Mercedes Mullins
Diesel fuel contains paraffin wax, which can cause the fuel to gel in cold weather. This usually occurs at temperatures below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, and often at 10-15 degrees or colder. The wax particles react to the cold, thickening and crystallizing, which can block filters and impede the flow of fuel to the engine. This can cause issues with starting the engine and sluggish performance. To prevent this, diesel additives and anti-gel treatments can be used, as well as maintaining a full fuel tank and using engine block heaters.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Why does diesel gel? | Diesel contains paraffin wax, which gels at low temperatures. |
| What temperature does diesel gel at? | Typically between 10-15°F (-12°C to -9°C). Gelling at 32°F is rare but possible. |
| What happens when diesel gels? | The wax in diesel crystallizes, blocking fuel lines and filters, and preventing fuel from reaching the engine. |
| How to prevent diesel from gelling? | Use anti-gel additives, keep the fuel tank more than half-full, use engine block heaters, or switch to winterized diesel. |
| How to ungel diesel? | Warm the fuel system, use anti-gel additives, or use products like Power Service Diesel 911 to re-liquefy the gelled fuel. |
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What You'll Learn
Why diesel gels
Diesel fuel contains paraffin wax, which is a natural petroleum-based wax. In normal operating conditions, paraffin wax remains in its liquid form. However, in cold weather, the wax thickens and crystallizes, causing the fuel to gel. This typically occurs at temperatures below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, and more commonly at 10-15 degrees or colder.
The process of gelling begins when diesel reaches its cloud point, the temperature at which wax crystals begin to form and the fuel becomes cloudy in appearance. As the temperature continues to drop, the waxes bind together, causing the fuel to gel and become resistant to flow. This is known as the pour point, the coldest temperature at which the fuel can flow before freezing.
The type of diesel fuel also affects its susceptibility to gelling. For example, biodiesel blends may begin gelling at temperatures in the low 50s. Winter diesel, on the other hand, may contain a mix of #1 diesel (made with kerosene) and #2 diesel, which can protect the fuel in much lower temperatures.
Gelled diesel fuel can cause significant issues for diesel engines. It can result in reduced fuel flow through fuel lines and injectors, leading to poor engine performance and potential damage to the fuel system. In severe cases, the engine may stall completely, leaving the vehicle stranded. Therefore, it is essential for diesel drivers to use diesel additives and follow winterization best practices to prevent fuel gelling in cold weather.
To undo gelling, fuel heaters or additives can be used to warm up the fuel system and dissolve the gel, returning the fuel to a liquid state. Preventative measures are also key, as gelling can be avoided by keeping the fuel warm or changing its properties to withstand colder temperatures.
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How to prevent gelling
Gelling in diesel fuel is a common problem in winter. Diesel contains paraffin wax, which gels at temperatures under 32 degrees Fahrenheit (most commonly below 15 degrees). This can prevent fuel flow to the engine, clog fuel lines and filters, and cause engine breakdowns.
Use a fuel heater
Fuel heaters are the most effective way to keep diesel fuel from gelling. They constantly monitor the temperature of the fuel and adjust the heating element temperature accordingly. Engine block heaters can also be used to warm up the fuel system.
Store your vehicle in a warm place
Storing your vehicle in a climate-controlled garage or heated environment can protect it from freezing outdoor temperatures. This solution may increase your energy bill, however.
Use a winter-blend fuel
Winter-blend fuels are designed to have a lower gelling point than regular diesel fuel. They contain additives that can help prevent the fuel from gelling in cold temperatures.
Use fuel additives
Additives like anti-gel and flow improvers can improve the cold-weather performance of diesel fuel by lowering the gelling point and improving fuel flow. Diesel Winter Anti-Gel, for example, lowers the fuel's cold filter plugging point (CFPP) to prevent your fuel lines and filters from clogging.
Keep the fuel tank full
A full fuel tank generates less condensation, which can help prevent water from entering the fuel system. Water can contribute to fuel gelling in cold temperatures.
Use kerosene-blended fuel
Kerosene has a lower gelling point than diesel fuel, so it can be mixed with diesel to lower the freezing point. However, kerosene may reduce fuel mileage and efficiency.
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How to ungel diesel fuel
Diesel fuel contains paraffin wax, which gels at temperatures under 32 degrees Fahrenheit. Gelling at 32 degrees is rare, but it can happen at temperatures as high as 20 degrees Fahrenheit, especially if the fuel is of lower quality or mixed with biodiesel. Gelling more commonly occurs at temperatures of 10 to 15 degrees Fahrenheit or lower.
To ungel diesel fuel, you can try the following methods:
- Move your vehicle to a warmer place, such as a heated garage, to allow the fuel to return to its liquid state naturally.
- Use engine block heaters to warm up the fuel system.
- Add a gel-melting or de-gel formula to your tank. The time it takes to work will depend on your tank size and design.
- If you have gelled fuel in your lines or filter, remove your fuel filters, fill them with a de-gel formula and diesel fuel, then reinstall the filters and start the engine.
- Add a diesel fuel anti-gel additive to your tank to help dissolve the gel and return the fuel to a liquid state.
To prevent diesel fuel from gelling:
- Use a diesel fuel additive designed to keep fuel from gelling, such as Hot Shot's Secret's EDT+ Winter Defense or Diesel Winter Anti-Gel. These additives can help lower the temperature at which diesel starts to gel and prevent fuel system blockages.
- Change your fuel filter regularly, as a dirty fuel filter can cause issues even if you're using anti-gel additives.
- Use winterized diesel fuel during the colder months. Winter diesel may be blended with kerosene, which can help protect your fuel in lower temperatures. However, the ability of winterized fuel to resist gelling can vary.
- Park your vehicle in a heated garage or use engine block heaters to keep the fuel warm.
Gelled diesel fuel can hinder your engine's operations and impact your vehicle's ability to start, so it's important to take preventive measures and know how to ungel your fuel if necessary.
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How to identify diesel gelling
Diesel gelling is a common issue in colder climates, and it can be identified through several telltale signs. Firstly, a cloudy appearance in the fuel indicates that the diesel has reached its "cloud point", which is the beginning of the gelling process. This occurs when wax crystals start to form in the fuel due to low temperatures, typically below 32 degrees Fahrenheit (0 degrees Celsius).
As the temperature continues to drop, the diesel approaches its "pour point", which is the temperature at which the fuel loses its ability to flow. This is when you might observe that the engine stops running while idling or throttling, and the vehicle struggles to start or maintain continuous operation. These issues are caused by the fuel failing to reach the combustion chamber due to the formation of wax crystals, which can clog fuel filters and hinder fuel flow.
Another indicator of diesel gelling is the presence of white smoke coming from the exhaust when attempting to accelerate. This is often a sign that the fuel has thickened and is struggling to combust completely.
To prevent and address diesel gelling, there are several measures you can take:
- Use high-quality cold-weather diesel additives or anti-gel supplements to lower the pour and gel points of the fuel, improving engine performance at lower temperatures.
- Keep your vehicle in a garage, preferably heated, to maintain a warmer environment and reduce the likelihood of gelling.
- Maintain more than half a tank of fuel to reduce the opportunity for water or condensation to collect and freeze, contributing to gelling.
- Use kerosene, which has a lower gelling point than diesel, by mixing it with diesel fuel to lower the freezing point.
- In case of gelling, move the vehicle to a warmer place or use engine block heaters to warm up the fuel system.
By being proactive and vigilant, you can effectively identify and address diesel gelling, ensuring the reliable operation of your diesel engine during cold weather.
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Diesel winterization best practices
Diesel fuel contains paraffin wax, which gels at temperatures under 32 degrees Fahrenheit (most commonly below 15 degrees). Gelling at 32 degrees is rare, but it can occur depending on the quality and make-up of the fuel. The higher the paraffin wax content in the fuel, the more likely it is to gel at higher temperatures.
To prevent diesel fuel from gelling, you can either keep it warm or change its properties so that it can withstand colder temperatures. Here are some best practices for diesel winterization:
- Use a winter blend of diesel fuel: Diesel fuel comes in two blends: summer and winter. Summer blend diesel, also known as No. 2 ULSD, does not contain any additives to prevent gelling. Winter blend diesel, on the other hand, is a mixture of No. 2 ULSD and No. 1 diesel/kerosene, which lowers the gel point. The higher the kerosene content, the lower the temperature at which the fuel will gel. However, using high amounts of kerosene in diesel engines is not recommended as it can wear out the fuel pump and cause other issues.
- Add a diesel fuel additive: There are various top-quality fuel additives available on the market that can help prevent diesel fuel gelling. These additives lower the fuel's cold filter plugging point (CFPP), prevent fuel lines and filters from clogging, and allow fuel to flow freely at low temperatures.
- Install a clean fuel filter: Installing a clean fuel filter at the start of winter can help ensure that your diesel engine survives the cold weather. Insulated fuel tank blankets can also be used in some climates.
- Check the battery: In cold weather, batteries generate fewer electrons and may not produce enough current to start an engine. Have a technician perform a battery load test if engine cranking seems slow or labored. Consider adding a battery warmer to keep the battery heated while your vehicle is parked.
- Use glow plugs: Glow plugs can heat each cylinder's combustion chamber and "warm up" a cold engine before it is started.
- Switch to thinner oil: Oil thickness or viscosity is another important factor to consider in cold weather. The oil that most engines use tends to thicken in cold temperatures, leading to starting difficulty and insufficient lubrication. Switching to a thinner oil, such as 5W-40 or 0W-40, can provide better flow and protection in cold weather.
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Frequently asked questions
Diesel fuel typically gels at temperatures below 32°F (0°C). However, gelling can occur at temperatures as high as 40°F (4.4°C) for low-quality fuels, or as low as 10°F (-12°C) for high-quality fuels.
Some signs that your diesel fuel may be gelling include a cloudy fuel appearance, white smoke from the exhaust when accelerating, and the engine stopping while idling. You may also notice sluggish acceleration and reduced performance.
To prevent diesel fuel gelling, you can use a diesel fuel additive or anti-gel, store your vehicle in a heated or temperature-controlled facility, use kerosene, or maintain a full fuel tank to reduce water or condensation.
