Cold weather issue

[san-man]

I do not know if the weather has anything to do with it but he it goes.

I was on my way to work and about 3 miles away from the main gate (military). My truck started to slow down. I was going 55mph due to snow and ice on the road. The truck slowed to about 25-30mph. As I was making to turn to the main gate. My truck died, sat there for a minute trying to think of what it could be. Originally I was thinking it was gelled but I have never had an issue with the Amsoil cold flow (an anti-gel additive) before so at that moment I was puzzled. After about 5 minutes I decided to try and start the truck and she started right up. The truck acted like it had no problems after that. I also notice that the check engine light did not come on and I still have to drive 13 miles home. The current temperature is -15.

Just curious on what the problem could be?


Any help would be appreciated,
Carlos

 

[Smoky]

I do not know if the weather has anything to do with it but he it goes.

......... The current temperature is -15.

Just curious on what the problem could be?


Any help would be appreciated,
Carlos

I believe -15 is pretty close to the bottom limit for your anti-gel. See Below.

Superior Cold Filter Plugging Point Depression
As the temperature drops, the wax naturally found in diesel fuel begins to form crystals. The point at which wax crystals form is known as the cloud point. These wax crystals eventually clog the fuel filter and starve the engine of fuel, preventing it from starting. While low quality fuels may form wax crystals in temperatures as warm as 40ºF (4ºC), most fuels have a cloud point near 32ºF (0ºC). The point at which the crystals clog the fuel filter is known as the cold filter plugging point (CFPP). AMSOIL Cold Flow Improver lowers the CFPP by as much as 34ºF (19ºC) in ULSD.

 

[san-man]

I guess since now that I travel further (I used to live on base). I really did not have that far to go. I guess that is why I did not notice it in years past.

Curious, if there is something that can protect to about -30. It does happen to get that cold and sometimes colder. With the wife's car in the shop, right now this is the only vehicle that runs at the moment.

 

[Smoky]

Heating the fuel tank won't hurt but you will probably get better results from a fuel filter heater and battery warmer pad.

Here is a link that may help...

Titan Engine oil pan heaters, filter heaters and battery warmers. Designed for cars, diesel engines, more effective than block heaters, magnetic heaters. Suitable for Volkswagen vw beetle, Audi, Land Rover, Ford, Chrysler, GM,

 

[san-man]

Looks like I will be buying the fuel filter heater in the morning. Just trying to figure out whether to buy the 50 watt or the 100 watt one.


............. and that's for your help. I really appreciate it.

 

[Dogman]

The 6.0 do have a fuel heater already in line but it only works with the truck running. Check your relays, I think it 303 or 302. Check your owner book for the relay number.

 

[JLDickmon]

I agree with what's been said.. that sounds like fuel gelling.. and in Minot, I'd expect it.

 

[san-man]

Yep.................... Minot.

 

[F350CCFX4]

That is a great base. Use to fill up gallon jugs with Tranny fluid and toss them on the runway so when the plows came through they swore they hit something. That has been almost 20 years ago now.

Had the fuel pump turn on and it wouldn't shut off up there. Couple kicks to the tank and all was well.

 

[san-man]

Looks like I got gelled. I put in some FPPF Meltdown and waited the time required. What do you know, got rolling. The closer I got to my house the better my truck started to run. Now knowing what I know now, I am going to try this: Lubrication Specialties | Diesel Motor Oil | Primrose Engine Oil | Fuel Additives | Oil Additives | Engine Restore . Hopefully I never go threw this again.


Carlos