how do they "fix" gelled fuel?

What company do you work for, that they towed your truck out of what I assume was a safe and parked location, just to put your truck in a heated shop or pour some diesel 911 in the tanks and filter?


good lord in heaven way to take a $15-50 fix and turn it into a couple grand.


to answer your question driver, this shop more than likely just put your truck in a warmer environment (ie a shop with some heat) and ran some anti-gel in the tank, MAYBE ran some anti-gel in the fuel filter then sent you on your way.


The reason this is upsetting is that, and I don't mean this with any offense whatsoever, but it's pretty simple to fix this issue. Sure, a little time consuming but towing is pricey and cetane booster/clarifier is cheap, and having you equipped with proper prior knowledge & tools could've saved this outfit a few pretty pennies.


tl;dr- I'd like tot have the money it cost to tow you.

 

The shop is heated, so the fuel warms to the point it ungells. They may also pour some diesel 911 in and/or change the fuel filter.

If you are going to sit with the truck off where it will be below 20°F, make sure you are buying treated fuel (stations above i70) or are treating the fuel yourself (1/2 big bottle of Howes -- 1/4 gallon -- for <200 gallons #2). Pour in the additive right before fueling so it can mix as you fill the tank.

If it will be below zero, use the entire 1/2 gallon big bottle for <200 gallons #2.

If you are going where it will be more than 20 below, use #1 diesel.


Don't let the tanks get low and if it'll be below 0 just keep the truck running at a high idle (900-1000rpm for a 12.7 detroit).

 

A truck THATS froze up is usually hauled inside and a salamander heater heater is fired up and directed to the tanks and underside. The best time to add anti gal is before you fuel so when you add fuel it will mix thoroughly.
Also a product called Diesel Select 911 +. Added to your tank if gelled will crawl thru the system to U thaw it. Sometimes it best to just get a small torch and apply flame to fuel lines,filter,fuel rail lines,injector lines.....be careful,,,keep the torch moving,,avoid wires and plastic airlines,,,you aren't trying to remove paint. Obviously you wouldn't apply flame to any dripping or wet areas of fuel or oil.

 

You always add the fuel additive before you fuel, that way it mixes as you put fuel in.

 

I used that diesel power crap that ta sells one time because they were out of howes..used 2 bottles and still gelled up...had filters changed and on my way...it usually gels in the filters first.

 

I gelled up last year at minus 19, and I put in anti gell. I limped into the shop and they aimed a torpedo at the tanks.

 

True story: driving astraight truck down I-70 towards Lawrence,Ks truck stop. So cold -8 temp and cold windy wind chills. Truck started gelling. Had to drive on the shoulder for 10 miles 20 mph wide open. Put anti-gell in tank and topped off fuel. WHIPPED the wheel back and forth and truck smoothed out and regained power after about 10 miles of driving.

 

I use FPPF, So far so good in the years I have used it.
When really cold and I can get it, I will use some #1 fuel in the tanks..

 

Diesel Power doesnt work, save your money, get you some FPPF Polor Power read instructions on bottle to judge how much you need per gallons of fuel you have.
And it is best to put it in the tank before you fuel, kinda sends down the mix, but if your tanks are full it still should mix while on these smooth roads we have sloshing around.