On Dec 16, 2006, at 1:43 PM, <ddahlgren@snet.net> wrote:
The house stuff might be blended with the assumption that it will not
get colder than 40 degrees as it is in a cellar while the pickup might
be outside. Only a thought nothing I know for sure but makes some sense
to me. I do know that at 20 degrees for about a day #2 fuel oil gels
pretty bad around here in CT..
Dave
Right-o, Dave. I know about gelling -- we run a fleet of a pair of
diesels and get to spend a few cents extra during cold weather to
make sure the fuel doesn't gel. For those of you that are wondering
-- the fuel doesn't turn to Vaseline. What happens is the paraffin
content of the fuel does solidify into particles, and those clog up
the small passages in the fuel filters (and lines/injectors, I
suppose, but filters get it first and worst). The paraffin, though,
has lots of heat value -- so "winter blend diesel" has less paraffin
content -- more #1 diesel, maybe even a little kerosene content --
maybe some other gel-preventing additives, too -- and the result is
fewer miles per gallon, more cents per mile. But breakdowns cost
even more.
On our work trucks I wrap the fuel filters with fiberglass insulation
to help keep the heat of the (circulating) fuel in 'em -- helps
prevent gelling on those -20F mornings.
And I wouldn't try to burn the furnace oil in my truck 'til spring.
But now I know that I can use it if the oil company won't come take
it back (remember, it was their mistake).
Jon Wennerberg
Seldom Seen Slim Land Speed Racing
Marquette, Michigan
(that's 'way up north)
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