Well I did it! this past week I finally went and traded in my 2002 2500HD 2wd SB w/8.1 for a 2002 3500 Dually LT CC 4WD w/ the almighty Duramax. After reading all the posts on here about how much better the pulling was and the better fuel economy. I couldnt wait to finally find a dealer that had the one I was looking for and that I could afford! It has 38,000 miles on it and is a GM certified used vehicle too.


I copied the info on the maintenence post, but I still had a question. At what outside temp do you put the additive in the fuel to keep it from gelling up? My truck is going to be outside all the time so are there any things to keep an eye on as the weather turns colder as far as batteries or fluids? Do you still have to plug them in at some point? This is my first diesel, and I just want to make sure I do everything correctly to make it last a long time. What is a good protectant to use on the leather seats? They are in pretty good shape, only one little tiny crack that I can see. Thanks for any and all info that you can give me, Marc.

one thing to remember is when the stations switch to blended fuel.. once they go to winter diesel it isn't as prone to gelling, but it still can. i would start adding it once it gets down to freezing.. perhaps some cold weather owners will chime in... it never gets that cold where i live..

Mrkpero-


I live about 125 miles north of you in mid-Michigan and haven't used any additives for anti-gelling during the 3 winters and 75K miles I've had my Duramax. The stations will switch to winter blend when needed and I haven't had a problem yet. I do run the winter grill cover most of the time when it's below freezing and I also plug in when it gets really cold, but I've never had a problem with fuel gelling.

Welcome, Mrkpero. Cold weather fuel gelling hasn't been much of a problem that I've heard about - with the exception of some northern Canada and Alaska members. Unless you have a "non-winterized" fuel source and then drive it into extremely cold conditions it should not be a concern. Many of us -do- as a matter of regular use put an additive in our fuel year-round. I use FPPF in every tankful for control of water and bacteria and to add additional lubricity to the fuel for the benefit of the fuel pump and injectors.

I don't usually put the additive in for gelling but I do use it mainly for lubricating like Idle-Chatter said.


I the Ohio state I beleive you will have the need for additive to correct the gelling of dielel fuel. But it is a good idea to use it for the other reasons and then you will also get the benifit of not gelling your fuel if the question comes up.


I normaly have not seen diesel fuel gel above -10 deg. f ambiant temps.


Good luck on your new truck.

The people that usually get in trouble from fuel gelling are the truckers that will refuel down south here where there is no additive and then head north into the cold weather.