Katerina Swanson
In cold weather, diesel fuel can transform into a waxy, gel-like substance, which can restrict fuel flow and cause engine issues. To prevent this, anti-gel additives are available to ensure that the fuel remains in a liquid state. Various products are available, such as Power Service Diesel Fuel Supplement, Howes Diesel Treat, Optilube XPD, and Hot Shots Secret Diesel Winter Anti-Gel. Each product has its own unique features, such as improving engine performance, increasing fuel economy, and providing added lubrication. Some products are also designed for specific climates, such as winter formulas for extremely cold temperatures.
What is the best anti-gel for diesel fuel?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Brand | Howes Diesel Treat, Optilube, Hot Shots Secret, Lucas Oil, Power Service, Diesel Kleen, Diesel 911 |
| Effectiveness in cold weather | Effective in extremely cold weather, including in Canada and Oregon |
| Use cases | Trucks, cars, boats, large equipment, engines, fuel filters, fuel lines |
| Benefits | Removes water, prevents gelling, adds lubrication, boosts cetane number, improves fuel economy, prevents deposits, eliminates smoking and rough idling, improves cold starts, prevents icing, reduces fuel line freeze |
| Usage | 1 ounce of additive per 8-10 gallons of diesel |
| Price | $8 to $25 for a 1-quart bottle |
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What You'll Learn
How anti-gel works
Diesel fuel contains wax, which begins to crystallize as temperatures drop. The point at which wax crystals form is known as the cloud point. These crystals can clog the fuel filter, starving the engine of fuel and preventing it from starting. This process, known as diesel gelling, can lead to smoke, loss of power, hard starts, or the engine's inability to start.
Anti-gel additives are designed to prevent diesel fuel from gelling in cold weather. They work by lowering the temperature at which wax crystals form, thereby reducing the risk of fuel filter clogging and engine issues. Some anti-gels also provide added benefits, such as improved lubricity, the prevention of deposits, and the elimination of smoking and rough idling.
Howes Diesel Treat, for example, is a popular anti-gel additive that safely removes water and prevents gelling in even the coldest climates. It is effective in all diesel and biodiesel fuels, including home heating oil, and is designed to solve the problems created by today's Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) fuels. It also contains a specialized detergent package to prevent fuel injector deposits.
Another option is Optilube XPD, which offers anti-gel properties alongside added lubrication and a cetane booster. They also offer a winter-specific formula for colder climates. Diesel 911 is also mentioned as an emergency additive to degel fuel if it does gel up, although it may not work in extremely cold temperatures.
It's important to note that some modern diesel fuels may already include anti-gel additives, reducing the need for additional treatments. However, for those in extremely cold climates or those who travel between warm and cold climates, the use of anti-gel additives can be crucial for engine performance and longevity.
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Anti-gel products for extreme cold
In extreme cold, diesel fuel can turn into a waxy, gel-like substance, which can cause fuel filters to become clogged and restrict fuel flow, potentially damaging the engine. This process is known as diesel gelling and can occur at temperatures as high as 40°F (4°C).
Anti-gel additives are designed to prevent this process and can also help to clear built-up gel in fuel lines and filters. Some popular anti-gel products for diesel fuel include:
Howes Diesel Treat
Howes Diesel Treat is a popular anti-gel product that is safe to use and effective in all diesel and biodiesel fuels, including home heating oil. It is alcohol and harmful solvent-free, and works in even the coldest climates to prevent gelling. It also acts as a diesel conditioner, providing lubricity, preventing deposits, and eliminating smoking and rough idling.
Hot Shots Secret Diesel Winter Anti-Gel
Hot Shots Secret Diesel Winter Anti-Gel is a cold weather additive that lowers the pour point to -65°F (-54°C) and improves performance. It is safe for use in all diesel engines, including marine, semi-truck, construction, agriculture, RV, and racing engines. It helps prevent gelling, icing, and fuel line freeze, while also boosting cetane and improving fuel economy.
Optilube XPD
Optilube XPD is an all-around great product that offers anti-gel properties, added lubrication, and a cetane booster. It has been tested and found to be effective, even in cold climates. They also make a winter-specific formula for colder temperatures.
Power Service Diesel Fuel Supplement
Power Service Diesel Fuel Supplement is a trusted product that has been used successfully in extremely cold temperatures, even down to -41°F (-41°C).
Lucas Oil Products
Lucas offers a range of products for diesel engines, including fuel additives, that have been recommended by some users.
It is important to note that some sources suggest that anti-gel additives may not be necessary, as many diesel fuels already contain anti-gel properties. However, for those in extremely cold climates or with specific engine requirements, the above products can provide added protection against diesel gelling.
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Anti-gel additives
Diesel fuel contains wax, which can crystallise in cold temperatures, forming a gel-like substance. This can restrict fuel flow and cause engine failure. Anti-gel additives are therefore important to prevent fuel from gelling in cold weather.
Howes Diesel Treat is a popular anti-gel additive that is safe to use in all diesel and biodiesel fuels. It prevents gelling in extremely cold temperatures and is alcohol and solvent-free. It also acts as a diesel conditioner, providing lubricity, preventing deposits, and eliminating smoking and rough idling.
Hot Shots Secret Diesel Winter Anti-Gel is another additive that can be used in all diesel engines, including marine, semi-truck, construction, agriculture, RV, and racing engines. It lowers the cold filter-plugging point (CFPP) of diesel fuel, preventing clogged fuel filters and fuel lines. It also boosts the fuel's cetane number, detergency, stability, lubricity, and winter operability.
Other anti-gel additives include Optilube XPD, which has anti-gel properties and added lubrication, and Diesel 911, which can be used to de-gel fuel in emergencies. Some users also recommend Power Service Diesel Fuel Supplement, Lucas products, and Archoil AR6300.
It is important to note that some modern diesel fuels may already contain anti-gel additives, so using additional additives may not be necessary.
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Anti-gel for specific engines
Diesel engine owners have a variety of anti-gel options to prevent their fuel from gelling in cold weather. One popular option is Diesel Treat by Howes Products, which is North America's number one trusted anti-gel and fuel conditioner. It is safe to use in all diesel engines and is effective in all diesel and biodiesel fuels, including home heating oil. It also provides added lubricity to injectors, pumps, and upper cylinders, extending the life and increasing the performance of diesel engines.
Another option is Optilube XPD, which has anti-gel properties and added lubrication. It is rated down to -10°F (-23°C) and they also make a winter-specific formula that protects in colder temperatures. Optilube has been tested and shown to add lubricity to diesel fuel.
Power Service Diesel Fuel Supplement +Cetane Boost is another anti-gel option that prevents fuel gelling and protects against fuel-filter icing. It is intended for use only during cold winter months when temperatures drop below +30°F (-1°C). For emergency situations in which fuel or fuel filters have already frozen, Power Service also offers Diesel 911, which can de-gel fuel almost instantly.
Hot Shot's Secret Diesel Winter Anti-Gel is safe for use in all diesel engines and is recommended for everyday cold weather use. It improves cold-temperature performance by lowering the cloud point of the fuel, increasing the lubricity of wax molecules and preventing them from sticking together and clogging lines and filters.
AMSOIL Diesel Cold Flow lowers the cold filter-plugging point (CFPP) by up to 40°F (22°C) in Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD). It is important to note that anti-gel must be added before the fuel reaches the cloud point, as it cannot reverse gelling.
While some sources recommend using anti-gel additives, others suggest that winter diesel fuel already contains anti-gel and additional additives are not necessary. Fuel retailers blend fuel to suit the low temperatures expected for the area of sale/use, and summer and winter blends are adjusted accordingly.
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Anti-gel as a fuel conditioner
Diesel engines are susceptible to damage from cold weather. At around 15°F or lower, diesel fuel can turn into a gel-like substance, which can lead to smoke, loss of power, hard starts, or the inability to start the engine. This is caused by the formation of wax crystals, which can clog the fuel filter and starve the engine of fuel. To prevent this, many people use anti-gel additives, which can also help clear built-up gel in fuel lines and filters.
Howes Diesel Treat is a popular anti-gel and fuel conditioner that is safe to use in all diesel and biodiesel fuels. It prevents gelling in cold temperatures and provides added lubricity to injectors, pumps, and upper cylinders, extending the life and improving the performance of diesel engines. It also contains a detergent package to prevent fuel injector deposits and safely removes water.
Hot Shots Secret Diesel Winter Anti-Gel is another effective option, which can be used in all diesel engines, including marine, semi-truck, construction, agriculture, RV, and racing engines. It helps prevent gelling, icing, and fuel line freeze, while also improving cold starts and fuel economy. It is recommended to use one ounce of this additive for every eight gallons of fuel.
Other anti-gel additives mentioned by users include Optilube XPD, Power Service Diesel Fuel Supplement, Lucas Products, and Diesel 911, which can be used in emergencies to de-gel fuel. Some users also mention that modern winter diesel fuel may already contain anti-gel additives, making additional additives unnecessary.
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Frequently asked questions
Optilube XPD is a popular choice for diesel anti-gel, with many users reporting that it is one of the best products on the market. Other good options include Hot Shots Secret Diesel Winter Anti-Gel, Power Service Diesel Fuel Supplement +Cetane Boost, and AMSOIL Diesel Cold Flow.
Diesel anti-gel is a type of additive that is mixed with diesel fuel to prevent gelling in cold temperatures. Gelling occurs when the temperature drops and the wax in the diesel fuel begins to crystallize, eventually clogging the fuel filter. Anti-gel additives modify the shape and size of these wax crystals, preventing them from settling and causing clogs.
It is recommended to add diesel anti-gel to your fuel tank when it is low, in warmer weather. Then, fill the tank with fuel to ensure a good mix, and run the engine to get the treated fuel through the system. For best results, use anti-gel each time you fill your fuel tank and follow the recommended treatment ratio for your specific product.
