First cold snap in years without fighting plugged filters...

[Mark Rinker]

...only difference? Previous 6 years with Holiday Station Stores, fleet card. This year, switched to BP. Haven't plugged a filter, yet.

I think its all about fuel quality when it gets to -15F or lower. If the fuel is carrying water, its eventually going to freeze enough in the filter element to cause a 'low fuel rail pressure' limp (LLYs or newer).

If you travel in the northland, carry 'the kit' :

• Spare OEM Delco fuel filter
• Mechanix gloves for grip and feel, without frozen fingers
• Wrench for removing water-in-fuel sensor (BTW...has anyone actually seen this light illuminated on a Duramax yet?)
• Red bottle '911'

I also caution against excessive idling after a severe cold start. One minute, tops. Then get moving and use a gear that will keep your RPMS elevated >2500 until you have 160F water temps - it gets your fuel temperature up, quicker. The more cold fuel that must pass through the (initially -20F) filter casing and element, the more likely it is to plug...the faster the fuel gets warm, the better!

1. Good fuel - pretreat if you have been having problems from the same source, before the cold snap!
2. Starting / warmup procedures.
3. Spare filter.
4. 911 red bottle treatment, as a last resort - most effective AFTER changing to a new filter, to avoid plugging that one...