Sylvie Willis
Diesel fuel can gel or even solidify in cold temperatures, which can cause engine shutdown. This is caused by the formation of wax crystals and ice in the fuel, which clog filters and prevent the engine from operating. This process is known as diesel gelling and can be prevented by taking several precautions. This is known as winterizing diesel fuel.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Diesel fuel | Can gel or solidify in winter |
| Can cause engine shutdown | |
| Contains paraffin wax (petroleum wax) | |
| Gelling occurs when wax crystals form and fall out of the fuel | |
| Wax crystals and ice clog filters and prevent equipment from operating | |
| Gelling is also known as "cloud point" | |
| Gelling occurs at 10-15 degrees Fahrenheit | |
| Gelling can be prevented by insulated fuel tank blankets | |
| Gelling can be prevented by adding a winter fuel additive | |
| Gelling can be prevented by using thinner oil | |
| Gelling can be prevented by using a block heater | |
| Gelling can be prevented by using glow plugs | |
| Gelling can be prevented by using a cold flow improver (CFI) | |
| Gelling can be prevented by using a water-removing fuel additive | |
| Gelling can be prevented by using a lighter-weight engine oil | |
| Gelling can be prevented by using a battery warmer | |
| Gelling can be prevented by using a blend of No. 2 and No. 1 diesel |
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What You'll Learn
Use anti-gel additives
Diesel fuel contains paraffin wax, which can cause gelling in winter. Gelling occurs when wax crystals form and fall out of the fuel, clogging filters and preventing the engine from operating. To prevent this, anti-gel additives can be used.
Anti-gel additives are a common method to prevent diesel gelling. They work by lowering the cloud point of the fuel, which is the temperature at which paraffin wax begins to precipitate. By lowering the cloud point, the additive prevents wax crystals from forming and sticking together, thus avoiding clogging. Some additives also improve the lubricity of the wax molecules.
Anti-gel additives are available from several manufacturers, including Penray, Hot Shot's Secret, Power Service, and Howes. These additives are designed to keep fuel flowing at low temperatures and prevent wax crystal growth. They are typically added directly to the fuel tank during each refuelling in the winter months, ensuring proper mixing and maximizing effectiveness.
The use of anti-gel additives is recommended for all diesel engines, including semi-trucks, pickup trucks, farm equipment, and standard automotive vehicles. It is important to consult the engine manufacturer's recommendations on fuel treatments, as some additives may cause damage to certain injection systems.
In addition to anti-gel additives, it is also important to consider the water content of the fuel. Water in the fuel tank can cause issues in winter, and some additives can help address this by drying the fuel. Overall, the use of anti-gel additives is an effective way to prevent diesel fuel gelling and keep engines operating smoothly in cold weather.
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Check your glow plugs
Glow plugs are an essential component of diesel engines, especially during winter. They heat the air inside the engine's combustion chamber to almost 1,900 degrees Fahrenheit, warming up the engine before ignition.
To check your glow plugs, you can use a multimeter to test their resistance. Here's a step-by-step guide:
- Consult your vehicle's manual to locate the glow plugs.
- Remove any connector pieces or caps. These may be dirty or rusty, so cleaning them beforehand is recommended.
- Set your multimeter to read ohms.
- Place the red positive lead of the multimeter onto the plug, followed by attaching the black negative lead to a grounding source. You can consult your owner's manual to find a suitable grounding point, or you can use the engine block.
- Make a note of the reading, which should ideally be between 0.6 and 2 ohms.
- Compare the readings of all the glow plugs. If one or two plugs have significantly lower temperature readings, they may not be functioning optimally.
- Remove any glow plugs with readings greater than 2 ohms, as they may need replacement.
It is important to note that this test may yield false positives, so it is recommended to use a specific testing device for glow plugs or an infrared thermometer for further verification.
Additionally, you can perform periodic checks to ensure the electrical connectors are clean and free from dirt and corrosion, as this can disrupt current flow. Upgrading to high-performance glow plugs can also enhance engine performance and improve durability.
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Switch to thinner oil
Diesel fuel can gel or even solidify in winter weather, causing engine shutdowns. This gelling occurs when wax crystals form and fall out of the fuel, along with ice, clogging filters and preventing the engine from operating. The wax begins to turn from liquid to crystals at 32 degrees Fahrenheit, and becomes a gel at 10-15 degrees Fahrenheit.
To prevent this, you can switch to a thinner oil, such as 5W-40 or 0W-40. This will help to ensure better flow and protection, and will also increase oil pressure. 0W-40 is recommended for subzero temperatures. Using thinner oil will also reduce the stress on your truck's battery, starter, and fuel system.
If you are driving in areas where temperatures are consistently below freezing, it is also recommended to switch your windshield wiper fluid to a cold-temperature blend. This is because wiper fluid not suited for colder temperatures may freeze and expand in your reservoir, causing it to crack or damaging your pump.
Other ways to winterize your diesel fuel include using insulated fuel tank blankets, adding a winter fuel additive, and installing a clean fuel filter at the start of winter.
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Use insulated fuel tank blankets
Insulated fuel tank blankets are a great way to winterize diesel fuel and ensure your engine remains reliable during the colder months. Diesel fuel contains paraffin wax, which can solidify in winter weather, causing gelling that clogs fuel filters and tanks. This can prevent engines from getting fuel and lead to shut-downs.
Insulated fuel tank blankets provide an even and continuous heat source, preventing the diesel from reaching the gelling point. These blankets are designed with adjustable straps for a secure fit and are made from water, wear, and UV-resistant materials. They are a safe and effective way to keep your diesel fuel flowing.
To achieve significant temperature gains, consider using a silicone heater adhered to the bottom of the tank, along with insulation blankets to retain the heat. This combination can maintain oil temperatures of 75°F even in 10°F environments.
It is important to note that diesel winterization is crucial for those operating in colder regions. By not properly winterizing diesel fuel, you risk being unprepared for your environment, similar to not having chains or inappropriate seasonal clothing. Therefore, utilizing insulated fuel tank blankets can be an essential step in ensuring your diesel engine functions optimally during the winter.
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Check your battery
Diesel engines can be temperamental in winter, and the cold weather can wreak havoc on the fuel and the engine. To ensure your vehicle runs smoothly, it is important to check your battery and take preventative measures.
The lower the temperature, the fewer electrons a battery generates, and thus it is unable to produce sufficient current to start an engine. If your engine cranking is slow or seems labored, have a technician or, if you have the equipment, perform a battery load test yourself. You can also take your battery to O'Reilly Auto Parts, which will test your battery and alternator for free. If you need to replace the battery, consider adding a battery warmer to keep the new cell heated while your vehicle is parked.
Another option is to add glow plugs, which can heat each cylinder's combustion chamber to almost 1,900 degrees Fahrenheit, warming up a cold engine before it is started. You can test glow plugs using a specific testing device, or, if you want to save money, use a multimeter to check the plugs' resistance. Place one point on the battery's positive post and the other on the plug's body. The reading should be between .6 and 2 ohms. After checking all of the plugs, remove those with readings greater than 2 ohms. Always install factory-manufactured or endorsed glow plugs if possible.
Using thinner oil will also help take some of the stress off a diesel truck's battery, starter, and fuel system. Switching to 5W-40 oil provides better flow and protection, and it also thickens enough to increase oil pressure. Diesels used in subzero cold will probably fare very well with ultra-thin 0W-40.
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Frequently asked questions
Diesel winterization is the process of preparing diesel fuel to withstand cold temperatures. Diesel fuel can gel or even solidify in winter weather, which can prevent an engine from getting fuel.
Diesel winterization is important to ensure that your diesel engine remains reliable during the winter months. Gelling can cause engine shutdown and lead to inconvenient and expensive downtime or towing charges.
There are several ways to winterize diesel fuel. One common method is to add a winter fuel additive, such as Penray Winter Pow-R Plus, which helps to "`dry`" the fuel and lower its gel point. Another method is to use insulated fuel tank blankets. Additionally, it is recommended to install a clean fuel filter at the start of winter and consider using a lighter-weight engine oil, such as switching from 15W-40 to 5W-40.
If your engine is experiencing slow or labored cranking, it may be a sign that your diesel fuel needs to be winterized. Weak batteries often die in cold temperatures, so it is important to test your battery and consider adding a battery warmer. Additionally, checking your glow plugs and block heaters is crucial to ensure proper engine functionality during the winter.
