Hotshot Connect Forum :: What do you need to know about diesel fuel, winter, maintena

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Because diesels explode fuel instead of igniting it like gas engines, they need the heat from glow plugs or manifold heaters to aid in warming up the cylinders for starting. In very cold conditions, (-10 F) you will need to plug in block heaters and be sure you are using blended fuel, #2 and #1. Normally diesels run on #2 diesel. #2 has lubricating qualities that make it oily, smelly and stays on your hands for a few days. #1 diesel is like kerosene or jet fuel and less oily. The lubricating properties in #2 are what gels when extremely cold. This is why a blend of #2 and #1 50/50 is used in the winter by most service stations in states that get cold. But if you go to a warm state, (California, Arizona, Florida, etc,) in the winter and buy fuel there before coming home, you may want to use a diesel additive. If you are out of your area, buy your diesel at a truck stop. They should know what you need. Then Oil is the life of your truck. In a Ford Power Stroke diesel, engine oil provides the pressure for the injectors and with the 6.0L PS, it also powers the EVRT turbo. My research lead me to Amsoil, the pioneer in synthetic oil.

If you have never experienced gelling up a diesel in the winter, be happy. I have had this experience on my farm tractors. I had to use a hair dryer to liquidify the fuel in the injector pump and then “crack” the fuel lines to bleed the fuel through the pump and injectors. Most states don’t get cold enough to plug in the block heater on your diesel. But if you are in the colder areas and need to plug in your diesel, I like to use a timer you can buy from Wal-Mart for $12 to $15. You only need to set the timer to turn on for a couple of hours before you’re ready to use your truck.

"Filters are the life of your truck, it can be short or long!"
In my research to find the best truck products available to sell on my web site, I looked for the best filters and oil. These products we all need on a regular basis and they are a major factor in how long your truck will last. Just as we all know about the exaggerated stories we are told about trucks by salespeople, the same wild stories are told about filters and oil. I have seen and used the best and the worst. Decades ago I remember John Deere bringing a lawsuit because Coop was guaranteeing their oil in diesel engines longer than manufactures wanted to guarantee their engines. And back then manufactures tried to make you use their brand of oil, (even though they didn't make it,) in order to enforce their warranty. It evolves around forcing you to buy their products. Like auto dealers telling you, you have to change your oil every 3000 miles so they can make more money off you in their service departments. Read more about "The Truth about Oil."

The Truth about Oil." CAN BE FOUND IN ADDITIVE FORUM