Diesel Fuel Conditioner

[PAkev]

I read the post below on gas which compelled me to get an opinion on Diesel Fuel.<br /><br />I have a 2002 Chev. Silverado 2500 with a Duramax Diesel and Allison T1000 Tranny. The first year I put fuel conditioner in it religiously below 20 degrees for fear the fuel system would gel up. However last year I became a little more daring and only put it in about every other or every third tank full without any problems. I understand that most fuel stations up North begin "conditioning" their fuel in the fall to prevent gel ups and was wondering if adding conditioner is even necessary. <br />The truck is run every day with approx. 500 miles put on it weekly which also means a fresh tank of fuel every week. Although it takes a little longer to start in extreme cold temperatures it has never let me down. As a matter of fact, the block heater has never been plugged in. <br /><br />Is there a benefit to continue using conditioner if I know the fuel is also being treated where I purchase it?<br /> <br /><br />Helpful advice appreciated.<br />Kevin

 

[bubbakat]

Re: Diesel Fuel Conditioner

I would go ahead as a safety caution from gelling up put the conditioner in. I use it all winter long in my trk and farm equipment.<br />I would also use the block heater because this will save you on starters and batteries.

 

[jimr]

Re: Diesel Fuel Conditioner

I would read the owners manual or ask the dealership and see what it says about using it. I don't think it will hurt anything. nothing worse than trying to go somewhere and having a gelled up fuel system. also check where you get fuel and see if it is conditioned already.

 

[Winger Ed.]

Re: Diesel Fuel Conditioner

If you plan to keep it several more years,,,, using that block heater will serve you well.<br /><br />If you ever plan to pull out your suspender straps, let them pop back, and tell everyone, "OHHH,,,,,Yeah,,,, I got 750,000 miles on this dog, and I don't think its quite 'broke in' yet"..... You better start plugging in that block heater every time you get out of it for more than a hour or so.<br /><br /><br />Cranking and Running a cold Diesel engine is a very distructive process. And that starter is only good for so many 'hits' and revolutions before all the smoke the factory put into it escapes.<br /><br />The colder it is, the more you use it, and the longer it takes to get the engine fired up--- the faster it will wear out. And 'cold' for a Diesel engine is about 20 degrees or so less than the thermostat setting. Up there in PA,, your ambient temp. qualifys for being, 'colder than a Pawn Broker's heart'. That engine sits all night without its heater being on, and you come out & crank it up--- Them pistons & cranksahft bearings are just begging for mercy as they turn round & round until they come up to about 120 degrees. <br /><br />Back to the starter-<br />Call down to the local mechanic and see if he don't charge about a grand for a new one......<br /><br />As great as that truck is----<br />It ain't your Daddy's 1965 1/2 ton Chevy with a inline 'hot water 6', manuel everything, & '3 on the tree', that no matter what went wrong with it--- you could fix for 20 bucks.<br /><br />That Diesel is a whole 'nother breed of cat:<br /> <br />As much as you've got in it--- you blow that Diesel engine, and at that instant-- your truck will be worth about 2 cents a pound when you try to sell, or trade it in.

 

[PAkev]

Re: Diesel Fuel Conditioner

Thanks Guys,<br /><br />Temps dipped into the single digits last night here in Northeastern Pa and the truck used nearly all battery power to start this morning.<br /><br />I plan to purchase some conditioner today, put the radiator cover on, cut the block heater cord from the frame and fish it through the grill to be plugged in with these colder nights.<br /><br />Kevin.

 

[Elk Chaser]

Re: Diesel Fuel Conditioner

The fuel you purchase may have the additive and the pump will more than likely say if it does. At a minimum it will say premium diesel. The trick to this is that the distributor adds the stuff based upon the weather predictions for your area, so if you have a cold snap you could be in trouble. You will only need to add a little to "premium fuel". <br /><br />Everybody is correct about your block heater, anywhere below 20 Deg F and the thing is a must to use.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Diesel Fuel Conditioner

Been running a diesel vehicle for the last 20 years (both cars and trucks). You have two routes you can take. If you go to a heavy equipment dealer they sell diesel conditioner for heavy equipment .... just a few ounces per 100 gallons of fuel however it is not really worth searching out.<br /><br />I use Power Service and have had good luck with it. It's available at Wallyworld. I even use it when I have been told the diesel has been "cut".<br /><br />Up here in VT I am always seeing below 0 temps such as a few days ago -23 (yuck). I also use a block heater for below 0 nights and have it set on a heavy duty timer. I found that 3 hours does just fine.<br /><br />Happy Holidays.<br /><br />Bob

 

[bassman283m]

Re: Diesel Fuel Conditioner

Back in the day when I was still trailer truckin we started plugging the in at 30 deg and when it got down to zero we just left them running. 903's hate to turn over when it's cold. Don't really like to turn over when it's warm.<br /><br />We normally fueled up at the terminal and we used a "winter blend" of 30% #1 fuel. We always carried anti-gel in case we had to fuel on the road. The 70/30 never gelled as far as I know, but it put you down in power and mileage and I really hated the smell. I'd rather use straight #2 with conditioner.