Katerina Swanson
Diesel fuel does not freeze, but it does gel and coagulate at relatively high temperatures. This process is called diesel gelling, and it can be frustrating for vehicle owners. Gelling typically occurs when the temperature drops below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, but it becomes worse at 10 or 15 degrees Fahrenheit, as the fuel enters a state of solidification and can no longer move freely through the system. This can cause the vehicle to run poorly or even shut down entirely.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Diesel freezing point | Between -40 and -200 degrees Fahrenheit |
| Diesel gelling point | Between 10 and 34 degrees Fahrenheit |
| Diesel cloud point | 32 degrees Fahrenheit |
| Anti-gel additive | MotorKote Anti-Gel + Conditioner |
| No. 1 diesel fuel | Does not contain paraffin wax and does not gel |
| No. 2 diesel fuel | Contains paraffin wax and gels at low temperatures |
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What You'll Learn
Diesel gelling starts at 32°F
Diesel fuel does not freeze like water does, but it does gel and coagulate at relatively high temperatures. Diesel gelling starts at 32°F, the point at which the paraffin in diesel fuel begins to stiffen, leaving the fuel tank clouded. This cloud point is the temperature at which wax crystals begin to stick together, giving the diesel fuel a cloudy appearance. Although this change does not prevent you from driving, it serves as a warning to start using an anti-gel fuel supplement.
The process of diesel gelling typically happens when the temperature drops below 32°F, but it becomes more likely when the temperature hits 15°F. At this temperature, the diesel fuel in your tank will become like gel, and you will have trouble starting your engine. Anything below 15°F can and will cause problems for your diesel vehicle.
The gelling process occurs because all diesel fuel contains paraffin, which, under normal circumstances, improves lubricity and viscosity. However, cold weather causes the paraffin wax to thicken and crystallize. This process can block up filters, lines, and fuel rails, and the diesel fuel begins to enter a state of solidification that no longer allows it to move freely through the system.
There are several ways to prevent diesel gelling. One option is to use an anti-gel fuel supplement, which drops the freezing point of diesel fuel so it is less likely to freeze in cold weather. Anti-gel additives will not damage your engine and can be added before or after you add fuel. Another option is to switch from No. 2 fuel diesel to No. 1 fuel diesel, as No. 1 fuel diesel does not have paraffin wax and therefore does not gel at any temperature. Additionally, many truckers will mix #1 and #2 diesel fuel, as #1 has kerosene in it, which significantly lowers the gel point of diesel fuel.
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Gelling can block up filters, lines, and fuel rails
Diesel fuel contains paraffin wax, which improves lubricity and viscosity. However, in cold weather, the wax thickens and crystallizes, causing the fuel to gel. This gelling process can block up filters, lines, and fuel rails, preventing the fuel from moving freely through the system. At temperatures of around 32 degrees Fahrenheit, the paraffin in diesel fuel begins to stiffen, and the fuel tank takes on a cloudy appearance. This is known as the cloud point. As temperatures continue to drop, the gelling process worsens, and by 10 to 15 degrees Fahrenheit, the diesel fuel has entered a state of solidification, causing significant issues with fuel flow.
The impact of gelling can range from poor engine performance to a complete shutdown of the vehicle. In some cases, the truck may continue to run but with reduced acceleration or power. However, in many cases, the gelling can lead to a total blockage of the fuel system, rendering the vehicle inoperable. This is a significant concern for diesel vehicle owners, especially during colder months.
To combat this issue, several preventative measures can be taken. One common approach is to use an anti-gel fuel supplement or additive. These additives lower the freezing point of diesel fuel, making it less likely to gel in cold weather. They are designed to be added before fuelling up and are compatible with most diesel fuels. Additionally, switching to No. 1 fuel diesel, which does not contain paraffin wax, can prevent gelling at any temperature. This type of diesel is also known as kerosene and is commonly mixed with No. 2 diesel to lower its gel point.
Another strategy is to store vehicles in climate-controlled garages, protecting them from extreme cold temperatures. For those who cannot access a garage, using block heaters and keeping the truck plugged in during cold nights can help maintain the engine's warmth. While these measures may not directly prevent fuel gelling, they can reduce the impact of cold temperatures on the vehicle's performance.
It is worth noting that water in the fuel tank can also contribute to winter diesel issues. Water freezes at higher temperatures than diesel, and without sufficient sulfur, it does not disperse throughout the fuel but forms puddles that can freeze and cause engine problems. Therefore, addressing water issues and maintaining proper fuel tank conditions are crucial in preventing diesel fuel gelling and its consequences, such as blocked filters, lines, and fuel rails.
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Additives can prevent diesel gelling
Diesel fuel typically begins to freeze when the temperature drops below 32°Fahrenheit (0°Celsius). This is when the fuel reaches its "cloud point", and wax crystals begin to form, giving the fuel a cloudy appearance. At this stage, the fuel can still pass through fuel filters. However, when the temperature drops further to 10°F to 15°Fahrenheit (-12°C to -9°C), the wax will start to gel, and the fuel will no longer flow. This is known as the "pour point".
To prevent diesel gelling, one effective method is to use additives. Additives can be added to diesel fuel to prevent the wax from turning into crystals and gelling, even in extremely cold temperatures. These anti-gelling additives, also known as cold flow improvers, work by dissolving the bonds in the paraffin wax, thereby lowering the cloud point of the fuel. This allows the fuel to pass through the fuel filters at lower temperatures, improving the engine's performance.
The amount of additive required depends on the temperature; the lower the temperature, the more additive should be used. These additives can be purchased and added to the fuel tank before filling up. In some cases, fuel providers may have already added the treatment to the fuel.
One example of an anti-gelling additive is AFC 805, which has high treatment ratios, allowing larger volumes of fuel to be treated. Another product mentioned is Winter's Edge, which can assist in melting frozen fuel filters and dispersing water.
In addition to additives, other methods to prevent diesel gelling include storing your vehicle in a climate-controlled garage, switching to No. 1 fuel diesel which does not contain paraffin wax, or using a blend of summer and winter fuel.
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Paraffin wax crystallises at 32°F
Diesel fuel begins to freeze at temperatures higher than gasoline. Typically, this happens when the temperature drops below 32°F, but it is most common when the temperature hits 15°F. This process, called diesel gelling, occurs when wax crystals begin to stick together, giving the fuel a cloudy appearance. It makes it impossible to pump diesel through fuel tanks and can shut down vehicles and equipment.
Paraffin wax, a naturally occurring substance in diesel, is responsible for this phenomenon. At temperatures above 32°F, paraffin wax remains liquid and flows freely through vehicle fuel filters. However, when temperatures drop, the paraffin wax thickens and crystallizes, leading to the diesel gelling issue.
The problem of paraffin wax deposition is not limited to diesel fuel. It is also a significant challenge in the oil industry, particularly in offshore oil production. At low temperatures, paraffin wax can clog pipes and containers, resulting in severe economic losses.
To address diesel gelling, there are several options. One suggestion is to switch from No. 2 fuel diesel to No. 1 fuel diesel, which does not contain paraffin wax and therefore does not gel at any temperature. Additionally, diesel companies offer additives that can be added to fuel tanks to prevent gelling. These additives are often already present in the diesel sold at filling stations. Storing vehicles in climate-controlled garages can also help prevent diesel gelling.
While diesel gelling is a significant concern, it is important to note that water and sulfur content in diesel fuel can also lead to winter diesel issues. Water freezing in fuel tanks during winter can cause problems, and the lack of sulfur in ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD) increases the potential for water-related issues.
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Gelling occurs at 15°F
Diesel fuel does not freeze, but it does gel and coagulate at relatively high temperatures. This process of gelling usually happens when the temperature drops below 32°F, but it most often occurs when the temperature hits 15°F. At this temperature, the diesel fuel enters a state of solidification that prevents it from moving freely through the system. This can cause issues with starting your engine and can even lead to vehicles or equipment shutting down entirely.
The gelling process is caused by the paraffin wax in diesel fuel. During warm temperatures above 32°F, the paraffin wax remains liquid and flows freely through the fuel filters. However, when temperatures drop, the wax thickens and crystallizes, causing the fuel to take on a cloudy appearance. This cloud point is the start of the gelling process, and as the temperature continues to drop, the issue worsens.
To prevent diesel gelling, there are several options. One option is to switch from No. 2 fuel diesel to No. 1 fuel diesel, as No. 1 fuel diesel does not contain paraffin wax and therefore does not gel at any temperature. Another option is to use a fuel additive, which can be added to the fuel tank before fuelling up. These additives are commonly used by diesel companies and are usually available at places where you fill up for diesel. Additionally, keeping your vehicle stored in a climate-controlled garage can help prevent gelling.
For those who are unable to access No. 1 fuel diesel or additives, there are other methods to mitigate the effects of gelling. Block heaters can be used on cold nights, although they may not protect the fuel in the tank or lines. Mixing No. 1 and No. 2 diesel fuel is another option, as the kerosene in No. 1 diesel can lower the gel point. In some cases, cleaning the filter and warming up the vehicle in a shop may be necessary to get it back on the road.
It is important to be aware of the signs of diesel gelling and to take preventative measures when temperatures drop below freezing. By understanding the causes and solutions, vehicle owners and operators can avoid the frustrations and challenges associated with diesel gelling during the colder months.
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Frequently asked questions
Diesel gelling occurs when diesel fuel enters a state of solidification, causing it to gel and coagulate. This can block up filters, lines, and fuel rails, leading to vehicle shutdown.
Diesel gelling typically occurs when temperatures drop below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. However, gelling can happen at even lower temperatures, such as 15 degrees Fahrenheit or -9.5 degrees Celsius.
There are several ways to prevent diesel gelling:
- Use a fuel additive or anti-gel supplement to lower the freezing point of diesel fuel.
- Switch to No. 1 fuel diesel, which does not contain paraffin wax and therefore does not gel.
- Mix No. 1 and No. 2 diesel fuel, as No. 1 contains kerosene, which lowers the gel point.
- Keep your vehicle in a climate-controlled garage to maintain a stable temperature.
One of the early signs of diesel gelling is the cloud point, where the fuel takes on a cloudy or white haze appearance due to the crystallization of paraffin wax. Other signs include difficulty starting your engine and poor vehicle acceleration or performance.
