sheikhg

Hi Everyone,

It'll be my first winter here in Wisconsin with the w211 CDI and was wondering if I need to add anything to diesel with I fill-up? It can get as cold as -10 degrees F here in Wisconsin and heard that diesel can become "jellylike" in the winter???

Thanks in advance....

Viggen

Hey there!

Well, here in Europe, an additive is included in diesel. So we never put any additive ourselves.
And where I live, temperature is often under -5°C in the winter

lkchris

Your fuel retailer is supposed to adjust the "brew" for winter.

Best to go to a high-volume, reputable dealer, then, as this increases chances you'll get what you want when you want it.

harkgar

Be careful. The 1999 MB E Class owner's manual actually suggested adding up to 10% of kerosene with diesel in the winter, and expect some loss of engine power.

In my 2006 MB manual they said nothing at all so be careful to obtain some written guarantee before you add anything into the tank.

In Toronto the gas stations do a different winter diesel and it can be up to minus 40 degrees Centigrade though minus 20 degrees C is commoner in February.

EdzBenz

Adding Kerosene is a little excessive unless it gets REALLY cold.

I use an additive every time I fill up. Usually, I will use the "grey" Diesel Kleen in the summer, and the "white" Diesel Kleen in the winter. I've never had a problem with starting or gelling so far.

harkgar

Ken,

How long have you had your GL 320 CDi? How do you find the new engine-transmission combo? You would be in a position to give a fair assessment in the iron block - alloy block and Bluetec - common rail debate.

A friend of mine bought a GL diesel early this year and he loves it.

mycoleptodiscus

None are necessary. I live in MN, have driven diesels for 5 years and have never had an issue. I occasionally run a can of Sea Foam through the fuel system to keep the fuel system clean. The only time you will need fuel treatment is if you fuel up in southern Illinois and then drive up north. The fuel in SoIll will not b eblended for winter. this is one reason why truckers use the stuff.

harkgar

An engine block heater OEM connexion wire is well over a hundred Canadian Dollars but worth the money if you live in the snow belt USA. The block heater is standard in the CDi but the cars come without the wire. Cost saving measure?

I had my mechanic wired it through the other air tube inlet (plugged off in the straight 6 engines but used in the V-8s) and secured on the steel tube well in front of the radiator. Very neat. I shall post some photos.

jd4614

If you can find a dealer for Mantek I would get Road Runner...it is fantastic and safe for all makes/models of diesel. It will clean out your system (be prepared to change your filters after a tank or two if you system is very dirty) and it has anti-gel properties. I run it in my 04 Jetta TDI, my 82 FC 33' Blue Bird Wanderlodge (Cat 3208-NA), a 06 Ford F-250 PS, John Deere 4600 Utility Tractor, 455 John Deere Garden Tractor, and a 64 ton 120' 400 passenger excursion boat on the Mississippi River running 2 DD 8V71 and JD Gensets...we buy this stuff by the 55 gallon barrel, but you can get in quart containers (about 15 bucks or so). A quart treats about 250 gallons...use sparingly! It come down to about $0.06/gallon of fuel...pretty cheap. You will (or should) notice a decrease in smoke, a slight increase in power, and an increase in mileage. We used to lease Eagle Entertainer coaches and it was a condition in the lease that the leasee would buy and use Mantek in the tanks at all times...it is good stuff!

Hope this helps,
Joe

Messerchmidt

keep the tank above 1/4 in the winter and you should be fine.

additives will help. most have anti-geling and also boost cetane (diesel octane) for better starts. less smoke too. I have used them for years. Amsoil makes a good one.

the one they sell at walmart and cdn tire is also decent. power something or other. one bottle of that stuff gives you 3 fill-ups worth of additives.

guage

I agree, the fuel you purchase up & over there is blended.
When you pull up to the pump it should be listed as winterized or arctic.

I drive a 87 300SDL and a 85 300D, I some times put in some power service
additive (white bottle) when it gets super cold here in Iowa.

harkgar

It does not look cold at all in Iowa.