Question on #2 in cold weather.

[02x72]

Quick question for you guys, I'm able to store about 110 gallons of diesel in the bed of the truck and was wondering if I can fill it up in FL, add a heavy dose of Howes to it and be alright to run it in the freezing temps up north. Only reason Im considering it is because of the better mileage my truck gets on #2 as opposed to #1 and with the long trip every bit helps. Thanks guys

 

[RLDSL]

only if you've already been running howes regularly for a while and have your tank ready for winter ( and that means running at least double the dose on the bottle as per manufacturers instructions for pickups and cars otherwise you can run into trouble since these things don't return fuel as fast as big trucks that use return fuel to heat the tanks )
Same would go for any additive. Bringing southern fuel up north is generally a recipe for disaster

Back when I used to run a big truck in the great white north, I used to carry a spare fuel filter for every major type of engine out there so i could help out all the stranded guys out in the middle of nowhere who had filled their tanks down south before heading north... and didn't even have a spare fuel filter. Couldn't leave folks to freeze to death.

 

[Simp5782]

I would not even chance it. You will run into issues more than likely. #2 in florida more than likely is summer # 2 year around. good to 40 degrees, then Howes will drop it to MAYBE 10 degrees rating. Yeah you might get away with it. But when you factor in windchills plus the actual temps it can get pretty cold. I was in eastern MT last year with my 94. I was running #1 winter with an additive and I still gelled up when the actual temp was -42 outside. cause when your driving those metal tanks get HELL of alot colder. You can get lucky running 3/4 #2 and then a 1/4 of #1 on 100 gallons cause it makes it just about a 50/50 mix without the hike in the price.

 

[02x72]

Alright, I'll just forget about it and fill up with the usual #1 along the way. Last thing I want is an issue like gelled fuel trying to save a few bucks. Thanks again guys.

 

[dakotajeep]

Dude, just run the Howes and blend some "northern" #2 along the way. I assume you are going to Iowa. It really hasn't been that cold in the midwest this year and in KS its supposed to be 65F this weekend.

Might help if you tell us where up north is.

Thad

 

[02x72]

North Dakota is where I'm headed, just south of the Canadian border. I might do that, youre right that it hasnt been that cold this year.

 

[John Deere]

I run #2 year round with stadadyne conditioner in my fords and deeres, I don't see gelling issues until it gets below minus 30f. But you need to do what you are going to feel comfortable doing.

 

[dakotajeep]

Lows are only supposed to be in the teens for most of the week...

Just top it off when you get there. Where in ND? I am guessing the oil country. Unfortunately that area is crazy right now. Tons of people and the roads are going to $hit fast.

Thad

 

[02x72]

Yea, thats where I'm headed. Up to Williston, and then where ever I need to go from there.

 

[FORDF250HDXLT]

id do it.the FE is so much better.just as long as you check the forcast to wherever your headed.as long as she's above freezing you'll probably be alright.for sure if you dose it some and keep a spare filter and a bottle of 911 with ya.
if your headed to low teen temps,skip the idea.

 

[Simp5782]

Yeah well eastern MT and western ND can drop 40 to 50 or even more degrees in a matter of minutes. I lived in that area for a few years It can be nice and 50 at noon and by 9pm at night its -30 with winds blowing 40mph from the north. Screw that, one reason I live west of the mountains now.

 

[wmoguy]

I run #2 year round with stadadyne conditioner in my fords and deeres, I don't see gelling issues until it gets below minus 30f. But you need to do what you are going to feel comfortable doing.

How are you getting #2 year round in Wyoming?

 

[Simp5782]

Can get Winter # 2 good to -20 starting in Oct thru March along with winter 50/50 and winter #1 good to -40 below. Our town pump stations here offer it all price is bout 12cents diff between the fuels though.

 

[dakotajeep]

Can get Winter # 2 good to -20 starting in Oct thru March along with winter 50/50 and winter #1 good to -40 below.

Thats why I recommended topping off upon arrival. Its really not a big concern this year. I think its been to -30F in Bismarck once this year...serioulsy not bad!

Thad

 

[John Deere]

How are you getting #2 year round in Wyoming?

Bulk delivery to the ranch