Sylvie Willis
Frozen fuel lines can stop an engine from running, as the fuel cannot reach the combustion chamber. This can be caused by water vapour freezing in the fuel line due to cold temperatures. Gelled fuel is another issue that can affect diesel engines in the winter, where the natural paraffin wax content of the fuel thickens and clogs the fuel filter. To unstick a frozen in-tank fuel pump, you can try keeping the battery charged, keeping the fuel tank full, using ethanol fuel, adding fresh gasoline, placing a portable heater under the car, or using a fuel treatment.
How to unstick a frozen in-tank fuel pump
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fuel type | Diesel |
| Fuel level | Keep the tank full |
| Fuel additives | Use ethanol fuel, thawing additives, or anti-gel |
| Temperature | Park the car in a warm place |
| Maintenance | Check for dirt and debris, use penetrating oil, tap the pump |
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What You'll Learn
Keep the fuel tank full
Keeping your fuel tank full is a simple yet effective way to prevent your fuel pump from freezing. It is a good idea to keep your tank above a quarter full in the winter months. This is because the fuel pump runs cooler when it sits in fuel, which is beneficial for its longevity.
A full tank of gas leaves less room for condensation to form. When temperatures drop, condensation is more likely to occur inside your fuel tank, and this condensation can then drip into the fuel. This can cause issues with the fuel mixture and freezing. The more fuel in the tank, the less air and moisture there is, and therefore the less chance of freezing.
Topping up your tank can also help remove any cold air from the tank, and if your fuel line is frozen, it is a good idea to fill up the tank and drive around to put some miles on the car. This will help to burn off the wet gas and prevent refreezing.
It is also important to note that the weight of the fuel in the tank can impact the performance of your vehicle. A full tank means you are lugging around more weight, which can affect your fuel efficiency. However, this is a small price to pay to avoid a frozen fuel pump and the issues that come with it.
So, while it may seem like an unnecessary expense, keeping your fuel tank full during the winter is a wise investment to protect your car's fuel pump and other components from freezing temperatures and condensation.
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Use a thawing additive
If your fuel pump is frozen, it is likely due to water and water vapour in your fuel lines freezing due to cold temperatures. This can be prevented by keeping your fuel tank as full as possible, as this reduces the space available for water vapour to collect.
To unstick your frozen fuel pump, you can use a fuel line antifreeze treatment, which is an alcohol-based fuel additive. This will absorb the water in your fuel lines. You can add two or three bottles of the additive to your tank and wait a couple of hours for it to work. Turn your key to the "on" position and listen for the fuel pump. With the key on and the pump running, get out and rock your car's body back and forth by pushing on the side. This will help the antifreeze to mix in with your fuel. If you don't have the ability to heat the lines, just turn the key on for 10 seconds and off for 30 seconds. Repeat this cycle until you can start the engine.
You can also try adding fresh gasoline to your tank, which works best when the tank is near empty. The addition of new fuel will help what's left in the tank to overcome the frozen effects.
It's important to buy a bottle of a thawing additive before you have a cold-weather problem. Bell Performance offers a selection of effective cold-weather treatments, including Quick Thaw treatment for diesel and gasoline. HEET is another recommended additive.
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Use ethanol fuel
Using ethanol-based fuel is an effective way to prevent and address frozen in-tank fuel pumps. Ethanol, or ethyl alcohol, is a common additive in modern gasoline, typically comprising up to 10% of the fuel mixture. This additive helps to reduce exhaust emissions from vehicles.
Ethanol-based fuel can be a practical solution to prevent fuel pump freezing, as it absorbs water that may be present in the fuel tank. Water vapour tends to condense inside fuel tanks in cold weather, and this condensation can mix with the fuel, potentially freezing and causing blockages in the fuel lines. By absorbing this water, ethanol-based fuel helps to prevent this issue.
Additionally, ethanol lowers the freezing point of water, ensuring that the fuel remains liquid even in cold temperatures. This property helps maintain a smooth flow of fuel to the engine, reducing the likelihood of a frozen fuel pump.
To utilise this method, simply fill your tank with ethanol-based fuel, ensuring that your car has at least a quarter of a tank. This simple step can help prevent the fuel lines from freezing and address any existing ice buildup in the system.
It is worth noting that while ethanol-based fuel can be effective, it may not be a suitable solution for all vehicles. It is always advisable to consult your vehicle manufacturer before using any fuel additives to ensure compatibility and avoid potential restrictions.
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Tap the pump gently
If your fuel pump is frozen, you can try tapping the pump gently to help free it up. This method can be used in conjunction with lubricating the pump with a spray penetrating oil like WD-40 or PB B'laster. You might need to let the oil soak overnight before gently tapping the pump again.
Gently tapping the pump with a hammer can help to unstick it. This method was used by a user on the website utterpower.com, who was able to get their frozen injection pump fuel rack working again by placing a few hard taps with a ball peen hammer on the large bolts holding the injector pump in place.
It is important to act quickly if your fuel pump is frozen, as it can cause your engine to be unable to run. Frozen fuel lines are caused by water vapour in the fuel line freezing due to cold temperatures, which prevents fuel from getting to the combustion chamber.
There are other methods to try to unstick a frozen fuel pump, such as keeping your battery charged, keeping your fuel tank as full as possible, and using ethanol fuel or a diesel fuel additive.
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Keep diesel fuel in your pump
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Frequently asked questions
To prevent your fuel pump from freezing, keep your fuel tank as full as possible. Having a full fuel tank reduces the space available for water vapour to collect, thus reducing the possibility of freezing.
If your fuel pump is frozen, you can try placing a portable heater under the car and under the hood to warm the gas lines. You can also try adding fresh gasoline, especially if your tank is near empty.
Keep your battery charged. When the fuel line freezes, the tendency is to start the engine multiple times in an effort to get it started. Without a full battery charge, the engine will not be able to turn over. You can also use ethanol fuel, which helps prevent fuel line freeze because of its ability to absorb water.
