Diesel is gelled up?

1997 FORD F-250
349,000 MILES • 7.3L • TURBO • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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WILLBAKER22$
My diesel is gelled up in the tank and filter it will run for a little but shuts off and will not drive for long what should I do? Won’t run long because it’s clogged. Do you think I can run diesel treatment in it and change the filters would it work or no? It is the 1997 f250 7.3 HD XLT.
Jul 2, 2025 at 8:37 AM
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STRAILER
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 54,502 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
I would change the filters and add a winter-grade diesel anti-gel additive, like:

- Power Service Diesel 911 (red bottle, emergency use) (best)
https://amzn.to/4km3oRU

- Howes Diesel Treat

- Stanadyne Performance Formula Cold Weather

If necessary, bleed air from the fuel system using the Schrader valve on the fuel filter housing. If this does not work, you will need to drain the fuel or remove the fuel tank and flush it. Let me know how it goes.
Jul 2, 2025 at 11:22 AM
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STEVE W.
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 15,171 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
What is the temperature there? If it isn't really cold, you might have algae problems. If that is the case, you would need to flush the fuel system and put some additive in the fuel to deal with the algae in the tank.
Jul 2, 2025 at 11:29 AM
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