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Fechino Files: Diesels Below 32 Degrees

Words: Steven Fechino

I am guessing that if you are reading this, then you experienced the cold, late-January spell that took over most of the country. The cold weather has many effects on the operations of a masonry contractor, from job shutdowns to equipment starting issues, all of which are completely weather-related.

I knew that the cold weather was on its way, so I performed some preventive maintenance on my own equipment in hopes of preventing starting or running issues in my diesel equipment. I began by adding No. 2 diesel to the diesel tank and filling the tanks up. Then I added Power Service Diesel Additives: Diesel Fuel Supplement + Cetane Boost. This is a product I have personally used in the past and have had only great results with.

After filling up with fuel, I ran the tractor for several hours to complete a task I had to do, but also as a way to make sure the additive was throughout the fuel system. It was still in the 40s, temperature-wise, when I did this. A few days later, when I got home from a quick trip, the temperature had dropped into single digits and had been there for a few days. I needed to do a few things, so I decided to try to start the tractor. I did the preheat two extra times and gave it a crank; it turned over fine, but I had no white smoke, indicating that the fuel either gelled or the fuel filter froze.

My next step was convincing myself that it was worth getting on the cold ground to fix the problem. After shutting off the fuel lines, the removal of the fuel filter was really easy, and the problem was obvious: The water in the fuel filter assembly was not drained by my mechanic, never trust a mechanic that wears a cowboy hat and looks just like me, and the frozen fuel filter was surrounded by ice. A quick thaw in the sink with hot water, wiping with a dry cloth, and I was back in business. I conditioned the fuel using a rate of 50% No. 2 diesel fuel to 50% Diesel 911 additive in the fuel filter canister.



This additive is for when you have an existing problem. My problem was that I did not drain the canister before the freezing temperatures, which allowed the existing water to freeze and block the fuel line. Diesel 911 is not a fuel conditioner, but it will reliquefy the fuel, eliminating the wax separation that causes many of the fuel problems in cold weather. Once the gelled fuel is returned to the original No. 2 state, Diesel Fuel Supplement + Cetane Boost must be added; otherwise, the fuel will gel again, as Diesel 911 does not have the preventative in its formulation.

There are two common problems with hard starting due to cold temperatures. First is freezing ice that blocks the flow of fuel to the injector pump; that is what I dealt with. Second, gelling is when fuel actually begins to change form as the lubricating wax (paraffin) in the fuel begins to separate, creating "blockage" in the fuel lines and pumps. Because I used the fuel additive when I filled up before the temperature had dropped, I prevented this from occurring in my equipment; otherwise, I would have had both issues.

I condition my fuel throughout the year, not just during the cooler and colder temperatures. I did learn that next summer I will use other products that eliminate water in my fuel tank, clean my injectors, and better lubricate my pumps. Diesel engines are really expensive to replace; the supplements are inexpensive in comparison.



In some areas, biodiesel and biodiesel blends are widely used without issue in warmer climates. In other climates, the biodiesel presents issues with higher water amounts present in the bottom of fuel tanks due to higher sensitivity to temperatures. It is important to condition biodiesel with products specifically formulated for this fuel.

I wrote this article promoting Power Service Diesel Additives because they worked for me. I have been using them for several years, and my experience has been very good.

Just as a note, fuel in anything can be an issue, from quickie saws to lifts; fuel must be conditioned if you want to eliminate problems. No. 1 diesel or kerosene can be treated in your heaters to prevent issues. I know I would rather be inside working with a good-running heater rather than being outside fixing a frozen filter.

Remember, one over two, and we are back in business.


About: Fechino Files
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