Diesels and Cold Weather

February 13, 2021, 09:03 AM

Question for you guys that run diesels up in cold country. Any special fuel or additives recommended for really cold weather?
We are heading into the coldest week-10 days of weather seen in this part of the country in a long time. (I realize it is nothing for you Northern folks, but for us, 0* is extremely cold). And not supposed to get above 30* for at about a week.
Truck has been starting fine in low 20's, I have no idea what temperature range will affect diesel fuel in a bad way.
I doubt they "winterize" fuel here, (or maybe they do that nationwide)? I do not use any fuel additive, but if there is something that you think might be a good idea, please share it.
I am just over half-tank now, planning to go fuel up this afternoon.

Also, my truck has a factory block heater built in, I have never used it. Forecasts vary depending on source, but most are saying low single digit lows (0*-1*) Sunday night-Tuesday Should I plug it in on those nights?

Thanks for sharing any advice.

February 13, 2021, 09:08 AM

1320racer

Use Power Service Diesel Fuel Supplement and you’ll be fine. If you are really worried plug in the block heater. I’ve never used mine.

February 13, 2021, 09:14 AM

SCDIV1

I’ve never had any problems and only occasionally add any fuel additive.

I have used my block heater in really frigid weather. It helps but is not necessary.

February 13, 2021, 10:05 AM

Eman

I'd plug it in and see if it's working. Will make it easier to start if it's plugged in plus you'll have heat faster. Unplug BEFORE starting or there's a good chance the heater will quit working. Diesel Service fuel additive is good stuff and you can buy it everywhere, white bottle for winter.

February 13, 2021, 10:27 AM

SCDIV1

Plug the heater in after the engines already warmed up.

You should see an arc at the plug when you connect it and that tells you it's drawing current and working.

Every diesel backup generator my company services has block heaters. Inside or outside units .....some won't start without the engine being warm....

February 13, 2021, 11:20 AM

Joe C

I'm in the same boat as FootbrakeJim. Thanks for all the replies. I have never used my plug-in heater, but I always add Diesel Service fuel additive. My 2007 Duramax has 196,000 miles and is still going strong.

February 13, 2021, 12:41 PM

seabass

If mine had a heater I would be plugging in for sure, wish it did.

February 13, 2021, 01:38 PM

AlkyIROC

Never used an additive. Fuel at the pumps changes in winter months so there isn't as much paraffin in the fuel to gel up.

Plug in the block heater in very cold weather and use a lighter grade synthetic oil.

February 13, 2021, 09:08 PM

Alaskaracer

quote:
Originally posted by AlkyIROC:
Never used an additive. Fuel at the pumps changes in winter months so there isn't as much paraffin in the fuel to gel up.

Plug in the block heater in very cold weather and use a lighter grade synthetic oil.

^^^This. I've never run an additive and never once had a gelling issue. Been in weather as cold as -20 standing temps, wind chill approaching -30*f. Started my truck this morning, -6*f, fired right up, not plugged in at all. Only time I've seen in recent memory of freezing issues with diesels is that they had water in the fuel system and the water froze. Once it was removed, issues gone...

February 13, 2021, 09:15 PM

BP758

quote:
Originally posted by FootbrakeJim:
Question for you guys that run diesels up in cold country. Any special fuel or additives recommended for really cold weather?
We are heading into the coldest week-10 days of weather seen in this part of the country in a long time. (I realize it is nothing for you Northern folks, but for us, 0* is extremely cold). And not supposed to get above 30* for at about a week.
Truck has been starting fine in low 20's, I have no idea what temperature range will affect diesel fuel in a bad way.
I doubt they "winterize" fuel here, (or maybe they do that nationwide)? I do not use any fuel additive, but if there is something that you think might be a good idea, please share it.
I am just over half-tank now, planning to go fuel up this afternoon.

Also, my truck has a factory block heater built in, I have never used it. Forecasts vary depending on source, but most are saying low single digit lows (0*-1*) Sunday night-Tuesday Should I plug it in on those nights?

Thanks for sharing any advice.

Ask TD3550 he does this daily. He might chime in
https://drr.infopop.cc/eve/foru...0760912/m/7287094596

Hope this helps .

February 13, 2021, 11:28 PM

SLICKSTER

1320racer knows (Power Service Suppllement) seems to be the ticket. I live in northern Ohio just west of Toledo about 25 miles from Mich.boarder and Power Suppllement since my first Diesel Dually in 1993 and used in all Diesels since. No winter problems. It gets cold but not like -15 and colder. I have used block heater and not used block heater and dependes on my ambition level. My motorhome sits outside and I will start it and let fast idle for an hour a couple times a month in the winter.It has a 8.3 Cummins and I put a infrared paint cure heater under the oil pan for about an hour or so, heats the oil and starts up pretty good even at 0 out.

February 13, 2021, 11:35 PM

Bucky

quote:
Originally posted by SCDIV1:
Plug the heater in after the engines already warmed up.

You should see an arc at the plug when you connect it and that tells you it's drawing current and working.

Every diesel backup generator my company services has block heaters. Inside or outside units .....some won't start without the engine being warm....

We had heaters go off on our plant generator this week due to a bad gfci. Engine wouldn't start during weekly test. The poor things go right to full throttle or governored at least as soon as they start. So heaters really make things easier on them

February 14, 2021, 07:41 AM

pivotdoc

I'd say use the block heater if it's outside and temps below 30. The oil will be like tar and it's just easier on everything. One trick I have always done is when parking it - put on the windshield defroster and then plug it in. The heater circulates the hot water and windshield won't freeze.

February 14, 2021, 09:04 AM

DragRaceResults

I'd suggest powerservice fuel treatment also. If you live in the North, yes fuel is cut at the pump. But if you live in TX I'd say it's NOT as it's about a .07-.10 cent increase in cost that's not necessary in normally warmer areas.

I had gas stations for 20 years, not guessing here.

Also nothing wrong with plugging in the heaters only helps cold starts on an engine which we all know aren't good.

When you do the additive make sure you run it for a while to get throughout the fuels system.

SL...

February 14, 2021, 09:22 AM

SCDIV1

"We had heaters go off on our plant generator this week due to a bad gfci. Engine wouldn't start during weekly test. The poor things go right to full throttle or governored at least as soon as they start. So heaters really make things easier on them"

1800 RPM

A backup generator starts and the transfer switch immediately swings to emergency once the generator voltage is available and the generator supplies the electrical demand, whatever that may be ..

The required time frame is 10 seconds and some accounts we have are checked yearly in some municipalities.....Fire officials usually...

Like Starting you truck and ram it in gear and hit the gas....in 10 seconds or less...

Large generators sometimes have 2 big heaters....with adjustable thermostats....set at 100-120 degrees....

We replace a lot of heaters and batteries....a lot of batteries !! Interstate loves us.....LOL

February 14, 2021, 09:45 AM

Canted Valve

quote:
Like Starting you truck and ram it in gear and hit the gas....in 10 seconds or less...

Have you been stalking my wife?

February 14, 2021, 11:44 AM

SLICKSTER

Pivotdoc-- (Oil will be like tar) Good way to describe what the oil is like below 30 deg.

February 14, 2021, 01:11 PM

Alaskaracer

I've been running 15W40 since I bought my truck brand new in March of 2008. Never once changed oil viscosity for colder temps. I do plug my truck in, but lately since it's been stored at work there is no cord to plug in to. Really never had any issues other than it takes FOREVER to get warm when it's really cold out. -7 this morning, so far high has been 1 today. Still fired right up. Steering pump was a little noisy for a minute, but it quieted down as well.

February 14, 2021, 01:38 PM

SCDIV1

I’ve been using 5-40 Delvac in my Duramax

I remote start it every morning and it’s noticeably noisier the colder it is out.

With a heater plugged in overnight it’s quieter for sure.

2007 LBZ right at 100,000 miles, runs like new.

Rust will do this truck in before anything else more than likely.