5 ton a2 winter fuel

[ericp351]

Hi all,
My 5ton with the small Cummings starts in the winter but it doesn't start great in the cold. It runs great once it's running. I'm currently using number 2 diesel left over from the summer. Does using winterized number 2 make a difference in starting below 35 degrees Fahrenheit? Thanks for any response.

 

[rbrown225]

I would add anti-gel to lower your cloud & gel points. Estimate how much fuel that you have in your tank then treat it with the proper dose. (do NOT use "Power Service Diesel 911" it is for when you are gelled up.) Then drive the truck for a few miles to slosh the treatment in the tank and get it up to the filter & pump

 

[74M35A2]

Winter is almost over, I'd just ride it out. Investigation into the anti-gel stuff shows it is mostly alcohol, and it can starve the injection pump of lubrication. Each their own, but I don't use it.

 

[98G]

I think you want a block heater...

 

[snowtrac nome]

the block heater will help it start I have run pour point depressed fuel down to below 0 with good success after 10 below you have to let things warm up so you are returning warm fuel to the tanks or you risk plugging the filter with wax.

 

[ericp351]

Thanks guys, next year I will try some anti gel. For block heaters, do you recommend the coolant heater, like the type you may splice into the heater core lines? Thanks again.

 

[74M35A2]

For the 8.3L, the most common coolant heater takes the place of a block freeze plug, above the starter. Quick and easy install. But a block heater won't do anything for fuel waxing (that I know of), if that is still your primary concern....

 

[98G]

"Starts sluggish, but runs great once it's running" sounds to me to be unrelated to gelling/waxing, and likely to be resolved with a block heater.

 

[snowtrac nome]

use the soft plug heater and 750 watts will do what a 3000 watt tank heater will do. unless you love to spend money with your electric company. either heater will require draining coolant, and tank heaters have to be located properly for convection to happen in order to warm the whole block.

 

[M35A2-AZ]

I use a block heater in my NHC250's when it get below 40 just to help them start. Helps big time.