GMC Owners

[NJ Hillbilly]

Sue, the plug is for the engine block heater. It warms the coolant and makes for "happier" starting. Oil circulates sooner when things are warm and less start-up wear occurs this way.

As for fuel conditioner, I use the Power Service with cetane booster. It's relatively inexpensive and available at Wal-Mart and most parts stores.

On thing to remember is to use an additive when storing and to only park it (storage) with a full tank. This leaves a smaller air space in the top of the tank and less condensation.

John

[Sue]

quote:Originally posted by NJ Hillbilly
As for fuel conditioner, I use the Power Service with cetane booster. It's relatively inexpensive and available at Wal-Mart and most parts stores.
John

You run it all the time with the fuel conditioner or only when the weather is cooler???

[sreigle]

I've only been a diesel jockey for a year and a half, including one winter with a couple of weeks with highs in the teens but nothing below zero. I was told dealers around here don't stock winter diesel unless the temperatures are to be below zero for more than a few hours. So I quit worrying about it.

I'm wondering if I should resume worrying about it? At what temperature?

I've never used additives. Does it sound to you all like I should? At what temperatures? Etc.

Thanks. Lots to learn here.

[Glenn and Lorraine]

quote:Originally posted by Britney 10

Montana Sky,
This is not towing we have not even hooked the Montana to this truck as of yet. At one point it did go to 15.8 mpg and then it went back to the 15.7 and has stayed there for the past 6 months.

Britney 10, It has nothing to do with how old your truck is but rather how many miles you have on it. The more miles the more it gets broke in. In an earlier post you said you have just over 20,000 miles on it. My truck started showing better fuel mileage at around 30,000 and has improved as I rack up more miles. At this time I have 51,000+ miles but I haven't check it since I hit 40,000. At that time it was just over 20 mpg without and 12+ with the 5er. I guess I am due to check it again. I'd be very interested to see where this higher fuel mileage levels off. Just when is a Duramax finally broke in or is it ever totally broke in???

[NJ Hillbilly]

Sue, I do add it from time to time in the spring, summer, and fall and try to add at every tank during the winter.

Steve, it really all depends on the ambient temps that that You are in. If the local stations don't stock the winter fuel it's not a problem. If You fill up in So Carolina and drive to New York State, You would want tomake sure You put in an additive. Otherwise don't sweat it. I would just add a dose for the injection cleaner and the biocide properties to avoid algea in the warmer climates. It's always something.

John

[Glenn and Lorraine]

I've never done it but in northern NY when the temps go to +10 or below they add kerosene to the tank to control the geling. I believe they run 30% kero, 70% diesel. Even those with outside heating oil tanks add kerosene for the same purpose.

[Montana Sky]

Bob

[Montana Sky]

Sorry new laptop with different keys.
Bob,
Thank you for clearing up what I had said on diesel 1 and diesel 2. You are correct, diesel 2 is the year round fuel and used mainly in the lower warmer climates. Diesel 1 is used for the colder climates. Up here in the Pacific Northwest we have the option at the pumps as to which fuel we can use. I am sorry for the confusion. Back to the mileage per gallon part, you will get lower mpg by using diesel 1. Britney 10, the only thing I would recommend is try using another fueling station. You want to make sure you are using a station that moves volume on diesel. You dont want the stuff that has been sitting in the tanks all summer. If you still dont get any better mpg I would be calling your dealership for a check up. Keep us posted.