the shelf and it worked just fine. You can buy it at Dollar Store, Walmart, etc., for less than $1/bottle. Personally, I usually go to Dollar Store because it is usually cheaper and I can get in and out much faster than at Walmart. I always find the highest alcohol content when I make my purchase. If you prefer off the shelf anti gel supplements those are available at most truck stops or any auto parts store, such as Autozone. If you have a drain cock on your fuel filter you may want to drain it every day or so to get rid of any excess water that may be in your fuel. It only days a few minutes and is much less expensive that any of the supplements.

Diesel fuel gelling isn't caused by water, fuel line freeze ups are caused by water, and alcohol will take care of that type of winter problem.

Gelling is caused by wax crystals in the fuel solidifying at low temps. Anti gel additives chemically modify these wax crystals to prevent them from solidifying.

Ultra low sulfur fuel is especially prone to gelling up, I've heard reports of that stuff gelling up in the +30 to +20 deg. F range.

We use "Winter Power Plus" anti gel in our trucks and equipment and it seems to work. We do snow plowing and removal at temps well below zero sometimes and gelling up at 2 A.M. is just not an option.

Go easy on the alcohol in the diesel fuel. Too much can burn holes in the pistons eventually.

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My company supplies us with a product called "Polar Power". It takes a 1 quart bottle to treat 250 gallons. I've never had any problems, even when I was in upstate New York in -15f weather with winds blowing at 40+ mph.

You are right about the was build up. I was thinking about the fuel lines. I don't use alcohol too much, only when I think it is necessary. Unless I suspect that I have picked up some water in my fuel I usually don't use it. You don't want to over use it. I have a truck that has almost 1,000,000 miles and other than one driver I don't remember using much in the way of additives. I will use a little alcohol or transmission fluid and that is about it.

When do truck stops start using blended fuel?

I have always used Howes with no problems, Even last year in Alberta when it was -37. One of our O/O's adds one bottle of Heet to each of his tanks every other fillup. I also drain my filter every night.

In N. Mich we generally use Howe's. We also have installed APU's which keep our batteries charged and our blocks heated, while parked.

I've never needed to use antigel additives in my main tanks. Truckstops seem to adjust in time in the most "prone" areas. However.... if any of you newbies pull a REEFER, you might want to keep a bottle of howes handy each week. I almost lost a load of veggies one time from the temp FALLING because the lines gelled up! Reefer engines don't generate enough heat to keep the lines beneath the trailer open.

I did use a power boost additive once, for a couple of weeks. My injectors were a bit clogged and it seemed to help. My fuel mileage improved dramatically.

+1 on the reefer. Often overlooked. I've been lucky at times myself. :o