"Short Wave Sportfishing" wrote in message
oups.com...

On Feb 7, 7:44 am, "JoeSpareBedroom" wrote:
News here says lots of school bus operators are having problems with fuel
gelling in the fuel filters because of low-sulphur fuel. They can't get
enough kerosene for some reason. What's in the big containers of diesel
additives I've seen for sale at truck stops? Kerosene? Other? Not
suitable
for educational (school bus) use?

Do they use block heaters? Additives?

Kerosene should be added at the fuel distribution point - it
is here.

They may not have the mix right - around here, it's about
18/22%.

This is the first year I haven't had a gel problem - I'm using
the Ford diesel fuel additive as opposed to the Lucas additive
I used to use in the winter. Seems to work better.


I haven't had any starting problems at all so far in the F-350 using ULS
fuel and no block heater. Even on the 5 degree mornings of last week it
started ok. It cranked a little slower, but fired up, shook a bit for a few
seconds, then settled in.

Takes a while to get it up to operating temperature though. Fast idle won't
do it.

Eisboch

On Feb 7, 9:10 am, "Eisboch" wrote:
"Short Wave Sportfishing" wrote in ooglegroups.com...





On Feb 7, 7:44 am, "JoeSpareBedroom" wrote:
News here says lots of school bus operators are having problems with fuel
gelling in the fuel filters because of low-sulphur fuel. They can't get
enough kerosene for some reason. What's in the big containers of diesel
additives I've seen for sale at truck stops? Kerosene? Other? Not
suitable
for educational (school bus) use?

Do they use block heaters? Additives?

Kerosene should be added at the fuel distribution point - it
is here.

They may not have the mix right - around here, it's about
18/22%.

This is the first year I haven't had a gel problem - I'm using
the Ford diesel fuel additive as opposed to the Lucas additive
I used to use in the winter. Seems to work better.

I haven't had any starting problems at all so far in the F-350 using ULS
fuel and no block heater. Even on the 5 degree mornings of last week it
started ok. It cranked a little slower, but fired up, shook a bit for a few
seconds, then settled in.

Takes a while to get it up to operating temperature though. Fast idle won't
do it.- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

The wonders of block heaters. When I start off on morning
patrol, it's warm by the time I hit the end of the road (1.3 miles)
and I've got heat in the cab 1/4 mile later.

The 7.3 is a tough start when it's cold - the preheater only
does two cylinders and when it's really cold, the truck
actually lurches until enough compression builds up to
fire off the other cylinders. With the ULS fuel, it's worse
than it used to be, so I started using the block heater.
Starts just peachy cool fine, smooth and like I said - heat
a lot faster.

The one problem I'm having with this cold snap is the
transmission - takes a while for it to warm up and shift
properly.

Maybe it's time to change the transmission oil.

"Short Wave Sportfishing" wrote in message
oups.com...


The wonders of block heaters. When I start off on morning
patrol, it's warm by the time I hit the end of the road (1.3 miles)
and I've got heat in the cab 1/4 mile later.

The 7.3 is a tough start when it's cold - the preheater only
does two cylinders and when it's really cold, the truck
actually lurches until enough compression builds up to
fire off the other cylinders. With the ULS fuel, it's worse
than it used to be, so I started using the block heater.
Starts just peachy cool fine, smooth and like I said - heat
a lot faster.

The one problem I'm having with this cold snap is the
transmission - takes a while for it to warm up and shift
properly.

Maybe it's time to change the transmission oil.


Maybe. Mine shifts ok but is programmed not to go into OD until the
transmission temp is over some predetermined temperature.

The '05 (maybe other years as well) PSD block heater was an "option".
Turns out that the actual heater is installed (comes from International that
way) but Ford does not supply the wiring harness and it is what is
constitutes the "option". When I was having early problems with the truck
I asked about the optional wiring harness and they gave me one free. I have
never got around to installing it.

Knock on wood .... the problems I had with the truck (all at 12k miles or
less) seem to have been resolved. I now have almost 25k miles on it and it
has been perfect. I just hope Ford stays in business long enough to honor
the remaining warranty should any other problems occur.

Boating content: Heard from the broker yesterday. An interested buyer
returned for a second showing of the Navigator, this time bringing his wife
and daughter. According to the broker, the "decision makers" approved of
the boat, so an offer may be coming. Mixed feelings about this.

Eisboch

On Wed, 7 Feb 2007 11:30:29 -0500, "Eisboch" wrote:


"Short Wave Sportfishing" wrote in message
roups.com...


The wonders of block heaters. When I start off on morning
patrol, it's warm by the time I hit the end of the road (1.3 miles)
and I've got heat in the cab 1/4 mile later.

The 7.3 is a tough start when it's cold - the preheater only
does two cylinders and when it's really cold, the truck
actually lurches until enough compression builds up to
fire off the other cylinders. With the ULS fuel, it's worse
than it used to be, so I started using the block heater.
Starts just peachy cool fine, smooth and like I said - heat
a lot faster.

The one problem I'm having with this cold snap is the
transmission - takes a while for it to warm up and shift
properly.

Maybe it's time to change the transmission oil.


Maybe. Mine shifts ok but is programmed not to go into OD until the
transmission temp is over some predetermined temperature.

The '05 (maybe other years as well) PSD block heater was an "option".
Turns out that the actual heater is installed (comes from International that
way) but Ford does not supply the wiring harness and it is what is
constitutes the "option". When I was having early problems with the truck
I asked about the optional wiring harness and they gave me one free. I have
never got around to installing it.

Knock on wood .... the problems I had with the truck (all at 12k miles or
less) seem to have been resolved. I now have almost 25k miles on it and it
has been perfect. I just hope Ford stays in business long enough to honor
the remaining warranty should any other problems occur.

Boating content: Heard from the broker yesterday. An interested buyer
returned for a second showing of the Navigator, this time bringing his wife
and daughter. According to the broker, the "decision makers" approved of
the boat, so an offer may be coming. Mixed feelings about this.

Eisboch



How does the Sprinter do on these cold mornings?
--
***** Have a super day! *****

John H

"JLH" wrote in message
...


How does the Sprinter do on these cold mornings?

It started fine the other day at 14 degrees after sitting without running
for about a month.
I haven't tried it on the really cold days. I don't like to start engines
unless I am going to drive them long enough to warm up to operating temp.

My experience has been that diesels are fine until the temp gets below zero.
The major fuel suppliers modify the fuel formulations for "winter" and
"summer" blends that adds anti-gelling properties for cold weather. Now, if
you lived in Alaska or North Dakota, that would be a different story where
the use of block heaters and additional fuel conditioners is required.

Shortwave has a point though. Using a block heater here in New England
would surely help with the engine warm up time. Mine takes about 8 miles of
driving before the engine temperature gauge even starts to move.
Fortunately, my truck is equipped with heated seats, so it is tolerable.
Also, although not "hot" ... the heater does start to throw some warm air
within the first couple of miles, even if the gauge hasn't moved.

Eisboch

On Feb 7, 10:55 am, "Eisboch" wrote:
"JLH" wrote in message

...



How does the Sprinter do on these cold mornings?

It started fine the other day at 14 degrees after sitting without running
for about a month.
I haven't tried it on the really cold days. I don't like to start engines
unless I am going to drive them long enough to warm up to operating temp.

My experience has been that diesels are fine until the temp gets below zero.
The major fuel suppliers modify the fuel formulations for "winter" and
"summer" blends that adds anti-gelling properties for cold weather. Now, if
you lived in Alaska or North Dakota, that would be a different story where
the use of block heaters and additional fuel conditioners is required.

My experience with the 7.3 is different for some reason. A couple
of winters ago, I had a gel problem when the temps stayed below
10 for a few days - I didn't use the block heater and everything
gummed up. And it takes time to thaw the damn thing out.

That and I was using the Lucas diesel conditionar and that stuff
sucks big time. When I switched to Diesel Dr., things improved
and when I changed that to the Ford conditioner, no more problems.

Shortwave has a point though. Using a block heater here in New England
would surely help with the engine warm up time. Mine takes about 8 miles of
driving before the engine temperature gauge even starts to move.
Fortunately, my truck is equipped with heated seats, so it is tolerable.
Also, although not "hot" ... the heater does start to throw some warm air
within the first couple of miles, even if the gauge hasn't moved.

Greatest invention since sliced cheese.

"Short Wave Sportfishing" wrote in message
ps.com...
On Feb 7, 10:55 am, "Eisboch" wrote:
"JLH" wrote in message

...



How does the Sprinter do on these cold mornings?

It started fine the other day at 14 degrees after sitting without running
for about a month.
I haven't tried it on the really cold days. I don't like to start
engines
unless I am going to drive them long enough to warm up to operating temp.

My experience has been that diesels are fine until the temp gets below
zero.
The major fuel suppliers modify the fuel formulations for "winter" and
"summer" blends that adds anti-gelling properties for cold weather. Now,
if
you lived in Alaska or North Dakota, that would be a different story
where
the use of block heaters and additional fuel conditioners is required.

My experience with the 7.3 is different for some reason. A couple
of winters ago, I had a gel problem when the temps stayed below
10 for a few days - I didn't use the block heater and everything
gummed up. And it takes time to thaw the damn thing out.

That and I was using the Lucas diesel conditionar and that stuff
sucks big time. When I switched to Diesel Dr., things improved
and when I changed that to the Ford conditioner, no more problems.

Shortwave has a point though. Using a block heater here in New England
would surely help with the engine warm up time. Mine takes about 8 miles
of
driving before the engine temperature gauge even starts to move.
Fortunately, my truck is equipped with heated seats, so it is tolerable.
Also, although not "hot" ... the heater does start to throw some warm air
within the first couple of miles, even if the gauge hasn't moved.

Greatest invention since sliced cheese.


Here's something to invent: Windshield washer that doesn't freeze, with the
vehicle just sitting in the driveway. I've lived here 25 years and never had
this problem until now. 3 weeks back, I had to drain the entire tank of
whatever crap the mechanic put in it. Went & bought some other crap, which
worked for a day when the temp was in the high 20s. This week, frozen again.
Two different brands! Next, the fancy pink stuff from Armorall or whoever
makes it.

On Wed, 7 Feb 2007 11:55:13 -0500, "Eisboch" wrote:

My experience has been that diesels are fine until the temp gets below zero.

Yes. We had a diesel car for a while when we were living in the
'burbs NE of NYC. There was a cold snap on Christmas morning sometime
in the early '80s, with the temperature about 5 below. We were headed
for Connecticut and got about a mile from the house before it died
from congealed fuel, only time we ever had a problem. It started up
fine later that day after the weather had warmed up.

"Eisboch" wrote in message
. ..

"JLH" wrote in message
...


How does the Sprinter do on these cold mornings?

It started fine the other day at 14 degrees after sitting without running
for about a month.
I haven't tried it on the really cold days. I don't like to start
engines unless I am going to drive them long enough to warm up to
operating temp.

My experience has been that diesels are fine until the temp gets below
zero. The major fuel suppliers modify the fuel formulations for "winter"
and "summer" blends that adds anti-gelling properties for cold weather.
Now, if you lived in Alaska or North Dakota, that would be a different
story where the use of block heaters and additional fuel conditioners is
required.

Shortwave has a point though. Using a block heater here in New England
would surely help with the engine warm up time. Mine takes about 8 miles
of driving before the engine temperature gauge even starts to move.
Fortunately, my truck is equipped with heated seats, so it is tolerable.
Also, although not "hot" ... the heater does start to throw some warm air
within the first couple of miles, even if the gauge hasn't moved.

Eisboch


I usually have an extension cord available to plug in my block heater and
battery blanket.
In temperatures below 10F it makes a big difference. The battery is near
full potential and the engine turns over easily (reducing wear & tear).
The window defroster and interior heater work quicker too.

"Don White" wrote in message
...

"Eisboch" wrote in message
. ..

"JLH" wrote in message
...


How does the Sprinter do on these cold mornings?

It started fine the other day at 14 degrees after sitting without running
for about a month.
I haven't tried it on the really cold days. I don't like to start
engines unless I am going to drive them long enough to warm up to
operating temp.

My experience has been that diesels are fine until the temp gets below
zero. The major fuel suppliers modify the fuel formulations for "winter"
and "summer" blends that adds anti-gelling properties for cold weather.
Now, if you lived in Alaska or North Dakota, that would be a different
story where the use of block heaters and additional fuel conditioners is
required.

Shortwave has a point though. Using a block heater here in New England
would surely help with the engine warm up time. Mine takes about 8 miles
of driving before the engine temperature gauge even starts to move.
Fortunately, my truck is equipped with heated seats, so it is tolerable.
Also, although not "hot" ... the heater does start to throw some warm air
within the first couple of miles, even if the gauge hasn't moved.

Eisboch


I usually have an extension cord available to plug in my block heater and
battery blanket.
In temperatures below 10F it makes a big difference. The battery is near
full potential and the engine turns over easily (reducing wear & tear).
The window defroster and interior heater work quicker too.


Another reason to not live is certain places. My mom said they saw -42 one
time when she was a kid. Glad they moved before I was born. Nebraska, 1/2
mile from the Wyoming border.