Diesel truck break in

[7xray]

I know there is a never ending pointless thread about motorcycle breakin but this is about a big truck engine. I'm picking up a new fire truck in Wisconsin next week to drive back to Montana. It is an International 7400 with a Maxxforce 9 engine (I think that is a Detroit, the original spec was for a DT570 330 HP). I'm wondering if there is some kind of break in protocol one should use with such an engine.

Also, the temperatures in ND on the way back late next week are for daytime high around +4 and low -8. Should I be worried about diesel freezing up?

I know there are some great mechanical types here so thanks for your help.

Cheers,

Fred

 

[07FJRSD]

I would break it in same as anything else. As far as fuel gelling it's only a problem if your going to stop somewhere along the way back. If you shut it off for more than an hour or 2 use a blend of 50% #1 and 50% #2

 

[rcpd807]

There is an additive that you can put in the fuel to keep it from gelling up at low temps. I can't remember the name of it, but I have used in before in ambulances. Any auto parts store should sell this and know what it is.

 

[madmike2]

There is an additive that you can put in the fuel to keep it from gelling up at low temps. I can't remember the name of it, but I have used in before in ambulances. Any auto parts store should sell this and know what it is.

Or truck stops?

 

[radman]

You're picking it up in Wisconsin-the truck will already have Artic Blend in it, and thats all you should find going home. Stops already have a cold blend in the hole. Break in? Keep the revs up, don't load it down, and vary speed. Don't work the piss out of it, take it a little easier than normal on steep uphills. Thats about it.

 

[XHD4FJR]

I help to keep 70 class 8 trucks running daily and when temps go below 20 degrees we use additives as a general rule. Since the change to Ultra Low Sulfur fuel we've encounter more problems with gelling and treat all fuel delivered to our yards with additional additves. If you need to purchase fuel Petro and Flying J are pretty good about the quality of what they pump and it should be blended for the region. I'd stay away from smaller stations.

Two additives we use with good results are Artic Power by E-Z Oil (16oz to 200 gallon of fuel) (#1 choice and might be cheap insurance if temps will be near 0)and Diesel Supplement and Cetane boost by Power Service. Price is $5.00 to $7.00 per 16-32oz at most truckstops can sometimes be be found for less at napa or other parts suppliers i think even Wally World sells Power Service. If your spending a night on the road and it has a block heater it will make life a lot simpler if you can find someplace to plug in but that can be tough to find. On a cold start let it warm up at least till the water temp starts to come up by then you'll have some warm fuel recirculating back to the tanks and filling the tanks before shutdown at the end of the day will help prevent condensation (ice) in the tanks. Also if its got an Allison transmission it will seem a little rough shifting at first in the cold but will smooth out as you get to operating temps.

Check all fluids before leaving we've had new units delivered with less than necessary amounts.

Have Fun!

 

[7xray]

I help to keep 70 class 8 trucks running daily and when temps go below 20 degrees we use additives as a general rule. Since the change to Ultra Low Sulfur fuel we've encounter more problems with gelling and treat all fuel delivered to our yards with additional additves. If you need to purchase fuel Petro and Flying J are pretty good about the quality of what they pump and it should be blended for the region. I'd stay away from smaller stations.
Two additives we use with good results are Artic Power by E-Z Oil (16oz to 200 gallon of fuel) (#1 choice and might be cheap insurance if temps will be near 0)and Diesel Supplement and Cetane boost by Power Service. Price is $5.00 to $7.00 per 16-32oz at most truckstops can sometimes be be found for less at napa or other parts suppliers i think even Wally World sells Power Service. If your spending a night on the road and it has a block heater it will make life a lot simpler if you can find someplace to plug in but that can be tough to find. On a cold start let it warm up at least till the water temp starts to come up by then you'll have some warm fuel recirculating back to the tanks and filling the tanks before shutdown at the end of the day will help prevent condensation (ice) in the tanks. Also if its got an Allison transmission it will seem a little rough shifting at first in the cold but will smooth out as you get to operating temps.

Check all fluids before leaving we've had new units delivered with less than necessary amounts.

Have Fun!

Thanks all for the great information. XHD4FJR, I will be stopping over at least one, maybe two nights on the road. Should I leave the truck running overnight or will it be OK to start in the morning if I put the additive in?

Thanks you guys, you are great.

Fred

 

[XHD4FJR]

I help to keep 70 class 8 trucks running daily and when temps go below 20 degrees we use additives as a general rule. Since the change to Ultra Low Sulfur fuel we've encounter more problems with gelling and treat all fuel delivered to our yards with additional additves. If you need to purchase fuel Petro and Flying J are pretty good about the quality of what they pump and it should be blended for the region. I'd stay away from smaller stations.
Two additives we use with good results are Artic Power by E-Z Oil (16oz to 200 gallon of fuel) (#1 choice and might be cheap insurance if temps will be near 0)and Diesel Supplement and Cetane boost by Power Service. Price is $5.00 to $7.00 per 16-32oz at most truckstops can sometimes be be found for less at napa or other parts suppliers i think even Wally World sells Power Service. If your spending a night on the road and it has a block heater it will make life a lot simpler if you can find someplace to plug in but that can be tough to find. On a cold start let it warm up at least till the water temp starts to come up by then you'll have some warm fuel recirculating back to the tanks and filling the tanks before shutdown at the end of the day will help prevent condensation (ice) in the tanks. Also if its got an Allison transmission it will seem a little rough shifting at first in the cold but will smooth out as you get to operating temps.

Check all fluids before leaving we've had new units delivered with less than necessary amounts.

Have Fun!

Thanks all for the great information. XHD4FJR, I will be stopping over at least one, maybe two nights on the road. Should I leave the truck running overnight or will it be OK to start in the morning if I put the additive in?

Thanks you guys, you are great.

Fred

Prolonged idle time should be avoided, most will cold start at o degrees if theve been run on a daily basis and shutdown time is only 8-10 hours.