Sylvie Willis
Gelled diesel fuel is a common problem for many drivers during the winter season. This happens when the paraffin in diesel solidifies due to a drop in temperature, causing blockages in the fuel lines and fuel filter, and preventing fuel from reaching the engine. This can be a very expensive issue to fix, so it's important to act quickly. There are a few ways to degel diesel fuel lines, including using a de-gel formula, moving your vehicle to a heated space, or using a fuel additive designed to keep fuel from gelling.
How to Degel Diesel Fuel Lines
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How to identify gelled diesel | Engine won't start or stops running in cold temperatures |
| Reason for gelling | Diesel fuel contains wax which crystallizes in cold temperatures |
| Temperature range for gelling | 10-15°F, with potential issues arising even at 32°F |
| Prevention | Use fuel additives, winter blends, or fuel conditioner |
| Solution | Use de-gel formula, push vehicle into heated garage, or wait for temperature to rise |
| De-gel products | Diesel Hot Line, CleanBoost® Diesel Rescue Emergency De-Gel™, Sno-Cat™ |
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What You'll Learn
Use a de-gel formula
If your diesel engine won't start or stops running in cold temperatures, you likely have gelled fuel. Gelled fuel won't pump through fuel lines, and you'll need to take steps to ungel it. One way to do this is by using a de-gel formula.
De-gel formulas, such as CleanBoost® Diesel Rescue Emergency De-Gel™, are designed to get you out of an emergency situation and back on the road as soon as possible. It works to re-liquefy gelled diesel fuel, thawing out frozen fuel filters and removing water from the fuel system. It is important to have a de-gel formula on hand and stored in your truck, as emergencies can happen quickly and without notice.
To use a de-gel formula, you'll need to add it to your tank. However, you'll also need to remove the fuel filter and add de-gel and regular diesel fuel. If you don't have a clean fuel filter to install, you can add a mix of de-gel formula and regular diesel fuel, then reinstall the filter. It is important to note that de-gel formulas are hard on the system, so it is recommended to use heat to ungel diesel fuel if possible.
The amount of de-gel formula to use depends on the temperature and the specific product you're using. Be sure to carefully read and follow the instructions on the formula you purchase. For example, Hot Shot's Diesel Winter Anti-Gel recommends using 4 ounces per 31 gallons in all temperature ranges. Additionally, it is important to consider the type of diesel fuel in your tank, as each type reacts differently to cold temperatures.
While de-gel formulas can be effective in un-gelling diesel fuel, it is always better to prevent diesel fuel from gelling in the first place. This can be done by using diesel fuel additives designed to keep fuel from gelling, such as Schaeffer Mfg's Winterized Diesel Treat 2000 or Arctic Flow Plus+. These additives can be added every time you fill up during the winter months to ensure your fuel doesn't gel.
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Get vehicle into a normal temperature zone
If your diesel engine won't start or stops running in cold temperatures, you likely have gelled fuel. Gelled fuel won't pump through fuel lines, and you'll need to take steps to get your vehicle into a normal temperature zone to resolve the issue.
The easiest way to do this is to push your vehicle into a heated garage. This will allow the fuel to return to normal naturally. If you don't have access to a heated garage, you can wait for the temperature outside to rise. However, this may take some time, and you risk further damage to your vehicle the longer it remains in an abnormal temperature zone.
If you're in a cold location and can't access a heated space, you can try using a gel-melting formula, such as Diesel Hot Line (#284), which is designed to re-liquefy gelled diesel fuel. Be sure to follow the instructions on the formula carefully. For example, for Diesel Hot Line, you'll need to add 1 quart of the product to every 50 gallons of fuel in your vehicle's tank. You'll also need to disconnect the fuel filter assembly, remove any gelled fuel, and add 2-3 ounces of Diesel Hot Line to the assembly before reconnecting it. Then, wait 15 to 20 minutes to restart the engine.
It's important to monitor your vehicle's temperature gauge to ensure it's operating within the normal range. Most experts agree that your engine should run between 195 and 220 degrees Fahrenheit, with the needle on the temperature gauge in the middle. On hot days when you're running the air conditioning, you may notice a higher reading, which is normal as long as the needle doesn't continue to move up. If the needle creeps into the red zone, it's a sign that your engine is overheating, and you should stop driving immediately to avoid severe damage to the engine block, cylinder head, or other parts.
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$108.99
Use a gel melting formula
If you're dealing with gelled diesel fuel, the easiest solution is to move your vehicle to a heated space, allowing the fuel to return to its normal state. However, if you don't have access to a heated area or the temperature is expected to remain low, you'll need to take additional steps to address the issue. Here's where a gel melting formula comes into play.
Gel melting formulas, also known as de-gel formulas, are designed to help you in emergencies when your diesel fuel has already gelled. These formulas can effectively ungel diesel fuel and get your vehicle back on the road. One such product is CleanBoost® Diesel Rescue Emergency De-Gel™, which is formulated to instantly reliquify gelled diesel fuel. It's essential to have these solutions on hand before you need them, as emergencies can happen quickly and without warning.
To use a gel melting formula, follow these steps:
- Purchase a reputable gel melting formula like Opti-Lube Gel Melt, Diesel 911, or CleanBoost® Diesel Rescue Emergency De-Gel™.
- Disconnect the fuel filter assembly and remove any gelled fuel that is accessible.
- Add the gel melting formula directly to the fuel tank and the fuel filter assembly. Refer to the product's instructions for the correct dosage, as it will vary depending on the formula and your tank size. For example, Diesel Hot Line recommends adding 1 quart to every 50 gallons of fuel in the tank and 2-3 ounces to the fuel filter assembly.
- Reinstall the fuel filter assembly.
- Wait for the gel melting formula to take effect. The time required will depend on the formula used and your tank design. For Diesel Hot Line, it's recommended to wait for 15 to 20 minutes before restarting the engine.
- Start the engine and let it idle for a few minutes to heat up the fuel system before resuming normal operation.
While gel melting formulas can be a lifesaver in emergencies, it's always better to prevent diesel fuel from gelling in the first place. This can be achieved by using high-quality diesel fuel and adding fuel additives with anti-gel properties, especially during colder months. Additionally, regularly changing your fuel filter can help reduce the chances of gelling, as a clean fuel filter holds fewer contaminants that contribute to the gelling process.
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Remove and replace fuel filters
To remove and replace your diesel fuel filters, you will need to locate the primary fuel filter, which is usually found on the fuel line between the fuel tank and the engine. Place an oil drain pan directly underneath the filter to catch any fuel that may leak out during the removal process. With the proper tool, usually an Allen wrench or a hex tool, remove the fuel filter housing plug and allow the fuel to drain into the pan. Once completely drained, secure the plug back in its place.
Now, remove the first fuel filter. Loosen the cap using a wrench and socket, and once removed, extract the filter from its housing. You may need to use a flathead screwdriver to separate the O-ring on the cap; be sure to dispose of the old ring as the new filter will come with a new one. Before installing the new fuel filter, compare it with the one you removed. Ensure they have the same outside diameter, nozzle size, and bracket fit. If they do not match, you must obtain the correct replacement filter.
Slide the new fuel filter into the bracket; it should easily slide in, and only be able to slide out from one direction. Now, locate the secondary fuel filter, which is usually found near the engine. Repeat the above process for this filter, moving the oil drain pan underneath the plug. Finally, dispose of the old fuel filters and diesel fuel at a suitable recycling center.
It is important to replace clogged or damaged diesel fuel filters as they can result in unnecessary strain on the vehicle, leading to poor fuel efficiency and potential damage to the engine and fuel injectors. It is recommended to change both filters before colder weather arrives, and to do so approximately every 10,000 to 25,000 miles, depending on the vehicle's usage and driving conditions.
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Use fuel additives
Using fuel additives is an effective way to de-gel diesel fuel lines. It is a simple and cost-effective solution that you can perform yourself. There are a variety of products available, such as CleanBoost® Diesel Rescue™ 32oz, which is an emergency de-gel formula that can quickly re-liquefy gelled diesel fuel, thaw frozen fuel lines, and remove water from the fuel system. It is important to follow the instructions on the product you choose and add the recommended dosage to your fuel tank. For example, a suggested ratio for CleanBoost® Sno-Cat™ is an ounce of the product for every 10 gallons of fuel in the tank.
You can also use a combination of products to prevent gelling and address gelled fuel lines, fuel filters, and injector rails. CleanBoost® offers a combo pack of Diesel Rescue™ + Sno-Cat™. In addition to using fuel additives, it is recommended to maintain a clean fuel filter. A clean fuel filter, combined with an anti-gel additive, can help resist most gelling situations.
To prevent gelling, it is also advised to use a winter blend of diesel fuel during the colder months. Winterized diesel fuel is available at many fuel stations, but the ability to resist gelling can vary. Therefore, it is beneficial to add your own anti-gel formula when filling up. Additionally, changing your fuel filter every winter can help prevent gelling, as fuel filters accumulate contaminants that promote fuel gelling.
While fuel additives are a convenient solution, it is worth noting that they may not dissolve well in cold fuel. As an alternative, you can try warming up the fuel and additive to enhance their effectiveness. This can be done by using a hair dryer or engine heat, but caution is advised to avoid any safety hazards.
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Frequently asked questions
If your diesel engine won't start or stops running in cold temperatures, it's likely that your fuel has gelled.
To prevent gelling, you can use a diesel fuel additive that's designed to keep fuel from gelling. For best results, add the anti-gel formula every time you fill up in low-temperature conditions.
The easiest way to ungel diesel fuel is to get the vehicle into a normal temperature zone. You can push it into a heated garage or wait for the temperature to rise. If this isn't possible, you can use a de-gel formula or a gel melting formula.
Remove the fuel filters and fill them with a de-gel formula and diesel fuel. Reinstall the filters and start the engine.
