Re: rec tech mower

On 4/13/2025 12:58 PM, Jeff Liebermann wrote:

On Sun, 13 Apr 2025 10:31:44 -0500, AMuzi <am@yellowjersey.org> wrote:
 

in re cold conditions, we're significantly colder here. I
can recall helping friends with diesel autos and pickups in
bitter cold weather (-20, -25F) as their fuel solidified in
the fuel lines at those temps.  Backing a Corvair to it with
bike carton cardboard sheets all around will warm the fuel
lines enough to start it.

 My Dodge 1983 RAM50 4WD turbo diesel pickup truck had a block heater
powered by 115VAC from a wall receptacle (and extension cord).  I only
used it once, while on a ski trip, to convince the engine to start in
below freezing weather.  I had forgotten to switch from 30w oil to
10w30.  I don't recall any problems with the diesel fuel, probably
because the block heater also heated the diesel fuel in the filter and
pumps.
 The only engine electronics was to power the glow plugs when starting
the engine.  It was an analog timer, not digital.  The design was
rather marginal, so I modified it several times until it worked
acceptably.
 <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mitsubishi_Triton>
<http://802.11junk.com/jeffl/pics/Dodge-D50/index.html>
I drove it 289,000 miles.  I really miss it.
 

Right, unlikely in your environment.
Some poking around just now shows diesel gel starts at -12F or -15F depending on the source and several notes that modern winter blend diesel fuel goes lower without clotting.    Typical page:
https://petroleumservicecompany.com/blog/at-what-temperature-does-diesel-fuel-gel/
--
Andrew Muzi
am@yellowjersey.org
Open every day since 1 April, 1971