Katerina Swanson
Diesel fuel gelling is a common issue for diesel vehicle owners, particularly during winter. Gelling occurs when the paraffin in diesel solidifies due to low temperatures, causing the fuel to thicken and eventually solidify completely. This can prevent the fuel from flowing properly, leading to engine complications and rendering the vehicle inoperable. To prevent gelling, diesel vehicle owners can use additives such as anti-gel products or kerosene, store their vehicles in climate-controlled garages, or purchase higher-quality diesel fuel. If gelling does occur, emergency additives can be used to re-liquefy the gelled fuel, and methods such as heating filters or using de-icers can help resolve the issue.
Characteristics and Values of Diesel Fuel Gelling
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Cloudy fuel |
| Engine | Loss of power and compression |
| Temperature | Usually around 10°F to 15°F |
| Fuel | Thickened and unable to flow properly |
| Solution | Use additives such as Diesel Winter Rescue or kerosene |
| Prevention | Use a fuel additive, store vehicle in a warm place |
| Fuel Filters | Remove and fill with a mixture of Diesel Winter Rescue and diesel fuel |
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What You'll Learn
How to prevent diesel fuel gelling
Gelling of diesel fuel is a common problem in cold temperatures, as the paraffin wax present in diesel fuel can solidify, clogging filters and fuel lines. Here are some ways to prevent diesel fuel from gelling:
Use a winter-blend or winterized fuel
Winter-blend fuels are designed to have a lower gelling point than regular diesel fuel. These fuels contain additives that can help prevent the fuel from gelling in cold temperatures. Winterized fuel is specially formulated to prevent fuel gelling and therefore, costly repairs down the road.
Use fuel additives
Fuel additives can also help prevent gelling by lowering the gelling point and improving the flow of the fuel. Additives like anti-gel and flow improvers can improve the cold-weather performance of diesel fuel. With the right fuel additive, you can avoid and solve engine complications without making expensive repairs. Additives should be added to your tank every time you fill up.
Keep fuel tanks full
A full fuel tank will generate less condensation, which can help prevent water from entering the fuel system. The smaller the space in the tank, the more likely it is for condensation to form and freeze.
Store your vehicle in a warm place
Storing your vehicle in a climate-controlled garage or heated environment can protect it from freezing outdoor temperatures. This can be achieved using light bulbs, heaters, or block heaters, but these methods will increase your energy bill.
Use kerosene-blended fuel
Kerosene has a lower gelling point than diesel fuel, so it can be mixed with diesel fuel to lower the freezing point. However, kerosene has disadvantages such as reduced fuel mileage and efficiency. It is important to let the engine run long enough to combine the fuels properly.
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What to do if gelling occurs
Gelling in diesel fuel is a common issue during winter. It occurs when the temperature drops, causing the paraffin in the fuel to crystallize and solidify. This results in a thick, wax-like substance that cannot flow properly and clogs fuel tanks and filters. While prevention is the best defence against diesel gelling, there are several things you can do if gelling occurs.
Firstly, check the fuel tank and fuel filter(s). If the fuel is gelled in the tank, you can use an emergency additive such as Hot Shot's Secret Diesel Winter Rescue or Opti-Lube Gel Melt. Add the entire contents (typically 32 ounces) of the additive to every 40 gallons of fuel in the tank. You can also try using kerosene to prevent diesel fuel from gelling by mixing it with diesel fuel to lower the freezing point.
If your fuel has gelled in the filter, carefully heating the filter with a heat gun or hair dryer may help. If the filter has a cap or priming screw, you can also try adding Opti-Lube Gel Melt directly to the filter. If these methods are unsuccessful, you may need to replace the filter.
Another option is to remove the fuel filters and fill them with a mixture of 50% Diesel Winter Rescue and 50% diesel fuel. Then, reinstall the filters and start the engine, allowing it to idle and warm up the fuel system. This process will help clear any remaining gelled masses.
If your vehicle is in a cold environment, moving it to a heated space or garage can also help resolve gelling issues. Keeping your vehicle in a climate-controlled garage is an effective way to protect it from gelling, but it can increase energy consumption.
Additionally, some newer fuel additives serve as low-cost solutions to prevent and resolve fuel gelling issues without the need for expensive repairs. These additives can be used to treat the fuel before gelling occurs or to re-liquefy gelled fuel.
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How to re-liquefy gelled fuel
Gelling in diesel fuel is a common issue that occurs when the temperature of the fuel drops, causing the wax in the fuel to crystallize and the fuel to thicken and solidify. This can clog fuel lines and filters, causing engine complications. To re-liquefy gelled fuel, there are several methods you can use:
Use a Fuel Additive
One effective way to re-liquefy gelled diesel fuel is to use a fuel additive designed for this purpose, such as Hot Shot's Secret Diesel Winter Rescue or CleanBoost® Diesel Rescue Emergency De-Gel™. These additives are formulated to re-liquefy gelled fuel and de-ice frozen fuel filters, restoring the flow of diesel fuel to the engine. To use this method, follow these steps:
- Add the entire contents (typically 32 ounces) of the diesel winter rescue additive to every 40 gallons of fuel in the tank(s).
- Remove the fuel filters and fill them with a 50/50 mixture of Diesel Winter Rescue and diesel fuel.
- Reinstall the fuel filters and start the engine.
- Let the engine idle to warm up the fuel system and clear any remaining gelled masses.
Use Kerosene
Another approach is to use kerosene, which has a lower gelling point than diesel fuel. By mixing kerosene with diesel fuel, you can lower the freezing point of the mixture. However, kerosene may have disadvantages such as reduced fuel mileage and efficiency. If using kerosene, ensure you allow enough time for the engine to run and properly combine the fuels.
Preventative Measures
While not directly related to re-liquefying gelled fuel, it is worth mentioning that prevention is the best defence against diesel gelling. Using additives such as Hot Shot's Secret Diesel Winter Anti-Gel during the cold-weather season can help prevent gelling and keep your vehicle operational down to temperatures of -40°F.
Gelled diesel fuel can be a frustrating and costly issue, but by following the methods outlined above, you can effectively re-liquefy the fuel and get your vehicle back on the road.
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Products to prevent gelling
Diesel fuel gelling occurs when the temperature of the fuel drops so low that the wax naturally found in the fuel begins to crystallize. Gelling can cause havoc on your fuel system by clogging fuel lines and filters, and it can even damage your engine.
To prevent this, there are several products available on the market:
- Hot Shot's Secret Diesel Winter Anti-Gel: This product promotes coverage down to -40°F and contains a powerful cetane improver for quicker cold starts and a maximum boost in power and performance. It is recommended to add it to the fuel before reaching the cloud point (the temperature at which wax in diesel forms a cloudy appearance).
- Howes Diesel Treat: This is North America's number one selling anti-gel and fuel conditioner. It is petroleum-based and made with no alcohol or harmful solvents. It is effective in all diesel and biodiesel blends and comes with a 100% No Gelling Guarantee.
- AMSOIL Diesel Recovery: This product dissolves gelled fuel and separates the molecular bonds of wax crystals, saving you from an expensive tow. It is recommended to keep a bottle in your vehicle for emergencies.
- Power Service Diesel Fuel Supplement +Cetane Boost: This product prevents fuel gelling and protects against fuel-filter icing. It is compatible with Diesel 911 and may be used simultaneously.
- Kerosene: Kerosene is a refined fuel that can handle sub-zero temperatures. Winterized diesel may contain a blend of kerosene and #2 diesel, which can protect your fuel in much lower temperatures.
In addition to these products, it is important to note that heat can also help prevent fuel gelling. This can be achieved by storing your vehicle in a climate-controlled garage, using light bulbs to emit heat under your vehicle, or using a block heater to keep your engine's coolant warm.
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The science behind diesel fuel gelling
Diesel fuel gelling occurs when the paraffin wax in diesel solidifies due to low temperatures. At around 32°F (-0.5°C), the wax in liquid form crystallizes, causing the fuel to become cloudy. As temperatures continue to drop, the fuel reaches its "pour point", typically 6°F to 10°F lower than the cloud point, where it thickens and can no longer flow properly. Finally, at the gel point, usually around 10°F to 15°F (-12°C to -9°C), the fuel completely solidifies and clogs fuel tanks and filters, rendering the vehicle inoperable.
The presence of paraffin wax in diesel is a significant factor in gelling. When the temperature drops, the wax begins to separate from the diesel, forming small crystals. This process is known as "precipitated wax particulate formation." As the temperature continues to decrease, the wax crystals grow larger and can eventually solidify, leading to fuel gelling.
To prevent diesel fuel gelling, additives such as anti-gel treatments are commonly used. These additives work by increasing the solubility of the wax particles, preventing them from solidifying and keeping the fuel in a liquid state. Some popular additive products include Hot Shot's Secret Diesel Winter Anti-Gel, Opti-Lube Gel Melt, and various kerosene-blended fuels. These additives not only help prevent gelling but also improve fuel performance and protect engines in cold weather.
In cases where gelling has already occurred, emergency additives such as Hot Shot's Secret Diesel Winter Rescue can be used to re-liquefy the gelled fuel. This involves adding the additive to the fuel tank and fuel filters, allowing the engine to idle, and warming up the fuel system to clear any remaining gelled masses. Additionally, storing vehicles in climate-controlled garages or warm environments can help prevent gelling by maintaining temperatures above the gel point.
While diesel fuel gelling is a common issue during winter, understanding the science behind it and taking preventive measures can help minimize its impact. The use of additives, emergency treatments, and proper storage conditions are crucial in ensuring the smooth operation of diesel engines during cold weather.
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Frequently asked questions
Diesel fuel gelling occurs when the paraffin in the fuel solidifies due to low temperatures, causing the fuel to thicken and eventually solidify completely, preventing it from flowing properly.
To prevent diesel fuel gelling, you can use a fuel additive designed to lower the freezing point, such as Hot Shot's Secret Diesel Winter Anti-Gel or kerosene. It is recommended to use an additive with every fill-up during the winter season.
If your diesel fuel gels, you can use an emergency additive such as Hot Shot's Secret Diesel Winter Rescue or Opti-Lube Gel Melt to re-liquefy the gelled fuel. You can also try heating the fuel filter with a heat gun or hair dryer, or replace the filter with a new one that has been pre-filled with treated diesel fuel.
Some signs that your diesel fuel is starting to gel include a cloudy fuel appearance, difficulty starting the engine, and low power and compression due to fuel failing to reach the combustion chamber.
