Katerina Swanson
Diesel fuel gelling is a common issue for diesel vehicles in colder climates. Gelling occurs when the temperature of the fuel drops, causing the wax naturally found in diesel to solidify and the fuel to thicken. This can hinder the engine's operations and impact the vehicle's ability to start. Gelling can occur at temperatures as high as 20°F, but this varies depending on the source and quality of the fuel. To ungel diesel fuel at home, you can use a de-gel formula or additive, such as Hot Shot's Secret Diesel Winter Rescue, or move your vehicle to a heated garage. Preventative measures include using fuel additives with anti-gel properties, such as Hot Shot's Secret Diesel Winter Anti-Gel, storing your vehicle in a climate-controlled garage, or using kerosene to modify the fuel mixture.
How to Ungel Diesel Fuel at Home
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What is diesel fuel gelling? | Gelling occurs when the temperature of the fuel drops so low that the wax naturally found in the fuel begins to crystallize. |
| Why does diesel gel? | Diesel fuel naturally contains wax, so when the temperature drops below a certain point, the fuel begins to gel. |
| At what temperature does diesel gel? | Gelling can occur at temperatures as high as 20 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on the source and quality of the fuel. |
| How to identify if diesel has gelled? | Your diesel engine won't start or stops running in cold temperatures. |
| How to ungel diesel fuel? | Use a de-gel formula or fuel additive, store the vehicle in a heated garage, use kerosene, or replace the fuel filter. |
| How to prevent diesel fuel from gelling? | Use a diesel fuel additive, winter blends, or fuel conditioner. |
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What You'll Learn
Use a fuel additive to ungel diesel fuel
Diesel fuel naturally contains wax, so when the temperature drops, the fuel begins to gel. Gelling can occur at temperatures as high as 20 degrees Fahrenheit. The amount of paraffin wax in diesel fuel depends on the crude oil used to produce it and the manufacturing process.
One way to ungel diesel fuel at home is to use a fuel additive. Fuel additives are a cost-effective solution to prevent your vehicle from breaking down. They are also easy to use. For example, you can use Hot Shot's Diesel Winter Anti-Gel, which recommends 4 ounces per 31 gallons in all temperature ranges. You can also use CleanBoost® Sno-Cat™. Pour an ounce of Sno-Cat™ for every 10 gallons of fuel remaining in the gelled tank. Then, remove the frozen diesel fuel filter and pour Sno-Cat™ directly on the filter element and the filter housing.
You can also use a de-gel formula. Add it to the tank, but also remove the fuel filter and add de-gel and regular diesel fuel. If you don't have a clean filter, you can add a mix of de-gel formula and regular diesel fuel, then reinstall.
Another option is to use kerosene, which has a lower gelling point than diesel fuel. You can mix it with diesel fuel to lower the freezing point. However, kerosene has its disadvantages, such as reduced fuel mileage and efficiency.
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Warm the fuel system using engine block heaters
If your diesel fuel has gelled, you will likely be unable to start your engine or your engine may stop running in cold temperatures. Gelled fuel won't pump through fuel lines and can clog the fuel filter. To address this issue, you can push your vehicle into a heated garage or wait for temperatures to rise. Alternatively, you can use a de-gel formula or fuel additive/conditioner, such as CleanBoost® Sno-Cat™.
If you want to warm the fuel system using engine block heaters, here are some suggestions:
Firstly, it is important to understand how diesel fuel gelling occurs. Diesel fuel naturally contains wax, so when the temperature drops, the fuel can begin to gel as the wax solidifies. This typically happens at temperatures between 10 and 20 degrees Fahrenheit, but it can vary depending on the quality of the fuel blend and the amount of paraffin wax present. Biodiesel, for example, tends to gel at higher temperatures than conventional diesel.
To prevent diesel fuel from gelling, you can use a winter blend diesel, also known as #1 diesel, which contains less paraffin. You can also prime your fuel with a fuel conditioner like Sno-Cat™. However, if your fuel has already gelled, you may need to take additional steps to warm the fuel system and engine.
One option is to use engine block heaters, which are devices that are placed in the engine block to warm the engine and fuel system. This can help to thaw gelled fuel and prevent further gelling. Engine block heaters are typically plugged into an electrical outlet and can be left overnight or for several hours before starting the vehicle. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for safe and proper use.
In addition to using engine block heaters, you can also try the following:
- Park your vehicle in a heated garage or indoor space to keep it warm and prevent the fuel from gelling.
- Use fuel additives or de-gel formulas specifically designed to prevent and treat gelled diesel fuel. Follow the instructions on the product for proper usage.
- Check your fuel filter and fuel lines for gel-like particles and replace them if necessary. A dirty or clogged fuel filter can affect engine performance even if you are using anti-gel additives.
By following these suggestions, you can effectively warm the fuel system using engine block heaters and prevent diesel fuel gelling in cold temperatures.
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Use kerosene to prevent diesel fuel from gelling
Kerosene, also known as #1 diesel fuel oil, can be mixed with diesel to prevent it from gelling in cold temperatures. This is because kerosene burns at a lower temperature than diesel, preventing it from thickening and turning waxy in cold weather. Mixing in 10% kerosene will lower the cold filter plugging point of a diesel fuel blend by 5 degrees.
However, kerosene is a harsher fuel that contains very little lubricity, which can cause damage to your diesel's injector pump. To avoid this, you can add a lubricant to the kerosene. Kerosene is also a polluting fuel, so it is not recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) for household use.
If you are using kerosene in your vehicle, you should be aware of the laws and regulations regarding fuel use on public roads. In Canada and the United States, using fuel that hasn't been properly vetted and taxed is prohibited and could result in a fine.
Instead of using kerosene, you can also use high-quality cold-weather diesel additives to prevent your diesel fuel from gelling. These additives can lower the pour and gel points, improving engine performance at lower temperatures. You can purchase these additives from any automotive supply store and add them to your fuel tank according to the instructions on the bottle.
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Replace the fuel filter
To replace the fuel filter, you'll need to relieve the pressure in your vehicle's fuel system, disconnect the battery, and jack up your vehicle if the filter is underneath it rather than in the engine bay. Before changing a diesel fuel filter, it is important to consult your owner's manual for the replacement schedule and filter size. Typically, fuel filters should be changed every 10,000 to 25,000 miles, depending on how frequently the vehicle is used, the type of vehicle, and driving style.
Now, locate the primary fuel filter, which is usually on the fuel line underneath the vehicle. Place an oil drain pan directly underneath the filter to catch any spilled fuel. 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.
Next, remove the fuel lines from the filter. With the clips removed, slide the fuel lines away from the filter and tip them toward the bowl or bucket to catch any spilled fuel. Wear eye protection and gloves during this step to protect yourself from fuel splatter. Ensure that no fuel is poured onto the ground.
The fuel filter is likely held in place by a metal bracket that wraps around its outer housing. With the fuel lines disconnected, slide the fuel filter out of the bracket by pushing it toward the front of the car. The fuel filter will have a slight bell shape, allowing it to slide out in only one direction.
Finally, slide the new fuel filter into the bracket. Ensure that it slides in easily, as forcing it may indicate that it is not the correct diameter or size. The fuel filter should stop when it is seated properly, and you should be careful not to damage the housing, as this may cause a leak. Fasten the fuel filter to the fuel line by sliding the fuel lines onto the front and back of the filter the same way they were attached to the old one.
After replacing the fuel filter, properly dispose of the old filter and any spilled diesel fuel. Do not dump the old diesel fuel down a drain or dispose of it with your trash. Instead, recycle it at an auto parts centre or a suitable recycling centre in your area.
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Move your vehicle to a heated garage
If your diesel fuel has gelled, one of the solutions is to move your vehicle to a heated garage. Garages are often not designed to be warm, and they lack insulation, but there are several ways to heat a garage.
Firstly, you can insulate your garage. This is a great start, but it may not be enough to keep the space warm. To insulate your garage, you can use materials such as fiberglass batts, rigid foam, or blown-in insulation to insulate the walls, ceiling, and floor. Proper insulation will prevent heat loss and keep the garage warm.
If you have a concrete floor, using rugs or carpets can help insulate the garage and keep it warm.
There are also several heating solutions you can install in your garage. Space heaters are a cost-effective way to heat your garage. They are easy to use, requiring you to simply find a good spot and plug them in. They are also available in various types, such as electric, combustion, ceramic, infrared, electronic, propane, or natural gas heaters. However, they can be a fire hazard, so it is important to follow safety guidelines, such as keeping them away from flammable materials and never leaving them unattended.
Convection heaters are another option, which can be powered by electricity, natural gas, or propane. They heat the air within the room by circulating air convection currents.
Ductless or split systems are an energy-efficient and eco-friendly option that is easier to install than traditional HVAC systems.
A forced-air heater is another solution, which works by blasting hot air around the garage to create warmth.
Underfloor radiant heating is an extremely effective and energy-efficient option. Electric cables are laid under the flooring and produce heat that radiates upward to warm the garage evenly and consistently.
Stoves and fireplaces are another option, but they require maintenance and can be dangerous due to how hot they can get.
Overall, there are various ways to heat a garage, which can help you move your vehicle with gelled diesel fuel to a warmer space.
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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. Gelled fuel won't be able to pass through the fuel lines to power the engine.
You can use a de-gel formula or fuel additive, which you add to the tank. You may also need to remove the fuel filter and add a mixture of de-gel formula and regular diesel fuel. Alternatively, you can try warming up the fuel system by moving your vehicle to a heated garage or using engine block heaters.
You can use a fuel additive that's designed to keep fuel from gelling, such as Hot Shot's Diesel Winter Anti-Gel or CleanBoost® Sno-Cat™. You can also use kerosene, which has a lower gelling point than diesel, by mixing it with your diesel fuel.
