Here's a few highlights from VW's recent TSD on using anti-gell additives when operating all of their diesels in temps at or below 32*F. / 0*C.:
Quote
Subject: Diesel Fuel, Cold Weather Conditioning for Driving at Temperatures Below 0*C. (32*F.)
Models: All with Diesel Engine
Group: 20
Number: 00-03
Date: Dec. 8, 2000
Condition
Poor diesel engine performance in ambient air temperatures below freezing 0*C. (32*F.) can be caused by a condition known as diesel fuel clouding (gelling / waxing), a result of improperly winterized / conditioned diesel fuel provided by fuel suppliers. Water contamination in diesel fuel can also cause similar conditions as the result of ice accumulation in the vehicle's fuel system.
Service
To prevent the possibility of this condition occurring, [we] recommend to diesel powered vehicle owners that a quality fuel winterizer / conditioner be used during winter months. VW recommends using Standadyne Formula Fuel Conditioner in the correct amount per One Shot Performance tank full of fuel as All Season Diesel listed below.*
*Add 8 oz. (235ml) per 15 gallons (60ltr) of diesel fuel of Standadyne Formula Fuel Conditioner directly to the fuel tank.
VW Part #ZVW 340 002.
Note - For vehicles which will be operated at temperatures below -30*C. (-22*F) add 12-oz. (355ml) per 15 gallons (60 ltrs) of diesel fuel.
Unquote
Click here for additional info about the rest of VW's TSB, as it explains how to inspect the diesel fuel system for contaminants such as water, ice, moisture, clouding, gelling, or waxing.
FYI - The best way to
avoid having your fuel filters ice-up with wax crystals is to take steps to
prevent the problem from happening in the first place! Afterall, an ounce of preventitive maintenance is much better than a pound of redemptive cure.
Water, sludge, microbial organisms, and other contaminents are previlent this time of year and a diesel additive is needed more than ever before with the low-quality fuel we have to choose between. Because of these extra wintertime challenges,
VW finally is recommending the use of a all-season diesel additive when temps drop to 32*F.
Furthermore, an example of a
preventitive maintenance step to prevent fuel from gelling might be using a triple dose of Power Service's
Diesel Fuel Supplement or their
Arctic Express Antigell (at double the dose in cold temps) or your personal favorite winter additive.
Obviously, this can mean the difference between stranged or arriving safely to your destination. I don't recommend anyone take their chances, hoping that the "winterized fuel is blended properly."
At least, not with your life and possibly that of your family on the line.
Furthermore, because you can never tell how high the quality of fuel your taking on is, I strongly
suggest that you carry a 96-oz. bottle or at least a quart size container of Power Services 911 in your trunk in case of an emergency i.e., a plugged up or frozen fuel filter which needs to be melted down or unthawded.
Diesel 911
For year-around use.
Diesel 911 can rescue diesel-engine operators from the most common fuel emergencies they encounter.
* It De-ices frozen fuel-filters.
* Reliquefies gelled fuel in minutes.
* Completes microbial clean-ups - when used with Power Service Bio Kleen Biocide or any other biocide.
* Disperses sludge and reduces fuel-filter plugging.
* Removes water from diesel fuel -- protects fuel-injection pumps and injectors
Moreover
Ric's Fuel Power Chemical Company makes a similar product to Power Service's 911 which was designed to melt through the icey wax crystals.
* It Dissolves Gelled Fuel
* Emergency Road Treatment specifically formulated to dissolve gelled fuel back into solution and return the flow in approximately 20 minutes.
* Will Not harm fuel pump injectors
* Will Not harm precombustion components
* Gets fuel flowing in 15 - 20 minutes
* Compatible with all types of fuel
Meltdown and 911 are to be used only in an emergency road treatment only. They can be purchased at most Walmarts or your local truck stop. 96-oz. containers run about $10.00 while the smaller 32-oz. bottles run in the $4.00 - $5.00 range.
A few ounces of preventitive maintenance with additives is much better than a pound of redemptive cure with a tow truck.