At what temperature does fuel start to gel?

If you want the truck to start in the morning I'd suggest leaving it running or putting additive in. They'll gel in single digits anything above singles and as long as it isn't going to sit for an extended amount of time I usually don't worry to much about mine gelling up. It's gelled once but sat for a month in 15 to -4 degree weather.

 

Gelling will begin to occur if temp is single digits, I usually don't bother with an anti-gel additive if temps are in or expected in the upper teens. Look at it this way...why would you risk loss of income and comfort by not spending 20 bucks for prevention ?

 

two considerations

First is fuel gelling, that should be easily solved with Howe's or Power Service. And when it's that cold, with a little wind you're filter can gel up even with the truck running.

Second is if your truck will start the next day, some just start harder than others. Mine starts kind of hard, if I have to start it in cold weather I can usually get it done with a little ether but would definitely just idle to avoid potential problems. Other trucks start no problem at 10 below, guess that is up to you, but I would not shut off unless I could plug in at those temps.

 

Very true about the filter.I was driving thru SD 100 miles or so past Sioux Falls and the truck became very sluggish.A shop was like 5 miles down the road but trk finally wouldn't go any further less then a blk from the exit.It was well below zero with high winds.Shop came and did something then he followed me to his shop and changed the filter.

 

I'd idle if you can. A lot too depends on your batteries and what oil you're running in the crank case (as far as how easy it will turn over when it's time). If you do shut it off, and later find you have a reduction in power on the highway, try and get somewhere and put in as much "warm" fuel as you can and it will clear up in about 5 minutes of driving operation. But you should treat your fuel (and keep it treated) if you're going to be at or below 5 degrees F for a day or more, for good measure. If your company will not reimburse you for the costs in those temps, there's something wrong.

 

read this thread,

http://www.thetruckersreport.com/tr...uses-myths.html?highlight=fuel+wax+separation

 

If a company didn't reimburse me I just wouldn't get any fuel additive and quit soon as possible.But I don't know of any company that wouldn't reimburse you.Most have an account for certain trk stops and what the drivers need is like a po number.

 

Where did the OP mention 1 word about that his company would not reimburse him for FUEL ADDITIVE ? yet everyone jumps on the BIG BAD COMPANY / POOR DRIVER BAND WAGON

 

The temperature fuel gels at depends upon the blend. Bio gels at warmer temps than dino. "Northern" truck stops typically blend in anti-gel additives so that the fuel is good for the average local temps. These additives are less necessary at "Southern" fuel stops. In other words, if you fueled in Duluth, MN and are laying over in Denver, you're probably OK even if temps dip below 0. However, if you last fueled in Laredo, TX you might want to add a little something to help prevent gelling before shutting down for the night. As a general rule, though, if you're worried about gelling up, pour in a little anti-gel additive...better to err on the side of caution. Adding it unnecessarily won't hurt anything but your wallet...but for what it costs, you're better off using it when you didn't need it rather than needing it and not using it.