Ameer Randolph
Diesel fuel gelling is a common problem for many drivers during the winter season, especially in colder climates. Gelling occurs when the paraffin in diesel solidifies due to a drop in temperature, causing the fuel to thicken and gel. This can clog fuel lines and filters, blocking fuel from powering the engine. To ungel diesel fuel, the most effective method is to apply heat to the fuel system by moving the vehicle to a heated space or using engine block heaters, heat lamps, or heated blankets. Additionally, diesel fuel anti-gel additives can be added to the tank to dissolve the gel and return the fuel to a liquid state. Preventative measures, such as using winter blends, fuel additives, and regularly changing fuel filters, are recommended to avoid gelling.
How to get diesel fuel to ungel
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Prevention | Use a diesel fuel additive that keeps fuel from gelling down to temperatures as low as -40 degrees Fahrenheit. |
| Use winter blends and prime your fuel with a fuel conditioner. | |
| Change your fuel filter every winter. | |
| Use kerosene to prevent diesel fuel from gelling. | |
| Ungelling | Move the vehicle to a heated garage or warmer place. |
| Use a space heater, heat lamp, or engine block heater to warm the fuel tank and fuel lines. | |
| Use a heated blanket around the fuel tank. | |
| Use a de-gel formula in the tank. | |
| Replace the fuel filter and use a diesel anti-gel treatment. | |
| Use a high-quality diesel anti-gel additive or fuel treatment. |
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What You'll Learn
Move the vehicle to a warmer place or use engine block heaters
Moving your vehicle to a warmer place is an effective way to ungel diesel fuel. If you have access to a heated garage, push your vehicle inside and let the fuel tank and fuel lines warm up. If you don't have access to a heated garage, you can try using a space heater or heat lamp to warm the fuel tank and fuel lines. Be cautious when using heat and avoid excessive temperatures or open flames, which could pose a fire hazard or damage fuel system components.
Another option is to use engine block heaters to warm up the fuel system. Engine block heaters are an effective long-term solution for preventing and resolving gelling in cold climates. In an emergency, you can even wrap a heated blanket around the fuel tank to speed up the warming process.
If you're unable to move your vehicle to a warmer place or use engine block heaters, you may need to try other methods to ungel diesel fuel, such as adding a de-gel formula or a diesel fuel anti-gel additive to your tank. However, if your fuel filter is completely clogged with gelled diesel, simply warming the system may not be enough, and you may need to replace the fuel filter.
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Use a de-gel formula
If your diesel engine is not starting or is running roughly with low power, you might be experiencing fuel gelling. This happens when diesel fuel is exposed to low temperatures, usually somewhere between 10°F and 15°F, and can hinder the engine's operations. Gelled diesel fuel will not flow through fuel lines, pumps, or injectors, so the vehicle will not run.
To address this, you can use a de-gel formula, which is distinct from an anti-gel product that is used preventatively. Firstly, you need to remove the fuel filter and fill it with a mixture of de-gel formula and diesel fuel. The ratio should be 50% de-gel formula and 50% diesel fuel. Reinstall the filters and start the engine. Let the engine idle to warm up the fuel system and clear any remaining gelled masses.
There are various de-gel products available, such as Opti-Lube Gel Melt, Diesel 911, and Hot Shot's Secret Diesel Winter Rescue. These products are designed to be added to the tank following the dosing instructions. Depending on the tank size and design, they can take some time to work.
It is important to note that these de-gel products may not be able to reach gelled fuel that is not in the tank, such as in fuel lines and filters. In such cases, you may need to carefully heat the filter with a heat gun or hair dryer. Alternatively, if the filter has a cap or priming screw, you can try adding the de-gel formula directly to the filter.
While de-gel formulas can be effective, it is always better to prevent diesel fuel from gelling in the first place. This can be done by using anti-gel additives, changing your fuel filter regularly, and keeping the fuel warm or stored in a heated space.
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Replace the fuel filter
If your diesel fuel has gelled, you will likely need to replace your fuel filter to get your vehicle's fuel system to function properly again. Gelled diesel can clog your fuel filter, and simply warming up the fuel may not be enough to resolve the issue.
Before you begin, make sure you are wearing thick safety gloves to protect your skin from the bacteria that can grow in diesel fuel.
To replace the fuel filter, first unscrew the filter and dump out its contents. If you are unable to remove the gelled fuel from the filter, you may need to add a degel formula and diesel fuel to the filter before reinstalling it. Once emptied, fill the filter with a degel formula and diesel fuel. Then, screw the filter back on and start the engine.
You can purchase a new fuel filter at a brick-and-mortar store or online. It is recommended that fuel filters be replaced every 10,000 to 25,000 miles, depending on how frequently the vehicle is used, the type of vehicle, and driving habits. A clogged fuel filter can cause poor engine idling, indicated by a rough-feeling or shaky vehicle when running. Additionally, a clogged fuel filter can cause unexpected engine stalling, as high stress is placed on the engine to attempt to receive fuel from the jammed filter.
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Use kerosene to prevent diesel fuel from gelling
Kerosene is a combustible hydrocarbon liquid derived from petroleum. It is used as a fuel for jet engines, furnaces, lamps, and heaters. Kerosene burns at a lower temperature than diesel, which prevents it from gelling in freezing temperatures. This makes it a tempting alternative to diesel fuel in cold climates.
However, using kerosene in a diesel engine comes with risks. Kerosene is a harsher fuel that lacks the lubricating properties of diesel, which can damage a diesel engine's injector pump. Kerosene is also less fuel-efficient, reducing engine power. Additionally, it is considered a polluting fuel by the World Health Organization (WHO) due to its harmful emissions, which can lead to increased health risks.
While kerosene can be used in diesel engines, professionals in the diesel industry do not recommend mixing it with diesel fuel. Instead, they advise using additives, lubricants, and winter-safe diesel engine oil to prevent gelling. These additives target the wax crystals that form in cold conditions, lowering the pour and gel points to improve engine performance at lower temperatures.
To prevent diesel fuel from gelling, it is best to use a diesel fuel additive designed to keep fuel from gelling down to temperatures as low as -40 degrees Fahrenheit. For best results, add the anti-gel formula every time you fill up in cold climates. Additionally, changing your fuel filter regularly can help prevent gelling, as fuel filters can get clogged with wax crystals, impacting engine performance.
In summary, while kerosene can prevent diesel fuel from gelling in freezing temperatures, its use in diesel engines is not recommended due to the risks of engine damage, reduced fuel efficiency, and increased emissions. Instead, focus on using diesel fuel additives and maintaining clean fuel filters to effectively prevent and address diesel fuel gelling.
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Use a diesel fuel anti-gel additive
One way to prevent diesel fuel from gelling is to use a diesel fuel anti-gel additive. These additives are designed to keep fuel from gelling at extremely low temperatures, as low as 40 degrees Fahrenheit. For best results, add the anti-gel formula every time you fill up as long as low temperatures are a concern.
There are a lot of good anti-gel additives on the market. Some popular options include Power Service Diesel Kleen, Amsoil Diesel Injector Clean, and Amsoil Diesel Cetane Boost. It's important to find an additive that you like and use it consistently.
When using an anti-gel additive, it's recommended to add the specified amount directly to your fuel tank and then let it sit for 15 to 30 minutes before starting your engine. This allows the additive to take effect and target the wax crystals that form in cold conditions.
In addition to using an anti-gel additive, it's also a good idea to change your fuel filter every winter. Fuel filters can get clogged with contaminants, which can make your fuel more likely to gel. By combining a clean fuel filter with an anti-gel additive, you can effectively prevent most gelling situations.
While anti-gel additives are a great preventative measure, if your fuel filter is completely clogged with gelled diesel, simply adding an additive may not be enough. In this case, you may need to replace the fuel filter and prime it with a diesel anti-gel treatment to restore fuel flow and get your engine running smoothly again.
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Frequently asked questions
If your engine cranks but won't start, fuel gelling is a likely culprit, especially in freezing temperatures. Check your fuel filter, lines, and tank for cloudy or slushy fuel.
Heat is the most effective way to ungel diesel fuel. Move your vehicle to a heated garage or use a space heater or heat lamp to warm the fuel tank and fuel lines. You can also add a gel melting formula to your tank.
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 as long as the risk of low temperatures is an issue. You can also change your fuel filter every winter and use winterized diesel fuel.
