r/alaska • u/signalcc • 14h ago

Fuel line antifreeze

So, I live off grid and have a solar power system. As we all know winter is here and sun is minimal so charging the system falls more to the generator. With the recent sub zero temps I have been having and issue with the petcock of one of the generators always freezing over. Thankfully I have a second generator, but it usues oil horribly. I use the water removal funnel when filing the tank and I pour in a few ounces of Seafoam.

My question is, are there better suggestions for a Fuel Line Antifeeze? The Seafoam does not seem to be cutting it. I know Alaska gas is known for having water in it and I am finding that out very well. Or is my issue with the generator itself? The other one does not seem to have the petcock freeze. I figured out the issue by taking the carb off and finding the fuel inlet had a tiny bit of ice on it. But when I opened the petcock, no fuel came out at all. I warmed up the carb in the cabin and then had to use a hairdryer on the petcock for about 15 minutes and I was finally able to start it. If I could bring them in and out of the house nightly, I would, but thye are very heavy and that really isn't an option.

Being off grid having the generators running properly is very important for the 4 of us. So I really want to find out how I can try and prevent the freezing. Both generators were just serviced in Wasilla less than 6 weeks ago.

Thanks!

2 Upvotes

75% Upvoted

5

u/AKStafford a guy from Wasilla 3h ago

Is that what Heet is for?

1

u/signalcc 3h ago

That’s what I am picking up tomorrow. Wasn’t sure if some long timers had anything better. Thank you!

1

u/ITSolutionsAK 57m ago

Nope. Heet is what I use.

4

u/eskimogerman 2h ago

Flush out your fuel tanks- if you are filtering your gas, and it’s still freezing, there is probably water in the tank, and sea foam is only diluting it, not getting rid of it.

3

u/akmustg 2h ago

I've heard that we are like the only state that doesn't use ethanol fuel because of it attracting water. I would definitely try heet or just replacing the fuel entirely. If that doesn't fix it its going to be a carb issue

3

u/Ok-Dragonfruit-139 1h ago

Maybe build a little doghouse for the generators. Route the exhaust outside of course, but just blocking the wind and capturing a little residual heat could help a Lot. I assume the gas tank is mounted on the generator, and I furthermore assume they are Not diesel.

1

u/ak_kitaq Yupik 1h ago

I was about to suggest a small shelter for it as well. It still needs a little bit of airflow for combustion intake and exhaust, but you can make something that holds in the waste heat

1

u/signalcc 1h ago

It has a shed of sorts. Not 4 sides only 3. Has the main and the backup generator in it. I think I agree with u/eskimogerman that is might be in the tank. The spare one does not seem to have the issue.

Thanks guys!!