Rajan Wilcox
Diesel fuel contains paraffin, a waxy substance that solidifies in cold weather, causing the fuel to gel and clog the fuel filter. This can lead to engine failure. To prevent this, diesel fuel can be treated with additives that lower the temperature at which the wax begins to form. This additive-enhanced fuel is known as winter diesel and can be used all year round. Retail stores offer additives that lower the cold filter plugging point (CFPP) of diesel oil, preventing gelling and protecting against fuel-filter icing. In addition to additives, diesel engines can be fitted with heaters to prevent fuel filters from clogging.
Characteristics and Values of Diesel Fuel for Cold Weather
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Winter diesel, alpine diesel, or winterised diesel |
| Description | Diesel fuel enhanced to prevent it from gelling in cold weather conditions |
| Additives | Additives that change the low-temperature characteristics of the fuel are added to prevent waxing or gelling |
| Cloud Point | The temperature at which wax begins to crystallize and become noticeable; varies depending on diesel type, paraffin content, and blends |
| Cold Filter Plugging Point (CFPP) | A test indicating the rate at which diesel fuel flows through a standardized filter when cooled under certain conditions |
| Low-Temperature Flow Test (ASTM D4539) | Indicates the winter performance of diesel with improver additives |
| Filter Heater | Allows summer diesel with a CFPP of –7 °C to be operated safely in –20 °C weather conditions |
| Anti-gel Additives | Modifies the shape and size of wax crystals, allowing diesel fuel to flow past the accumulation |
| Fuel Supplement | Power Service Diesel Fuel Supplement + Cetane Boost is a winterizer/antigel and cold-flow improver |
| Summer Diesel Fuel | Starts clouding at about –7 °C; suitable for use between May and October |
| Winter Diesel Fuel | Suitable for use between November and April; blend varies depending on the region |
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What You'll Learn
Winter diesel fuel
To prevent this, winter diesel fuel contains additives that change the low-temperature characteristics of the fuel, making it more resistant to gelling and improving its flow in cold weather. This type of diesel is designed to meet certain Cold Filter Plugging Point (CFPP) characteristics, which indicate the rate at which diesel fuel will flow through a standardised filtration device at specified low temperatures. Winter diesel fuel typically has a lower CFPP than summer diesel fuel, allowing it to operate safely in colder weather conditions.
There are several ways to improve the performance of diesel fuel in cold weather. One option is to use a diesel fuel supplement or additive, such as Power Service Diesel Fuel Supplement +Cetane Boost, which acts as an anti-gel and modifies the shape and size of wax crystals to prevent them from blocking the fuel filter. Another option is to use a diesel block heater, which helps to keep the engine warm and improves starting in cold weather. Additionally, maintaining the health of your vehicle's battery and replacing glow plugs as necessary can also help with cold-weather performance.
In some cases, it may be possible to add lighter fuels like gasoline to extend the CFPP characteristics of diesel fuel. However, this practice is not recommended for direct injection diesel engines as it can cause damage to the injectors due to the loss of lubrication. It is important to follow the recommendations of car manufacturers and only use approved fuel mixtures to avoid any potential damage to your vehicle.
By using winter diesel fuel and implementing preventive maintenance measures, diesel engines can operate efficiently and reliably even in the toughest winter conditions.
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Additives to prevent gelling
Diesel fuel is prone to gelling in cold weather, solidifying into a partially crystalline state. This is caused by the wax in diesel fuel crystallising and forming solid particles, which then clog the fuel lines and filters, impacting the engine's performance. To prevent this, there are several additives that can be used:
Anti-gel additives
Anti-gel additives, such as Power Service Diesel Fuel Supplement, work by modifying the shape and size of the wax crystals as they form. Instead of large, flat sheets of wax blocking the filter, the crystals form as small needle-like shapes. These needle-shaped crystals still accumulate on the fuel filter but allow the diesel fuel to flow past at much lower temperatures. Anti-gel additives do not prevent wax crystals from forming but change their shape so that they do not clog the fuel filter.
Cetane Boost
Cetane Boost is a winter additive that can be used alongside anti-gel additives to keep diesel engines running during the coldest winters.
Kerosene
Kerosene has a lower gelling point than diesel fuel, so it can be mixed with diesel to lower its freezing point. However, this can lead to reduced fuel mileage and efficiency.
Gasoline
In the past, it was common to add lighter fuels like gasoline to diesel to extend its Cold Filter Plugging Point (CFPP) characteristics. However, this is no longer recommended for modern engines as it can cause damage to injectors.
Winter's Edge
Winter's Edge can assist in melting frozen fuel filters and dispersing water. It is a good idea to keep this product on hand during the winter months.
Diesel Winter Rescue
This product from Hot Shot's Secret can help solve gelling and icing issues by thawing frozen filters and reliquifying gelled diesel.
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Cold Filter Plugging Point (CFPP)
The CFPP test is widely accepted because it predicts the performance of biodiesel and diesel in fuel lines under cold weather conditions. The test method is specified in EN116 standards, and it is considered the lowest temperature at which 20 ml of fuel can pass through a standard filtration mesh of 45-μm size in less than 60 seconds with 1.96 kPa of vacuum. The ASTM number for the test method to define CFPP is ASTM D6371.
The CFPP of diesel fuel can be improved by using additives that change the low-temperature characteristics of the fuel. These additives modify the shape and size of the wax crystals that form at low temperatures, preventing them from blocking the fuel filter and allowing the fuel to flow at lower temperatures. Retail stores offer a range of additives that can lower the CFPP of diesel oil. However, it is important to note that these additives should be added when the fuel is still warm, and they do not prevent the formation of wax crystals but only hinder them from forming larger flakes that can clog the fuel filter.
In some cases, lighter fuels like gasoline can be added to extend the CFPP characteristics of diesel fuel. However, car manufacturers selling common rail or unit injector diesel engines prohibit the dilution of diesel fuel with gasoline as it may damage the injection device.
The CFPP is an important consideration for diesel engine owners in cold weather regions. By understanding the CFPP of their fuel and taking appropriate measures, such as using additives or heaters, engine owners can prevent fuel gelling and ensure the smooth operation of their vehicles during winter.
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Wax crystal formation
Diesel fuel contains a small percentage of paraffin wax. This wax is a waxy crystalline substance and exists as a liquid under mild to high temperatures. It helps diesel engines generate more power and efficiency from the fuel. However, in cold weather, the wax crystallizes and thickens the fuel. As the temperature continues to drop, the wax crystals stick together, forming larger clumps of wax that thicken the fuel. This process is known as diesel fuel gelling.
The gelling of diesel fuel can cause significant problems for diesel engines. As the wax crystals build up, they can clog fuel filters and injectors, leading to hard starts, loss of power, decreased fuel economy, and even the engine not starting at all. The point at which the fuel can no longer flow through the filter is called the cold filter plugging point (CFPP).
To prevent wax crystal formation and the resulting issues, several measures can be taken:
- Additives and flow improvers: Retail stores offer additives that can be mixed with diesel fuel to lower the CFPP. These additives do not prevent wax crystal formation but modify the shape and size of the crystals, allowing the fuel to flow past the crystal accumulation at lower temperatures. Diesel flow improvers can also be added to lower the cold flow point and prevent wax crystallization.
- Kerosene mixing: Mixing kerosene with diesel fuel can reduce the plug point temperature and prevent wax crystal formation. Winter climate fuel suppliers sometimes provide diesel fuel pre-mixed with kerosene.
- Fuel conditioners: BG cold-temperature diesel fuel conditioners contain performance-enhancing chemistries such as cold flow improvers and pour point depressants to prevent diesel fuel issues during extremely cold weather.
- Anti-gel treatments: Treatments such as Hot Shot's Secret Winter Diesel Anti-Gel can be added during fill-ups in cold winter months to protect the fuel from freezing and improve cold starts and fuel economy.
- Heated storage: Storing diesel vehicles in heated garages or climate-controlled buildings can help prevent wax crystal formation.
- Fuel tank heaters: Installing heaters in fuel tanks can extend the fluid characteristics of diesel fuel and prevent gelling.
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Diesel Fuel Supplement
Diesel fuel contains paraffin, a waxy substance that exists as a liquid in warm weather. However, as temperatures drop, the paraffin molecules begin to form crystals and solidify, leading to a cloudy appearance in the fuel. This process is known as diesel fuel gelling, and it can cause operational issues in diesel engines.
To prevent diesel fuel gelling and fuel filter icing, a Diesel Fuel Supplement can be used. This supplement acts as an antigel and a cold-flow improver. While it doesn't stop wax crystals from forming, it modifies their shape and size. Instead of large, flat sheets of wax blocking the filter, the crystals form as small needle-like shapes. These needle-shaped crystals accumulate on the fuel filter in a porous manner, allowing diesel fuel to flow past at much lower temperatures.
In addition to using a Diesel Fuel Supplement, there are other measures that can be taken to prepare a diesel engine for cold weather. These include using a block heater to keep the engine warm, replacing glow plugs, and adding a diesel fuel conditioner with anti-gel to lower the freezing point of the diesel fuel.
By taking these precautions and using a Diesel Fuel Supplement, diesel engines can be maintained and operated effectively even during the toughest winters.
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Frequently asked questions
Winter diesel fuel, also known as winter diesel, alpine diesel, or winterised diesel, is the best fuel for cold weather. It is enhanced with additives to prevent it from gelling in cold weather conditions.
Diesel fuel contains paraffin, a waxy substance that can solidify and turn into crystals when temperatures drop, causing the fuel to appear cloudy. This can lead to blockages in the fuel filter and injectors, resulting in engine failure.
When the diesel fuel reaches its CFPP, it will no longer be able to pass through the fuel filter, causing the engine to stop running. The CFPP can be determined through standardised tests, such as the Low-Temperature Flow Test (ASTM D4539).
To prevent issues, you can use additives or supplements, such as Power Service Diesel Fuel Supplement, which modify the shape and size of wax crystals, allowing the fuel to flow more freely. Other methods include using a block heater, battery warmer, or oil warmer, and testing and maintaining your vehicle's battery.
