Not all anti-gel created equal

[mcraigchr]

I realize that many of you do not have diesel machines.  For those that do, this is for you:

Just wanted to post my experience this past week.  Here in Texas, we had pretty good dip in temps.  For 4 days it did not get above 25.  At night, it was single digits or close to it.  I always put Sta-Bil fuel stabilizer in the storage tank (30 gallon).  And up until this tank I was using Power Service (white bottle) for anti-gel.  Never had an issue.

This tank, however, I switched to Stabil All season (anti gel).  It is supposed to good down to -40.  Zap.  That is a big fat lie.  I put in twice the amount called for in the instructions.  Result was less than optimal.  I drove the SxS 100 feet (to go get the mail) and it died.  I looked at the fuel bowl and it was a cloudy, wax substance.  So, the Stabil did not work.  That said, I'm not sure that I ever tested the Power Service in the same manner.  So I am not saying that one is better than the other.

What are your experiences?  Are these products inferior?  What do you folks in the northern states / Canada use?  Am I missing something?

CC

[that guy from Canada]

Irony is this...

In Canada all our diesel fuel has anti gel in it, right at the pump.

As winter approaches that is adjusted b 4 its even in the tanker.

So if you have an old jerry can from summer, there is a chance it may gel dead of winter -35 but still usually not.

However I will ask some of my friends about what they use, if they do.

Cheers

[Joe Breaux]

are you sure its not water? Dont have any issues with my Turbo Diesel 40HP tractor in cold weather with nothing but Lucas in it. ... .we got in the teens here too for 2 days.  started right up. 

[mcraigchr]

It's not water as far I can tell.  This is diesel that I purchased in summer time.  But .... that is why I added the anti-gel.  My buddy had the same issue with some of his earth moving equipment.  He admitted to not adding any anti gel.  So that is what has me puzzled.  Either the brand I used (Sta-Bill All Season) does not work, or I got a bad batch ... or ?

Just puzzled since I have never had this issue before.  I guess the safest thing for me to do is go back Power Service brand additive.  Or I could try Lucas.

[Joe Breaux]

Sometimes water can come from condensation. My tractor has water separator so that may be a factor why I have no issues anywY good luck.

[that guy from Canada]

Wouldnt hurt to just drain the whole fuel system and try fresh fuel.

Easy enough to do