Katerina Swanson
Diesel fuel is highly sensitive to cold temperatures, and its winter operability is measured by three primary data points: Cloud Point, Cold Filter Plugging Point, and Pour Point. At around 32°F, diesel fuel begins to freeze and gel, and this process can cause vehicle engines to shut down entirely. To prevent this, some people add gasoline to diesel fuel. However, there are other ways to prevent diesel fuel from gelling, such as using kerosene-blended fuel, switching to No. 1 diesel fuel, or adding anti-gel fuel supplements.
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What You'll Learn
Kerosene blends can lower the freezing point of diesel fuel
Diesel fuel often requires extra care during the colder months. Diesel fuel can gel or freeze, which can cause significant issues for vehicles and equipment. This typically happens when the temperature drops below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, but it most often occurs when the temperature hits 15 degrees Fahrenheit. This can cause the fuel to stop flowing, which can shut down vehicles and equipment.
Kerosene blends can be used to lower the freezing point of diesel fuel. Kerosene has a lower freezing point than diesel, and it burns at a lower temperature, preventing gelling in freezing temperatures. This makes it a convenient additive for cold weather conditions. When mixed with diesel, kerosene effectively lowers the overall freezing point of the mixture, helping to keep it liquid and flowing freely in colder temperatures. Kerosene also has fewer paraffins than diesel, which are the components that solidify to form wax crystals in cold conditions. By reducing the overall paraffin content in the fuel mixture, the likelihood of waxing is significantly reduced.
The amount of kerosene to be mixed with diesel depends on the expected temperatures and the specific types of diesel. A typical blend is 80% diesel to 20% kerosene, but this can vary. It is important to note that not all diesel engines are compatible with kerosene blends. Before using a kerosene blend, it is essential to consult the engine manufacturer or a qualified mechanic to ensure that the mixture will not harm the engine or fuel system.
While kerosene blends can be effective in lowering the freezing point of diesel fuel, there are some considerations to keep in mind. Kerosene has a lower energy content compared to diesel, which may result in reduced engine power and fuel efficiency. Additionally, there may be legal and warranty concerns with using kerosene blends, as it might not comply with local regulations and could void the warranty on a vehicle or engine. It is important to carefully weigh these factors and consult with professionals or relevant manuals before using kerosene blends.
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Anti-gel additives can prevent fuel from solidifying
Diesel fuel often becomes problematic when temperatures drop, sometimes stopping fuel flow. This is due to the presence of paraffin wax in the fuel, which crystallises at lower temperatures and clogs the filter, causing fuel operations to cease. This process is known as "gelling" or "freezing".
Anti-gel additives are a cost-effective solution to this issue, as they lower the temperature at which diesel starts to gel, preventing fuel system blockages and ensuring smooth engine operation. They do this by reducing the Cold Filter Plugging Point (CFPP) of the diesel fuel, which is the lowest temperature at which the fuel will still flow through a specific filter.
Some anti-gel additives, such as Hot Shot's Secret Diesel Winter Anti-Gel, contain a wax modifier, which reduces the point at which wax in diesel fuel solidifies, and a wax anti-settling agent, which keeps the wax dispersed. Additionally, the de-icer in this product disperses moisture, preventing it from clogging and freezing fuel filters in temperatures as low as -40 °F.
Other anti-gel additives, such as EDT+ Winter Defense, are designed for everyday use and prevent the formation of clumps, allowing fuel to flow freely at low temperatures.
It is recommended to use anti-gel additives each time you fill your fuel tank to ensure proper mixing with your diesel fuel and maximise effectiveness.
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Store vehicles in a heated garage to prevent freezing
Storing vehicles in a heated garage can be an effective way to prevent their fuel from freezing. However, it is essential to consider the energy costs associated with this method. While keeping a vehicle in a heated garage can protect it from freezing outdoor temperatures, it may not be necessary in all cases. For example, residents of Florida, Texas, or Southern California may not need to worry about diesel gelling due to their warmer climates.
The primary concern with storing vehicles in freezing temperatures is the potential for fuel gelling, which can occur when diesel fuel is exposed to cold temperatures, typically below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, and more often at 15 degrees Fahrenheit. This process can cause fuel filters and lines to clog, leading to vehicle shutdown. Storing a vehicle in a heated garage can help maintain the temperature of the fuel and prevent gelling.
Additionally, there are other methods to keep the vehicle warm and prevent freezing. One option is to use light bulbs placed under the vehicle, which emit heat and keep the engine warm. Another method is to wrap the vehicle in a tarp and run a heater overnight to blow warm air onto it. A block heater is also effective, as it connects to the engine and warms the coolant, keeping the oil warm and preventing freezing.
While storing vehicles in a heated garage can be beneficial, it is important to consider the energy consumption and potential increase in energy bills. Additionally, heated garages may not be necessary for all vehicles, especially those that are not used during the winter or are stored in regions with milder climates.
In summary, storing vehicles in a heated garage can be an effective strategy to prevent fuel freezing and gelling. However, it is important to weigh the benefits against the potential costs and explore alternative methods to keep vehicles warm during freezing temperatures.
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Water in fuel tanks can freeze and cause engine issues
Water in fuel tanks can cause several issues, including engine misfires, reduced fuel efficiency, and permanent damage if not addressed quickly. It can also lead to trouble starting the vehicle, rough idling, engine stalling, and misfires. Water in the fuel tank can also cause a corrosive process that leads to rust and corrosion.
Water is almost always present in diesel fuel to some degree. It settles at the bottom of the fuel tank as it is heavier than fuel. However, when the fuel in the tank is warm, it melts the water, which then sloshes around in the tank as the vehicle moves. This breaks the water into finer droplets that can freeze as they travel through the fuel lines, clogging them.
To prevent water from freezing in the fuel tank, you can use additives such as HEET, ISO-HEET, or STA-BIL 360 Marine. These additives help remove water from the fuel tank. Additionally, keeping your vehicle in a warm environment, such as a climate-controlled garage, can help prevent fuel from freezing.
While adding gasoline to diesel fuel may not directly address the issue of water freezing in the fuel tank, it can help lower the freezing point of the fuel mixture. Gasoline has a lower freezing point than diesel, so mixing the two can make the diesel fuel less susceptible to freezing. However, it is essential to note that this practice may not be suitable for all engines, and it is always best to consult a professional before attempting any fuel modifications.
Overall, it is crucial to regularly check your fuel tank for water and take preventive measures to avoid water accumulation, as water freezing in the fuel tank can lead to engine issues and damage.
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Diesel fuel No. 1 does not contain paraffin wax and will not gel
Diesel fuel is known to be cantankerous when the temperature drops. This is because diesel fuel contains paraffin wax, a natural petroleum-based wax. This wax helps the engine to generate more power and efficiency from the fuel. However, when temperatures drop, the wax crystallizes, thickens the fuel, and can cause the engine to shut down. This process is known as "gelling" and can occur when temperatures drop below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, but most often when the temperature hits 15 degrees.
To prevent gelling, diesel fuel additives can be used to lower the Cold Filter Plugging Point (CFPP) of the fuel. The CFPP is the point at which the fuel is no longer able to flow through the filter. Additives can also boost the fuel's cetane number and improve stability, detergency, and lubricity.
One way to prevent gelling is to switch from No. 2 fuel diesel to No. 1 fuel diesel. No. 1 fuel diesel does not contain paraffin wax and will not gel at any temperature. While No. 1 diesel fuel costs slightly more, it may be worth it to ensure your vehicle runs smoothly during winter.
Other methods to prevent gelling include keeping the vehicle warm, using kerosene-blended fuel, and storing the vehicle in a climate-controlled garage or heated environment. Additionally, keeping fuel tanks full can help minimize condensation that leads to frozen fuel.
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Frequently asked questions
No, adding gasoline to diesel fuel will not keep it from freezing.
Diesel fuel gelling is when diesel fuel turns to jelly or gel due to cold temperatures. This occurs when the paraffin wax in diesel fuel crystallizes and thickens the fuel, eventually clogging fuel filters and stopping fuel from passing through the tank.
Diesel fuel typically begins to gel when the temperature drops below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, most often at 15 degrees Fahrenheit.
There are several ways to prevent diesel fuel from gelling:
- Store your vehicle in a heated or climate-controlled garage.
- Use light bulbs, heaters, or block heaters to keep your vehicle and engine warm.
- Add a winter diesel fuel additive or anti-gel to prevent the paraffin wax from solidifying.
- Switch to No. 1 fuel diesel, which does not contain paraffin wax and does not gel at any temperature.
- Mix kerosene with diesel fuel to lower the point at which it freezes.
If your diesel fuel has gelled, you can use a product like Diesel Winter Rescue or Power Service Diesel 911 to reliquify the gelled fuel and de-ice frozen fuel filters.
