Sylvie Willis
Diesel fuel contains paraffin wax, which can cause the fuel to gel at low temperatures. This process can damage diesel engines and cause issues with starting the vehicle. The temperature at which this occurs is called the cloud point, and it varies depending on the quality and composition of the fuel, as well as environmental conditions. Generally, diesel fuel starts to gel at temperatures at or below 20°F (-6.6°C), but it can occur at higher temperatures depending on the fuel. To prevent diesel fuel from gelling, it is recommended to use fuel additives, keep fuel tanks full, and store diesel at temperatures between 30°F and 70°F (approximately -1°C and 21°C).
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Temperature at which diesel fuel begins to gel | Below 10°F (-12°C) or 15°F (-9°C) |
| Temperature at which diesel fuel reaches cloud point | 32°F (most commonly) |
| Temperature at which wax crystals begin to form | 15°F or lower |
| Temperature at which gelled diesel fuel clogs fuel filters | Below 10°F (-12°C) |
| Temperature to store diesel at to prevent gelling | Between 30°F and 70°F |
| Ratio of kerosene to diesel fuel to prevent gelling | 20:80 |
| Additives to prevent gelling | Power Service Diesel Fuel Supplement +Cetane, Howes 103060 Diesel Antifreeze and Conditioner, STA-BIL Diesel All Season Anti Gel, REV X Distance+ Gold Diesel Treatment, Lucas Oil 10013 Fuel Treatment |
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What You'll Learn
Diesel fuel gelling occurs at or below 20°F (-12°C)
Diesel fuel gelling is a common issue faced by drivers in freezing temperatures. Gelling occurs when wax crystals form in the fuel, resulting in clogged fuel filters, reduced engine power, and even complete engine shutdown. While there is no exact temperature at which diesel fuel starts to gel, it generally begins to gel at temperatures at or below 20°F (-12°C).
The presence of paraffin wax in diesel fuel is the main reason for gelling in cold weather. Paraffin wax thickens and crystallizes at low temperatures, causing the fuel to become cloudy and resistant to flow. This is known as the cloud point, and higher-quality diesel fuel has a lower cloud point, making it less prone to gelling.
To prevent diesel fuel gelling, it is recommended to use fuel additives that lower the cloud point and gelling point. These additives, such as Power Service Diesel Fuel Supplement +Cetane, can be added to the fuel when temperatures drop below 30°F. Another preventative measure is to maintain the fuel tank at a certain level; keeping the tank full reduces air space and minimizes condensation, which can lead to frozen fuel.
Additionally, parking in a temperature-controlled environment, such as a heated garage, can help prevent cold start issues. For those operating in extremely cold climates, using a block heater to warm up the engine and fluids before driving is essential to avoid engine damage. In some cases, a ratio of 20% kerosene to 80% diesel fuel can also prevent gelling while providing necessary lubrication for the engine.
It is important to note that gelling rates can vary depending on the diesel fuel's additives, quality, and environmental conditions. Therefore, being vigilant about engine performance and taking proactive measures to prevent gelling are crucial to avoid critical engine damage.
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Gelling is caused by paraffin wax crystallisation
Gelling is a term used to describe the crystallisation of waxes in diesel fuel in extremely cold weather. This phenomenon can prevent fuel flow to the engine or clog fuel lines and filters, rendering the fuel useless. Gelling is specifically caused by the crystallisation of paraffin wax, also known as petroleum wax, which is a naturally occurring component of No. 2 diesel fuel. Under normal operating conditions, paraffin wax remains in its liquid form, but in cold temperatures, it can thicken and crystallise, leading to fuel gelling.
The cloud point of diesel fuel is the temperature at which the waxes in the fuel crystallise enough to give it a cloudy or hazy appearance. For No. 2 diesel, the cloud point is typically around 14°F (-10°C). As the temperature continues to drop, the waxes can cause the fuel to gel and clog fuel supply and filters. This is known as the Cold Filter Plugging Point (CFPP), which indicates the lowest possible temperature that diesel fuel can pass through a 45-micron filter. The CFPP typically falls within a few degrees of the fuel's cloud point.
To prevent diesel fuel from gelling, fuel heaters or fuel warmers can be used to maintain the fuel at a set temperature in freezing conditions. Additionally, winter-blend fuel additives, such as AFC 805, can lower the cloud point of diesel fuel by dissolving the bonds in the paraffin wax. Cold flow improvers, such as those found in BOSS All Season Diesel Fuel Additive, can also help by changing the shape of the paraffin structure and breaking the waxy bonds into smaller particles.
In extreme cases, a blend of diesel fuel and kerosene can be used to prevent gelling while still providing the necessary lubrication for the engine. However, it is important to consult the owner's manual to ensure that this type of mixture is safe for the specific engine. Proper maintenance, such as changing fuel filters before cold weather arrives and removing water through tank maintenance procedures, can also help to prevent gelling and icing issues in diesel fuel.
It is worth noting that diesel gelling occurs at very cold temperatures, typically below 10°F (-12°C) to 15°F (-9°C). If issues occur at temperatures above this range, it is more likely to be an icing problem rather than gelling. Icing occurs when water is present in the fuel system, and it can cause similar operational issues. Therefore, it is important to distinguish between gelling and icing when addressing diesel fuel issues in cold weather.
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$108.99
Gelling impacts engine performance and power
Diesel fuel contains paraffin wax, which begins to crystallize when temperatures drop, leading to the gelling of diesel. This process can cause significant issues for engines, impacting their performance and power output.
Gelling occurs when the temperature of diesel fuel reaches 15°F or lower, causing wax crystals to form and resulting in clogged fuel filters. This obstruction in the fuel filters hinders the flow of fuel to the engine, leading to reduced engine power and, in some cases, even complete engine shutdown. The impact on engine performance is noticeable, with sluggish acceleration and overall reduced power.
The process of gelling can be gradual, with three distinct stages. The first stage is the cloud point, where the fuel appears cloudy due to the presence of small wax crystals. While this stage may not significantly affect fuel flow, it serves as an early warning sign of the impact of cold weather on the diesel. The second stage is the cold filter plugging point, where the wax crystals start to clog the fuel filters, causing issues with engine performance. The final stage is the pour point, where the fuel has gelled completely and can no longer flow, resulting in a non-functional engine.
To prevent gelling, several measures can be taken. One option is to use anti-gelling additives, which can lower the pour and gel points, improving engine performance at lower temperatures. These additives can be purchased and added to the fuel tank if they are not already included by the fuel provider. Additionally, storing vehicles in a garage during cold weather and maintaining at least a half-full fuel tank can help reduce the risk of gelling. In very cold climates, mixing a small amount of kerosene with diesel fuel can lower its gel point, although caution is advised as excessive kerosene can affect fuel combustion and engine performance.
It is important to address gelling issues promptly to restore vehicle functionality. This may include examining and replacing fuel filters, checking the fuel tank, and seeking professional help from mechanics to accurately diagnose and resolve the issue.
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Fuel additives can prevent gelling
Diesel fuel begins to gel at temperatures below 10°F to 15°F. This is due to the wax in diesel fuel crystallizing and forming solid particles, which can then clog fuel filters and lines, leading to reduced engine performance or even complete shutdown. To prevent this, fuel additives can be used.
Fuel additives can prevent diesel fuel from gelling and protect against fuel-filter icing. These additives lower the pour and gel points of the fuel, allowing the engine to perform better at lower temperatures. There are many different types of additives available, and it is important to follow the directions on the bottle for their use. Some additives are designed for diesel-powered vehicles specifically, such as Power Service Diesel Fuel Supplement +Cetane Boost, which prevents fuel gelling. Diesel 911, another additive, can be used in emergencies to reliquefy gelled fuel and de-ice frozen fuel filters. It is important to note that this product does not prevent fuel gelling.
Other additives, such as Howes 103060 Diesel Antifreeze and Conditioner, are budget-friendly and act as lubricants for the engine. STA-BIL Diesel All Season Anti Gel provides protection for drivers in extremely cold climates, with anti-gelling properties at temperatures as low as -40°F. For those operating in slightly warmer climates, REV X Distance+ Gold Diesel Treatment provides anti-gel protection down to -25°F. Additionally, a ratio of 20% kerosene and 80% diesel fuel can prevent gelling while providing necessary engine lubrication. However, it is important to check your owner's manual to ensure this mixture is safe for your engine.
The amount of additive required depends on the specific tank size and temperature. Additive calculators are available to help determine the correct amount needed to restore and protect your fuel from gelling. It is also important to note that, depending on your location, your fuel provider may have already added a winter additive to your fuel. In places with milder winters, you may need to purchase and add the additive yourself.
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Store diesel between 30-70°F to prevent gelling
Diesel fuel contains paraffin wax, which improves lubricity and viscosity. However, in cold weather, the paraffin wax thickens and crystallizes, causing the fuel to gel. This can result in clogged fuel filters, reduced engine power, and even complete engine shutdown.
Diesel gelling typically occurs at very cold temperatures, usually below 10°F (-12°C). At this temperature, the wax will start to gel, and the fuel will become cloudy, which is known as the cloud point. As the temperature continues to drop, the diesel will become more solid, reaching its "pour point" when it is so solid that it can no longer flow.
To prevent diesel gelling, it is essential to store diesel fuel at the proper temperature, which is between 30°F and 70°F. Keeping the diesel fuel within this temperature range will ensure that it remains in a liquid state and prevent the formation of wax crystals.
If you are operating a vehicle in cold weather, it is important to take precautions to prevent diesel gelling. One option is to use a block heater to keep the engine and fluids warm before starting the vehicle. Additionally, you can use cold-weather fuel additives, such as anti-gel supplements, to lower the cloud point and prevent the fuel from gelling. These additives can be purchased and added to the fuel tank if they are not already included in the diesel fuel you are using.
By storing diesel fuel between 30°F and 70°F and taking appropriate measures during cold weather operation, you can effectively prevent diesel gelling and maintain the performance and functionality of your vehicle.
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Frequently asked questions
Diesel fuel gelling occurs when wax crystals form in the fuel, causing the fuel to solidify and no longer flow. This can lead to clogged fuel filters, reduced engine power, and even complete engine shutdown.
Diesel fuel typically starts to gel at temperatures at or below 20 degrees Fahrenheit (-6 degrees Celsius). However, there is no exact temperature, and gelling rates can vary depending on the fuel's additives, quality, and environmental conditions. Higher-quality diesel tends to have a lower cloud point, meaning it takes longer to gel.
To prevent diesel fuel gelling, it is recommended to:
- Use fuel additives or anti-gel supplements, such as Power Service Diesel Fuel Supplement +Cetane, to lower the cloud point and gelling point.
- Keep fuel tanks full to minimize condensation and reduce the risk of frozen fuel.
- Park in a temperature-controlled environment or a heated garage, if possible.
- Use a block heater to warm up the engine and fluids before driving in cold weather.
- Consider using a blend of kerosene and diesel fuel, ensuring the kerosene is undyed and deodorized.
Signs of diesel fuel gelling include:
- Reduced engine performance, such as sluggish starting, slow acceleration, and lack of power.
- Clogged fuel filters and fuel nozzles.
- White or black smoke from the exhaust or tailpipe.
- Decline in fuel efficiency.
If your diesel fuel has gelled, you can use a product like Power Service Diesel 911 to re-liquefy the gelled fuel and de-ice filters and frozen fuel lines. It is important to address the issue promptly to prevent critical damage to the engine.
