magicbus
LBI, NJ or Nantucket, MA
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Joined: 06/16/2002
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We've been shopping for a new gasser but the thread on buying a used high-end pusher has got me investigating that path - mostly because I'm a little putoff by the quality I'm seeing in the new rigs. Also, we don't have dealers anywhere near us so we'll probably never get any warranty work done unless it's serious.
Back in the early 80's I had a diesel car and the one thing I remember is what a pain it was come winter with fuel waxing, etc., so this brings to mind a question for diesel owners - what do you do when you come home from a trip in early fall and won't use the MH until Jan to head to Florida? Seems like there's no opportunity to put in winterized fuel - or do you leave it it nearly empty and then fill it up in Dec. when the fuel is available?
Or am I worrying about nothing because there are heaters to take care of getting it started and then fuel warmers to keep it running?
TIA,
Dave
Our new RV... the adventure continues.
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wesmitsi
Stillwater, OK
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Joined: 09/19/2002
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You can add Sta-bil to keep the diesel fuel fresh and add a winter diesel additive like Stanadyne Winter 1000 to keep the water out and prevent waxing. Start the motor and run it periodically. Change the fuel filter after you fill with winter diesel fuel and before you head out.
2001 F250 PSD
2005 Nash 31W
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RoadKingMoe
Ohio
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Joined: 11/12/2002
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I carry Stanadyne so when I'm in the south, headin' north, in the winter, I can winterize the unwinterized fuel.
--
Maurice
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magicbus
LBI, NJ or Nantucket, MA
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Joined: 06/16/2002
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OK, so there is a path to winterize - great. I didn't realize tehre were products for this.
Next question - While I'm in FL for a month this winter I will be looking around. There is one MH I really liked last year (it was in storage) and if it's around still what should I be looking at since it's been sitting for a year? I'm a pretty handy mechanic, so I'm just looking for things different on a diesel pusher.
Dave
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RoadKingMoe
Ohio
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While I agree that pluggin' 'em in makes for an easier start, I wouldn't want potential diesel buyers to get the idea that it's something you HAVE to do. Certainly there are no plug-ins where I work and on some evenings it's colder going home than it is on some mornings where I've been plugged in. What's important there is to let the glow plugs do their job. On my truck, the Wait To Start light goes off long before the glow plugs do. They stay on as long as two minutes, depending on the temperature. You can hear a relay click and see the cab light get brighter when they turn off. I give 'em plenty of time when it's really cold.
If you are going to plug in, plug into a timer that turns on about 3 hours before you have to leave in the morning. That uses a lot less electricity than being plugged in all night. Just make sure the timer (not to mention extension cord) is rated for your block heater wattage.
Having a diesel is a wonderful thing.
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willym
Ontario
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Joined: 01/11/2003
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Winter diesel, sold in northern areas does not wax, but you probably need to add something to fuel brought up from the south if you have some left in your tank. Most manufacturers dom not recommnend additives. I have been running my engine in Ontario winters for a couple of years with no starting problems. The glow-plug light stays on for 6 seconds at the longest. I do use the block heater on cold nights as it does get the engine up to temperature much faster. I think that GM suggests using the heater below -18 C.
willym
09 Dodge 3500DRW CTD 4.10 68RFE
2011 Landmark Rushmore.
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Beagle
South Carolina
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Joined: 03/08/2003
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Do not use Sta-bil, it is for gassers! Power Service, available at Wal-Mart will lower the gel point of #2 fuel 40 degree's. Number 2 fuel starts to gel at +20 degree's. Follow the directions on the bottle when adding and you shouldn't have any worries.
2002 F-350 CrewCab, 4x4, LongBed, Powerstroke Diesel
2004 Keystone Everest 291L Fifth Wheel
Retired Air Force
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RV_Roofer
Central Texas
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Joined: 10/19/2003
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If you diligently research all the brands of diesel additives I'm confident you'll find the one that comes out on top is Power Service Products. Their biocide Bio Kleen is the only one which is dual phase meaning that it works in both diesel and water. Power Service Products even has a 'diesel fuel polishing kit' which "will kill the microbes (bacteria and fungus), remove the slime and water, and stabilize the fuel." Their diesel fuel supplement has all the anti-gelling you will ever need - they guarantee it to never gel. You can find their products everywhere from Wally World to truck stops to West Marine.
Power Service Bio Kleen
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Big Z
Oregon
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Joined: 06/11/2003
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page 14 voluntary recall  Happy Camping!!
* This post was
edited 10/06/04 05:09pm by Big Z *
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JackD
Montreal, Qc,Canada (when not on the road)
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Joined: 02/11/2001
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willym: Diesel fuel sold in Canada has a slightly lower cloud/pour point than in the US.
I see that our US friends are very found of additives, conditionners, stabilizers, anti-this and anti-that which is almost unheard of north of the border. I have owned diesel engines in cars and trucks for a good 15 years and I never added an ounce of ''miracle potion'' in any of them. When temp. falls to -20C, I use a block heater.
jackd
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