BIODIESEL - What are you doing to prevent gelling?

Feb 20, 2015 at 11:14 AM CST
Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.	Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member. With Biodiesel freezing at 18 degrees I would like to know what others are doing to prevent gelling of fuel during the winter months. We are using PowerService and would like to know if there is other products out there. Most of the mixed fuel in Minnesota is a 70/30 mix and we run the supplement.

Replied on Fri, Feb 20, 2015 at 11:41 AM CST
Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.	Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member. i don't even use that crap in the winter or anything below 30 degrees. U could maybe try Howes if it is available by you

Replied on Fri, Feb 20, 2015 at 11:42 AM CST
Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.	Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member. Biodiesel loves to gel..if you can..don't use it..the best that I've found is Howes..I dump in a whole bottle when I fuel over 200 gallons...

Replied on Fri, Feb 20, 2015 at 09:21 PM CST + 1
Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.	Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member. I quit using Howes about 3 or 4 years ago when I found a frozen bottle of it in my garage one winter. I only use Power Service now. If you can find #1, that's the only sure-fire way to keep from gelling. Another thing that helps is just dump 1 gallon of gasoline in each tank. It'll run like shit, but no different than #1, but it will keep the fuel thin enough to keep flowing.

Replied on Fri, Feb 20, 2015 at 09:21 PM CST

+ 1

Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.

I quit using Howes about 3 or 4 years ago when I found a frozen bottle of it in my garage one winter. I only use Power Service now. If you can find #1, that's the only sure-fire way to keep from gelling. Another thing that helps is just dump 1 gallon of gasoline in each tank. It'll run like shit, but no different than #1, but it will keep the fuel thin enough to keep flowing.

Replied on Fri, Feb 20, 2015 at 09:22 PM CST
Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.	Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member. I also find it highly irritating that this question needs to be asked on February 20th! We're a month from spring, wtf?!

Replied on Fri, Feb 20, 2015 at 09:39 PM CST
Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.	Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member. i would try blending 50/50 with number 1 fuel or kerosene if you can find it. I think all fuel sold in Mn. has 2% bio in it. Are you gelling when you leave the truck sitting or when you are out running? Do you have fuel heaters? and also heat going to the filter? IF you don't have apu on truck i would not even turn truck off if temp is below 10 degrees. 1 or 1.5 gallons an hour is still far cheaper than a tow truck. Try some kind of water proof insulation wrap around fuel filter

Replied on Fri, Feb 20, 2015 at 09:39 PM CST

Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.

i would try blending 50/50 with number 1 fuel or kerosene if you can find it. I think all fuel sold in Mn. has 2% bio in it. Are you gelling when you leave the truck sitting or when you are out running? Do you have fuel heaters? and also heat going to the filter? IF you don't have apu on truck i would not even turn truck off if temp is below 10 degrees. 1 or 1.5 gallons an hour is still far cheaper than a tow truck. Try some kind of water proof insulation wrap around fuel filter

Replied on Fri, Feb 20, 2015 at 09:51 PM CST
Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.	Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member. Quote: "I also find it highly irritating that this question needs to be asked on February 20th! We're a month from spring, wtf?! " It was -17 degrees in St. Cloud wednesday morning. We had a blizzard on May 10 two years ago.

Replied on Sun, Feb 22, 2015 at 08:43 AM CST
Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.	Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member. Quote: "i don't even use that crap in the winter or anything below 30 degrees. U could maybe try Howes if it is available by you" If we had a choice we wouldn't run it either; however, finding stations in West Central Minnesota that have diesel without it is impossible.

Replied on Sun, Feb 22, 2015 at 08:46 AM CST + 1
Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.	Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member. Quote: "I also find it highly irritating that this question needs to be asked on February 20th! We're a month from spring, wtf?! " Well Justin, the reason I asked is because we were in North Dakota for three years and we had no issue running straight Number 1 diesel. We moved back to Minnesota bought a truck and are faced with running Biodiesel. WTF! I thought these forums were for truck drivers to help each other, not make us feel like a valid question we ask is ridiculous. Thanks for your response, it's truly appreciated - Val

Replied on Sun, Feb 22, 2015 at 08:46 AM CST

+ 1

Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.

Quote: "I also find it highly irritating that this question needs to be asked on February 20th! We're a month from spring, wtf?! "

Well Justin, the reason I asked is because we were in North Dakota for three years and we had no issue running straight Number 1 diesel. We moved back to Minnesota bought a truck and are faced with running Biodiesel. WTF! I thought these forums were for truck drivers to help each other, not make us feel like a valid question we ask is ridiculous. Thanks for your response, it's truly appreciated - Val

Replied on Sun, Feb 22, 2015 at 08:50 AM CST
Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.	Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member. Quote: "i would try blending 50/50 with number 1 fuel or kerosene if you can find it. I think all fuel sold in Mn. has 2% bio in it. Are you gelling when you leave the truck sitting or when you are out running? Do you have fuel heaters? and also heat going to the filter? IF you don't have apu on truck i would not even turn truck off if temp is below 10 degrees. 1 or 1.5 gallons an hour is still far cheaper than a tow truck. Try some kind of water proof insulation wrap around fuel filter" Thanks Chris! We put Power Service in the tanks after we used Diesel 911 to ungel the fuel. Wish we had a choice not to run BioDiesel; however, looks like we are not going to have a choice around here. Maybe closer to the Twin Cities when we start hauling down that way we can find fuel without it. We haven't even had luck finding #1 Diesel below $5 a gallon around our area.

Replied on Sun, Feb 22, 2015 at 08:50 AM CST

Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.

Quote: "i would try blending 50/50 with number 1 fuel or kerosene if you can find it. I think all fuel sold in Mn. has 2% bio in it. Are you gelling when you leave the truck sitting or when you are out running? Do you have fuel heaters? and also heat going to the filter? IF you don't have apu on truck i would not even turn truck off if temp is below 10 degrees. 1 or 1.5 gallons an hour is still far cheaper than a tow truck. Try some kind of water proof insulation wrap around fuel filter"

Thanks Chris! We put Power Service in the tanks after we used Diesel 911 to ungel the fuel. Wish we had a choice not to run BioDiesel; however, looks like we are not going to have a choice around here. Maybe closer to the Twin Cities when we start hauling down that way we can find fuel without it. We haven't even had luck finding #1 Diesel below $5 a gallon around our area.

Replied on Sun, Feb 22, 2015 at 09:00 AM CST - 1
Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.	Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member. Quote: "Well Justin, the reason I asked is because we were in North Dakota for three years and we had no issue running straight Number 1 diesel. We moved back to Minnesota bought a truck and are faced with running Biodiesel. WTF! I thought these forums were for truck drivers to help each other, not make us feel like a valid question we ask is ridiculous. Thanks for your response, it's truly appreciated - Val" I'm sorry that I was misunderstood. I didnt' mean to say I was irritated with your question, I meant that I was irritated with the weather for it being this late in the winter and the question still needs to be asked! I truly didn't mean any offense with my comment! Sorry!

Replied on Sun, Feb 22, 2015 at 09:00 AM CST

- 1

Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.

Quote: "Well Justin, the reason I asked is because we were in North Dakota for three years and we had no issue running straight Number 1 diesel. We moved back to Minnesota bought a truck and are faced with running Biodiesel. WTF! I thought these forums were for truck drivers to help each other, not make us feel like a valid question we ask is ridiculous. Thanks for your response, it's truly appreciated - Val"

I'm sorry that I was misunderstood. I didnt' mean to say I was irritated with your question, I meant that I was irritated with the weather for it being this late in the winter and the question still needs to be asked! I truly didn't mean any offense with my comment! Sorry!

Replied on Sun, Feb 22, 2015 at 09:05 AM CST
Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.	Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member. Quote: "Thanks Chris! We put Power Service in the tanks after we used Diesel 911 to ungel the fuel. Wish we had a choice not to run BioDiesel; however, looks like we are not going to have a choice around here. Maybe closer to the Twin Cities when we start hauling down that way we can find fuel without it. We haven't even had luck finding #1 Diesel below $5 a gallon around our area." unless they changed their minds, I remember hearing on the radio that Minnesota had mandated all diesel be 10% bio by like the middle of 2014.If so, you're not going to go anywhere and find straight #2, but you should be able to find #1 without bio in plenty of places. I know kerosene works pretty well, but it's so darned expensive that I seldom buy it. I know I heard or read that bio mandate thing someplace, but like I said, they may have changed their mind on that.

Replied on Sun, Feb 22, 2015 at 09:05 AM CST

Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.

Quote: "Thanks Chris! We put Power Service in the tanks after we used Diesel 911 to ungel the fuel. Wish we had a choice not to run BioDiesel; however, looks like we are not going to have a choice around here. Maybe closer to the Twin Cities when we start hauling down that way we can find fuel without it. We haven't even had luck finding #1 Diesel below $5 a gallon around our area."

unless they changed their minds, I remember hearing on the radio that Minnesota had mandated all diesel be 10% bio by like the middle of 2014.If so, you're not going to go anywhere and find straight #2, but you should be able to find #1 without bio in plenty of places. I know kerosene works pretty well, but it's so darned expensive that I seldom buy it. I know I heard or read that bio mandate thing someplace, but like I said, they may have changed their mind on that.

Replied on Sun, Feb 22, 2015 at 11:55 AM CST
Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.	Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member. we dont shut trucks off unless its going to stay above 20 degrees. its not worth it

Replied on Sun, Feb 22, 2015 at 08:15 PM CST
Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.	Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member. Quote: " we dont shut trucks off unless its going to stay above 20 degrees. its not worth it" In MN there is a 5% bio mandate in #2 onroad fuel. There is no bio mandate on #1 fuel. From April 1st, 2015 through I think Oct. the mandate for #2 onroad goes to 10%. In other states Pilot and some of the other truck stops have blender pumps. Meaning there fuel is blended on site with bio, whatever they care to run at. They have tax incentives in other states making it worth while for them. IN is running around 8% right now. Some places are as high as 20%. You have to ask the attendents what there % is at, but alot of times they don't know.

Replied on Sun, Feb 22, 2015 at 08:15 PM CST

Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.

Quote: " we dont shut trucks off unless its going to stay above 20 degrees. its not worth it"

In MN there is a 5% bio mandate in #2 onroad fuel. There is no bio mandate on #1 fuel. From April 1st, 2015 through I think Oct. the mandate for #2 onroad goes to 10%. In other states Pilot and some of the other truck stops have blender pumps. Meaning there fuel is blended on site with bio, whatever they care to run at. They have tax incentives in other states making it worth while for them. IN is running around 8% right now. Some places are as high as 20%. You have to ask the attendents what there % is at, but alot of times they don't know.

Replied on Sun, Feb 22, 2015 at 09:23 PM CST
Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.	Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member. Use one bottle of rubbing alcohol in each tank. Idle the truck for at least one or two hours each day to keep the fuel circulated. Make sure to let the truck warm up for an hour or two before hitting the road. This should keep your fuel from gelling. If the temps are going to be below 10 degrees than just let the truck idle.

Replied on Mon, Feb 23, 2015 at 08:23 AM CST
Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.	Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member. I known from my experience bio grows the algae in the system which helps block the it so if your goin to use it there is an additive for it and helps clean the algae out I don't remember the name it's about 30 dollars a bottle you don't have to use much and it works so ask your parts people for it

Replied on Mon, Feb 23, 2015 at 01:49 PM CST
Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.	Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member. Here I read about people putting in gasoline or some other type of petroleum product..today's diesel doesn't have the lubricating properties as yesteryear..we USED to be able to add gasoline or alcohol to the diesel..it USED to be a more lubricating fuel..today's engines don't get the lubricating from the diesel any more..so when you put in a drier fuel such as gas..you can and will damage today's engines...there is a new type of fuel coming out...HUH? Its called alternative diesel fuel..HUH? It DOES NOT JELL .period..and it burns cleaner than regular diesel..its so much cleaner that they use vit underground in some mines and don't need scrubbers on the exhaust..BUT it right now is an import..google Nestes Oil company. They are out of finland.it is here in the US but in limited amounts..but its on its way...check it out..what it is ..is a combination of Palm oil and used cooking oils and fats...soooo is this going to be the new alternative diesel fuel of the future?

Replied on Mon, Feb 23, 2015 at 01:49 PM CST

Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.

Here I read about people putting in gasoline or some other type of petroleum product..today's diesel doesn't have the lubricating properties as yesteryear..we USED to be able to add gasoline or alcohol to the diesel..it USED to be a more lubricating fuel..today's engines don't get the lubricating from the diesel any more..so when you put in a drier fuel such as gas..you can and will damage today's engines...there is a new type of fuel coming out...HUH? Its called alternative diesel fuel..HUH? It DOES NOT JELL .period..and it burns cleaner than regular diesel..its so much cleaner that they use vit underground in some mines and don't need scrubbers on the exhaust..BUT it right now is an import..google Nestes Oil company. They are out of finland.it is here in the US but in limited amounts..but its on its way...check it out..what it is ..is a combination of Palm oil and used cooking oils and fats...soooo is this going to be the new alternative diesel fuel of the future?

Replied on Mon, Feb 23, 2015 at 06:16 PM CST
Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.	Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member. Quote: "Here I read about people putting in gasoline or some other type of petroleum product..today's diesel doesn't have the lubricating properties as yesteryear..we USED to be able to add gasoline or alcohol to the diesel..it USED to be a more lubricating fuel..today's engines don't get the lubricating from the diesel any more..so when you put in a drier fuel such as gas..you can and will damage today's engines...there is a new type of fuel coming out...HUH? Its called alternative diesel fuel..HUH? It DOES NOT JELL .period..and it burns cleaner than regular diesel..its so much cleaner that they use vit underground in some mines and don't need scrubbers on the exhaust..BUT it right now is an import..google Nestes Oil company. They are out of finland.it is here in the US but in limited amounts..but its on its way...check it out..what it is ..is a combination of Palm oil and used cooking oils and fats...soooo is this going to be the new alternative diesel fuel of the future?" Pretty cool stuff Jeff, it should not amaze us though. The diesel engine was originally designed to run on bio-fuels made from hemp oil. When you study the many uses of hemp you start to understand why they basically made it sooooooooo expensive to use. If soy beans and corn made good diesel than why don't the farmers run their equipment on it?

Replied on Mon, Feb 23, 2015 at 06:16 PM CST

Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.

Quote: "Here I read about people putting in gasoline or some other type of petroleum product..today's diesel doesn't have the lubricating properties as yesteryear..we USED to be able to add gasoline or alcohol to the diesel..it USED to be a more lubricating fuel..today's engines don't get the lubricating from the diesel any more..so when you put in a drier fuel such as gas..you can and will damage today's engines...there is a new type of fuel coming out...HUH? Its called alternative diesel fuel..HUH? It DOES NOT JELL .period..and it burns cleaner than regular diesel..its so much cleaner that they use vit underground in some mines and don't need scrubbers on the exhaust..BUT it right now is an import..google Nestes Oil company. They are out of finland.it is here in the US but in limited amounts..but its on its way...check it out..what it is ..is a combination of Palm oil and used cooking oils and fats...soooo is this going to be the new alternative diesel fuel of the future?"

Pretty cool stuff Jeff, it should not amaze us though. The diesel engine was originally designed to run on bio-fuels made from hemp oil. When you study the many uses of hemp you start to understand why they basically made it sooooooooo expensive to use. If soy beans and corn made good diesel than why don't the farmers run their equipment on it?

Replied on Mon, Feb 23, 2015 at 06:32 PM CST
Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.	Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member. Quote: "Pretty cool stuff Jeff, it should not amaze us though. The diesel engine was originally designed to run on bio-fuels made from hemp oil. When you study the many uses of hemp you start to understand why they basically made it sooooooooo expensive to use. If soy beans and corn made good diesel than why don't the farmers run their equipment on it?" Unless things have changed..there didn't use to be any specifications for bio diesel...I've run some..some burns rather well..and some..it feels like your having to push it through your fuel filters...it just feels globby..as for the farmers not running it..maybe they know more than they are letting on to..

Replied on Mon, Feb 23, 2015 at 06:32 PM CST

Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.

Quote: "Pretty cool stuff Jeff, it should not amaze us though. The diesel engine was originally designed to run on bio-fuels made from hemp oil. When you study the many uses of hemp you start to understand why they basically made it sooooooooo expensive to use. If soy beans and corn made good diesel than why don't the farmers run their equipment on it?"

Unless things have changed..there didn't use to be any specifications for bio diesel...I've run some..some burns rather well..and some..it feels like your having to push it through your fuel filters...it just feels globby..as for the farmers not running it..maybe they know more than they are letting on to..

Replied on Mon, Feb 23, 2015 at 06:37 PM CST
Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.	Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member. Quote: "Unless things have changed..there didn't use to be any specifications for bio diesel...I've run some..some burns rather well..and some..it feels like your having to push it through your fuel filters...it just feels globby..as for the farmers not running it..maybe they know more than they are letting on to.." I have to change my fuel filters more often than I used to. Jeff type in Hemp Diesel in your browser and see what comes up. As far as the original post, I have been using rubbing alcohol in my tanks and it seems to keep them clean and keeps the fuel from gelling.

Replied on Mon, Feb 23, 2015 at 06:37 PM CST

Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.

Quote: "Unless things have changed..there didn't use to be any specifications for bio diesel...I've run some..some burns rather well..and some..it feels like your having to push it through your fuel filters...it just feels globby..as for the farmers not running it..maybe they know more than they are letting on to.."

I have to change my fuel filters more often than I used to. Jeff type in Hemp Diesel in your browser and see what comes up. As far as the original post, I have been using rubbing alcohol in my tanks and it seems to keep them clean and keeps the fuel from gelling.

Replied on Mon, Feb 23, 2015 at 07:20 PM CST
Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.	Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member. Quote: "Pretty cool stuff Jeff, it should not amaze us though. The diesel engine was originally designed to run on bio-fuels made from hemp oil. When you study the many uses of hemp you start to understand why they basically made it sooooooooo expensive to use. If soy beans and corn made good diesel than why don't the farmers run their equipment on it?" Farmers don't use bio? Are you serious? I use it in all of my farm equipment and my truck without any problems. We run our equipment in the same weather as everybody else-some seem to have problems and need to blame something I suppose!

Replied on Mon, Feb 23, 2015 at 07:20 PM CST

Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.

Farmers don't use bio? Are you serious? I use it in all of my farm equipment and my truck without any problems. We run our equipment in the same weather as everybody else-some seem to have problems and need to blame something I suppose!

Replied on Mon, Feb 23, 2015 at 07:46 PM CST
Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.	Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member. Quote: "I have to change my fuel filters more often than I used to. Jeff type in Hemp Diesel in your browser and see what comes up. As far as the original post, I have been using rubbing alcohol in my tanks and it seems to keep them clean and keeps the fuel from gelling." Yeah hemp is the illegal nothing wrong with it..but we think you might be able to smoke it and get high..hemp makes so many different things.. Remember hemp rope? They call it manilla rope instead..I guess you can smoke it.but one can also smoke donkey sh$% too..hemp has so many different uses that you can use it for..

Replied on Mon, Feb 23, 2015 at 07:46 PM CST

Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.

Quote: "I have to change my fuel filters more often than I used to. Jeff type in Hemp Diesel in your browser and see what comes up. As far as the original post, I have been using rubbing alcohol in my tanks and it seems to keep them clean and keeps the fuel from gelling."

Yeah hemp is the illegal nothing wrong with it..but we think you might be able to smoke it and get high..hemp makes so many different things.. Remember hemp rope? They call it manilla rope instead..I guess you can smoke it.but one can also smoke donkey sh$% too..hemp has so many different uses that you can use it for..

Replied on Mon, Feb 23, 2015 at 07:49 PM CST
Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.	Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member. Quote: "Yeah hemp is the illegal nothing wrong with it..but we think you might be able to smoke it and get high..hemp makes so many different things.. Remember hemp rope? They call it manilla rope instead..I guess you can smoke it.but one can also smoke donkey sh$% too..hemp has so many different uses that you can use it for.." The best thing that I've found to clean your fuel system and you can't use it any more was automatic transition fluid..but you aren't having any trouble with alcohol?

Replied on Mon, Feb 23, 2015 at 07:49 PM CST

Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.

Quote: "Yeah hemp is the illegal nothing wrong with it..but we think you might be able to smoke it and get high..hemp makes so many different things.. Remember hemp rope? They call it manilla rope instead..I guess you can smoke it.but one can also smoke donkey sh$% too..hemp has so many different uses that you can use it for.."

The best thing that I've found to clean your fuel system and you can't use it any more was automatic transition fluid..but you aren't having any trouble with alcohol?

Replied on Mon, Feb 23, 2015 at 09:18 PM CST
Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.	Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member. We are finding that Power Service is working well in the cold temperatures and we haven't gelled up with it. I appreciate all the information. You guys stay safe on the highways.....Val

Replied on Thu, Feb 26, 2015 at 11:08 PM CST
Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.	Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member. Quote: "We are finding that Power Service is working well in the cold temperatures and we haven't gelled up with it. I appreciate all the information. You guys stay safe on the highways.....Val" Just wait tell 35 below... that power service and 911 doesnt do shiet without tank heaters or keeping it warm like newer trucks, niether does gas, tryed all, nothing worked, I should of ran number 1........................... Two days later ...

Replied on Thu, Feb 26, 2015 at 11:08 PM CST

Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.

Quote: "We are finding that Power Service is working well in the cold temperatures and we haven't gelled up with it. I appreciate all the information. You guys stay safe on the highways.....Val"

Just wait tell 35 below... that power service and 911 doesnt do shiet without tank heaters or keeping it warm like newer trucks, niether does gas, tryed all, nothing worked, I should of ran number 1........................... Two days later ...

Replied on Thu, Feb 26, 2015 at 11:10 PM CST
Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.	Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member. You can have your crap bio, just like ethinal, poor mpg and proformance, its a fact, less btu's of energy.