Mercedes Mullins
Fuel tank heaters, or fuel warmers, are devices that can be installed directly into a fuel tank to maintain the optimum operating temperature for the fuel in cold weather. This is particularly relevant for diesel engines, where the fuel can gum up in the fuel lines and filters in sub-freezing temperatures. Various products are available on the market, such as the Hot Fox™ Fuel Warmer, which can be installed in standard fuel tanks and custom heat exchangers, to prevent fuel from getting too cold and affecting engine performance. Some alternative methods to achieve the same result include using a liquid-to-liquid trans cooler, inverting the canister, or placing the canister in warm water.
Characteristics and Values Table for Fuel Warmers
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Use | Fuel warmers are used to keep fuel functional in cold weather |
| Types | In-tank fuel warmers, fuel tank heaters, hand warmers, bowl of water, catalytic pocket warmer, 12v heating pad, heat tape, fuel additives |
| Installation | Fuel warmers can be installed directly into the fuel tank or wrapped around the outside |
| Temperature | Fuel warmers should be used in extreme cold weather, with some products designed for specific temperature ranges |
| Compatibility | Fuel warmers are available for various vehicles, including trucks, RVs, and backpacking stoves |
| Safety | It is important to consider safety precautions, such as avoiding overheating the fuel tank and causing a flare |
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What You'll Learn
Using a Hot Fox™ Fuel Warmer
The Hot Fox™ Fuel Warmer is a fuel warming solution for applications requiring maximum heat exchange in a concentrated area. It is a simple 1-1/2″ diameter stainless steel tube that inserts into the tank through a standard USA fuel gauge sending unit opening. An appropriate adapter kit must be used during installation. The integral design fits most fuel tanks, but custom heat exchangers are also available for purchase. Bolt-on, threaded, and weld-on adapters are available for top, side, or bottom mounting.
The Hot Fox™ Fuel Warmer is designed to warm fuel or other fluids to the optimum operating temperature in cold weather. It can be used to warm engine coolant quickly and efficiently. To maximize efficiency, select the longest Hot Fox™ fuel warmer available for your tank size. The Hot Fox™ fuel tank heater can also be purchased with an auxiliary standpipe, which combines heated fuel standpipes and an accessory fuel supply with an in-tank fuel heater. This product is ideal for operators who want to supply coolant heaters and the main engine fuel supply in one package.
The Hot Fox™ Fuel Warmer is a reliable solution for preventing winter fuel gelling problems. It provides faster warming and cleaner installation compared to other fuel warmers. The internal fuel line features an exclusive spiral design that offers a larger heat exchange surface from warm coolant to cold fuel. The unique “flow-through” feature creates a convective heat flow inside the tank.
The Hot Fox™ Fuel Warmer is safe and compatible with all fuel additives due to its stainless steel construction. It is a popular choice among trucking fleets that demand fool-proof operation, and it is installed by many leading truck manufacturers worldwide.
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Immersion in water
There are a few ways to warm a fuel tank using water immersion. One method is to place the fuel tank in a bowl of water. This will keep the fuel at a temperature of 32°F/0°C or warmer, depending on the water temperature. It is important not to use very hot water as this could cause the stove to flare due to increased pressure. Warm water is safe to use, and the water should be periodically replaced to prevent it from freezing in very cold weather.
Another method is to use a Hot Fox™ In-Tank Fuel Warmer, which is installed directly into the fuel tank. This product warms the fuel to the optimum operating temperature and can be purchased with an auxiliary standpipe that combines heated fuel standpipes and an accessory fuel supply. Bolt-on, threaded, and weld-on adapters are available for mounting the fuel warmer to the top, side, or bottom of the tank.
It is also possible to purchase custom heat exchangers for specific fuel tank needs. The Arctic Fox® fuel tank heater is another option that fits most fuel tanks and can be purchased with a by-pass thermostat. This product is popular with trucking fleets due to its foolproof operation.
In addition to these fuel warming products, it is important to consider the maintenance and running costs associated with keeping a fuel tank warm. Immersion heaters can be used to heat water directly inside a tank, but they can be expensive to run, especially if left on constantly. It is generally cheaper to only heat the water when it is needed, and proper maintenance of the heater can improve performance and increase efficiency.
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Inverting the canister
It is important to note that not all stoves can handle inverted canisters. Just because a stove has a hose that attaches to the canister does not mean that it can be inverted. To use this technique safely, it is crucial to ensure that your stove is designed to accommodate inverted canister operation.
Inverted canisters can help mitigate the effects of cold weather on canister gas stoves. As the canister gets colder, the pressure decreases, resulting in a weaker flame or no flame at all. By inverting the canister, you can maintain a decent flow of gas and achieve a proper flame, even in cold temperatures.
Additionally, inverting the canister eliminates two common issues with cold weather performance: changing fuel blend and the need for high pressure. The liquid fuel expands into a vapour, providing good pressure even if the canister is only a few degrees above the boiling point. This allows you to run your stove effectively, even in cold conditions.
To further enhance the performance of inverted canisters in cold weather, you can use a "Moulder Strip", named after Bob Moulder, who championed the idea. This strip helps to warm the canister, raising the internal vapour pressure and facilitating the flow of liquid fuel to the burner head. However, it is important to note that the effectiveness of the Moulder Strip may vary depending on the size of the canister.
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Using a different fuel
If you're looking for an alternative fuel to use in cold weather, there are a few options to consider. One option is to switch to a white gasoline or kerosene stove. Kerosene is safer than white gasoline, but it can be smelly, stain, and be difficult to prime. It's important to bring priming alcohol fuel with a kerosene stove. Diesel is another possible alternative fuel source, especially if you're looking for a short-term solution. Diesel can be stored for up to six months before it becomes unstable, and it is important to use containers specifically designed for diesel fuel.
It's worth noting that the type of fuel you choose depends on the temperature you're dealing with. For example, LPG turns to liquid around -8°C, while pure gasoline doesn't freeze until -100°F. If you're dealing with extremely cold temperatures, you may want to consider using ethanol in your fuel, as it has a freezing point of around -70°F.
Additionally, there are some tricks you can use to keep your fuel warm without switching to a different type of fuel. One trick is to bring a flat-bottomed bowl, fill it with liquid water, and place your fuel canister in the water. This will keep the canister at a temperature of 32°F/0°C or warmer, depending on the water temperature. Just be sure not to use really hot water, as it could cause the stove to flare due to increased pressure.
In very cold weather, it may be challenging to keep the water from freezing. In this case, you can periodically add warm water to the bowl, being careful not to make it too hot. Alternatively, you can use a catalytic pocket/hand warmer underneath the canister for a short time to keep it warm.
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Heat tape or heating pads
Heat tape and heating pads are viable options for warming fuel tanks, especially in cold weather. Heat tape, a long and narrow strip of speciality fabric, can be wrapped around fuel lines and tanks to prevent fuel from thickening due to low temperatures. While flat silicone heat tape is the most common variety, with an adhesive side for easy application, it is also more expensive and risky, especially if applied to fuel tanks. Silicone heat tape can get too hot and spark, potentially causing an explosion. Braided heat tape, although safer, is more challenging to use.
Some individuals have successfully used heat tape to warm their fuel tanks and lines, reporting that their vehicles started without issues even in frigid temperatures. However, it is important to note that heat tape is known to be a fire hazard and can pose a safety risk, especially when used on propane tanks. It is recommended to refer to the manufacturer's guidelines to ensure safe usage.
Heating pads, such as the Hot Fox™ Fuel Warmer, offer another option for warming fuel tanks. These heating pads are designed to be inserted into the tank through a standard fuel gauge sending unit opening. They help warm fuel to the optimum operating temperature in cold weather. Hot Fox™ Fuel Warmers are available with features like coolant shut-off thermostats and auxiliary standpipes, providing thermostatic control and compatibility with specific applications.
When considering warming fuel tanks, it is essential to prioritize safety. While heat tape and heating pads can be effective, they may not be suitable for all fuel types or conditions. Alternative solutions, such as keeping the tank full to maintain pressure and efficiency, using specialized heating blankets or buckets, or opting for different fuel types, should also be considered.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can add a fuel warmer to your tank. Fuel warmer products such as Hot Fox™ Fuel Warmer and Arctic Fox® are available for purchase and can be installed directly into your fuel tank.
Fuel warmers work by maximising heat exchange in a concentrated area. For example, the Hot Fox™ Fuel Warmer is a stainless steel tube that inserts into the tank through a standard fuel gauge sending unit opening.
Fuel warmers are useful in cold weather to prevent the fuel from getting too cold and affecting performance. They can also help prevent fuel gelling in filters and lines.
Yes, there are alternative methods to keep your fuel tank warm. One method is to use a liquid-to-liquid trans cooler and run fuel through the pipes. Another method is to wrap heat tape around the tank or use a heating pad for the tank.
