Forum Discussion
GoPackGo
Dec 22, 2014Explorer
My first diesel vehicle was a 1981 VW Rabbit. The owner's manual specifically stated that I could add a few gallons of gas to the tank (10 gallon capacity) in winter so the fuel wouldn't jell in extremely cold weather. I was living in Iowa at the time and I remember one winter where it seemed like we were below zero for a solid month and that's when I started adding a little regular. It worked and the engine started and ran fine, but it did sound different. I didn't do it any more then I had to as the fuel was the only lubrication the injector pump received. Even back then, I was told it was the most expensive component under the hood.
FWIW, I would never consider adding any amount of gas to these newer diesel truck fuel tanks.
And winterized diesel fuel does NOT contain gasoline. Straight #2 diesel is considered to be 'summer' diesel, and straight #1 is winter diesel. In the cold weather states, the winterized fuel you will get at the pump in winter is #2 that is treated with chemicals so it won't jell or #2 that has been mixed with some percentage of #1 (the better alternative). This is a somewhat gradual process based on temperatures being experienced - more #1 is added to the mix in Jan and Feb, and less in Dec or March. And in the colder northern areas, you will probably find 100% straight #1 at the pumps in the coldest months.
Untreated #2 starts to jell at around 20 degrees. I don't know at what point #1 will jell.
Why not run #1 fuel all the time ? 2 or 3 reasons that I know if - less BTUs in #1, meaning less power and MPG and also it is thinner, providing less lubrication to that now REALLY expensive injector pump. And I think #1 is also more expensive.
Tim
FWIW, I would never consider adding any amount of gas to these newer diesel truck fuel tanks.
And winterized diesel fuel does NOT contain gasoline. Straight #2 diesel is considered to be 'summer' diesel, and straight #1 is winter diesel. In the cold weather states, the winterized fuel you will get at the pump in winter is #2 that is treated with chemicals so it won't jell or #2 that has been mixed with some percentage of #1 (the better alternative). This is a somewhat gradual process based on temperatures being experienced - more #1 is added to the mix in Jan and Feb, and less in Dec or March. And in the colder northern areas, you will probably find 100% straight #1 at the pumps in the coldest months.
Untreated #2 starts to jell at around 20 degrees. I don't know at what point #1 will jell.
Why not run #1 fuel all the time ? 2 or 3 reasons that I know if - less BTUs in #1, meaning less power and MPG and also it is thinner, providing less lubrication to that now REALLY expensive injector pump. And I think #1 is also more expensive.
Tim
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