Truck Won't Start!

[TheGriz]

Keystoneforum...we have a problem. Without chill factor, went down to -5F last night and currently +2F here in the Poconos of PA. Went out to start my Silverado Duramax. It started, ran for about 30 seconds (very roughly), I heard a whine that seemed to be coming from the area of the fuel tank, then the truck shut down. Got a message on the DIC "reduced engine power". Started it up again a few times...same result but shutting down after just a few seconds each time.

It's parked in the driveway, not garaged.

Appears that the fuel has gelled and not flowing throw the system. Not sure that is the case. Going up to just +18F today, +27F tomorrow, and finally getting above freezing on Tuesday getting to 37F. I have never used any anti-gel additive.

Any suggestions to get me through this dilemma?

Thanks,
Mike

[kfxgreenie]

https://www.amazon.com/Power-Service...rds=diesel+911

[earlzach]

sounds like gel! If you have a block heater it might help but you can use a space heater under the truck but of course you need to put something around to skirt it so the heater can do its job on the tank. Not sure if you can get a heating pad against it. usually they have a heat shield. Worst case is get a tow to a garage let it thaw and use anti gel.

[rhagfo]

At this point best to replace all filters, gelled fuel is not good for them, be sure you have the fuel
Ungelled.

[Javi]

Originally Posted by rhagfo

At this point best to replace all filters, gelled fuel is not good for them, be sure you have the fuel
Ungelled.

This...

Javi

[Hodgy]

Originally Posted by kfxgreenie

https://www.amazon.com/Power-Service...rds=diesel+911

I subscribe to a few channels involving diesel engines. This product is recommended by many of them.

As mentioned check your filters.


.

[Ruffus]

They make diesel fuel additives that prevent gelling and clean injectors at the same time, sold at all auto parts stores.

[Javi]

Power service anti gel is your friend.

Javi

[JRTJH]

The following is "my take" on living with a diesel truck in the winter. I'm no expert, there are some people who live in much colder places than I do, but this is the way I see it, based on living somewhere with below zero temps for weeks on end through the winter.

Diesel 9+1+1 is usually available "almost everywhere".... I've seen it at WalMart, Auto Zone, NAPA, most truck stops and many places where diesel is sold.

You'll find people who will say "this is better" or "that is better" but it really boils down to what you can get your hands on that will work when you need it.....

Power Service Diesel 9+1+1 is probably as close as your nearest diesel filling station and it works to get your diesel "un-gelled" and gets your truck running. Once you're up and running, change the filters and start using a diesel fuel supplement during cold weather.

[chuckster57]

I like all the power Service products. Got a bad batch of fuel a few years ago ( algea) and the PS Biocide did the trick. I run Diesel Kleen in every tank.

[Stickman]

Check to make sure your DEF is not freezing too. Just had a straight week of sub-zero nights here. We spent more time at work thawing frozen DEF tanks than we did getting fuel un-gelled. If your fuel is gelled, make sure you use the 911, and not the regular Power Service. If you are also unfortunate enough to have system full of gelled up bio-diesel(GARBAGE), you will definitely want to change filters. The filter media will look like it's slathered in beef tallow.

[notanlines]

Griz, for the heck of it, call one of your local truck stops and ask if they are selling winter blend diesel. As a matter fact, just call where you usually fill your truck and ask. A lot of northern states have winter blend available. You may already have it.

[Pull Toy]

I've been using Power Service products for years. White bottle in winter (includes anti-gel), Silver bottle in spring and summer. Both have a cetane booster and fuel injector cleaner.

Even though my diesel station guarantees their winter blend to -9 degrees, I still like the extra protection. I've never needed the 9-1-1, but have heard good things about it. Just remember it is a rescue tool, not meant to be a steady diet. Once your running again add PS Anti-gel and top off with good quality winterized fuel.

I never did a scientific fuel mileage comparison, but I do know my diesels start every time. -5 degrees this a.m. diesel started right up without block heater.

Good Luck,

[ChuckS]

Hook up scanner and clear the code out. As other suggested try using the factory block heater it came with

Also on top of fuel filter is your primer button. Press it fully a few times.

I own a 2007 duramax and live in Idaho. We have winter blend diesel at all the local pumps now and I’ve not needed to use an anti gel additive.




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[TheGriz]

Well the Diesel 911 (red bottle) is like pixie dust...sprinkle it on and like magic, it worked!!! I put the stuff in at 2pm ET and it started right up and it KEPT running! I let it run for about an hour. Previously as in my original post, the truck would start up and shut down after less than a minute.

Thank you for all the input, especially using the 911! Problem here locally is right now Diesel 911 is more valuable than gold. I went to at least 15 different location, and the shelves were empty in the 911 slot . Finally, had to cross into New Jersey and the stuff was finally available at the T/A truckstop off I-80. Was able to get an 80 ounce bottle for $25. But would have paid double that if I had to!

So now I have to put the other stuff (white bottle) in as well to prevent future gelling.

On a related note, apparently the last fill-up I did in Wind Gap, PA (Valero station on Rt.512) did not have the "winter blend". Is it a fact that diesel fuels are pre-treated with anti-gel in northern climates? And If so, is Pennsylvania in that "Northern Climate" region???

This is my first diesel pick-up...live and learn. I never had the gelling problem though with my JD 1025R diesel tractor

Many thanks for all the valuable input
Mike

[Javi]

Originally Posted by TheGriz

Well the Diesel 911 (red bottle) is like pixie dust...sprinkle it on and like magic, it worked!!! I put the stuff in at 2pm ET and it started right up and it KEPT running! I let it run for about an hour. Previously as in my original post, the truck would start up and shut down after less than a minute.

Thank you for all the input, especially using the 911! Problem here locally is right now Diesel 911 is more valuable than gold. I went to at least 15 different location, and the shelves were empty in the 911 slot . Finally, had to cross into New Jersey and the stuff was finally available at the T/A truckstop off I-80. Was able to get an 80 ounce bottle for $25. But would have paid double that if I had to!

So now I have to put the other stuff (white bottle) in as well to prevent future gelling.

On a related note, apparently the last fill-up I did in Wind Gap, PA (Valero station on Rt.512) did not have the "winter blend". Is it a fact that diesel fuels are pre-treated with anti-gel in northern climates? And If so, is Pennsylvania in that "Northern Climate" region???

This is my first diesel pick-up...live and learn. I never had the gelling problem though with my JD 1025R diesel tractor

Many thanks for all the valuable input
Mike

Always got to be careful about WHERE you fill up... I never use small mom & pop stations where the diesel pump is rarely used.. I use large stations with high diesel traffic...

I also suggest you start using the Diesel Power winter blend additive with every tank and switch to the sliver (summer) bottle once the cold is gone... 16oz to 40 gallons..

[Freeheel4life]

Glad to hear you are running. Depending on where you were getting your fuel for your JD traditionally it would be #2 heating oil that's been dyed red vs your low sulfur blends for OTR trucks at least where I've grown up.
Not getting a winter blend diesel was certainly not helping your situation.
I groomed at ski resorts for 13 years and I found that best fleet of cats had oil heater, coolant heater, hydraulic heater and fuel heater on top of intake air heater. Would always start no matter how cold. Conversely, I've had cats with just a coolant heater that took ALL day to start when it got really cold.

[travelin texans]

The off road/JD fuel (red dyed) is the very same fuel you use in your truck with red dye added. Worked 30 years in the oil & gas field, 1st 15 in crude oil, last 15 in refined products.

[chuckster57]

Originally Posted by travelin texans

The off road/JD fuel (red dyed) is the very same fuel you use in your truck with red dye added. Worked 30 years in the oil & gas field, 1st 15 in crude oil, last 15 in refined products.

Yup, just don’t want to get caught using it “on the road”. I know a couple of guys that run cattle, say trucks get “dipped” at the stockyards.

[Freeheel4life]

Originally Posted by travelin texans

The off road/JD fuel (red dyed) is the very same fuel you use in your truck with red dye added. Worked 30 years in the oil & gas field, 1st 15 in crude oil, last 15 in refined products.

That's interesting I've always been told that starting with EPA tier 1-4 that rolled out in early 2000s that on highway diesel was formulated at a much lower PPM in sulfur, but that true off road can still be #2.

https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/lowsulfurdiesel.shtml

So are they just dyeing ULSD and LSD is no longer formulated??