WINTER FUEL FIXES: KEEP IT FLOWING
Winterizing sure doesn't mean what it used to. There's truth in the notion that if you maintain your truck properly, it'll run just fine in July or January, no difference. Nonetheless, as we're well into winter, some trucks are sitting at the side of the road because their owners failed to realize that their fuel was at risk. Winter taxes every system on the truck, but one of the most vulnerable is the fuel system. Troubles in the engine's fuel system become apparent rather soon, and you can troubleshoot them using the engine’s electronic diagnostic capabilities. If you're up on the latest techniques, you'll plug your diagnostic tool or laptop PC right in and go to work. More likely, you’ll have someone else do it for you. Whatever, get it done. Mechanical diesels are easy to sort out for an experienced engine man. It's the things on the chassis that are more elusive and sometimes troublesome. Even though fuel lines are of relatively small diameter, they can pass along many contaminants. But low temperatures tend to swell the crud and water that gets into fuel tanks. As this stuff is drawn into the lines, clogs can occur. If they get through the inlet line, filter elements can become plugged. Fuel/water separators and heaters can do a lot to alleviate such problems, and no truck should leave home without them. If your truck isn't fitted with a heater and fuel/water separator, shop around now, buy a good one, and install it right away. If the truck already has one, as is likely, test it now to be sure it works. If the water sump on the separator is getting full, drain it. If it's supposed to automatically expel water but doesn’t, get the device fixed or replace it. A more basic idea is to remove the contaminants at their source on the truck: the saddle tanks. Now, before winter’s full blast is with you, drain the tanks of the dirt and water that accumulated during the summer's heat. Moisture inevitably forms inside the tank as the cool fuel contacts the hot tank sides and condensation occurs. Along with the moisture comes bacteria and fungus that feed on water and the fuel itself. A good package of fuel additives can take care of some of this crud, and they’re convenient if you're on the road. But while the truck's in the shop, take advantage of its presence there by draining out the stuff. Fortunately, most crud settles to the bottom of the tank, making the draining process easier. Of course, it'll still be messy. You can handle it, though, unless the electronic age has turned you into more of a technician than a mechanic. While you're at it, inspect all fuel lines and fittings for integrity. If anything is aged or damaged, fix or replace it now. It's so much easier dealing with it at home than feeling that engine miss and sputter and eventually die when the temperature's way down and Arctic gales are blowing.