Rajan Wilcox
Diesel gelling is a common issue for diesel owners, especially in winter. Gelling occurs when diesel reaches a low enough temperature for wax crystals to form, which can cause the diesel to freeze and no longer flow. This can lead to engine issues and fuel filters becoming clogged. To prevent this, diesel owners can use anti-gel additives, fuel treatments, or switch to a lighter weight synthetic oil. Keeping the engine running can also prevent gelling, but this is not recommended as it can lead to engine wear and tear and increase emissions. In emergencies, products like Diesel 911 or Diesel Recovery can be used to ungel diesel, but these are not intended for regular use. Keeping diesel vehicles plugged in using an engine block heater can also help prevent gelling.
Characteristics and Values
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How to prevent diesel fuel from gelling? | Plug the vehicle in using an engine block heater. |
| Use non-alcohol-based additives, called cold flow improvers, or anti-gel preventatives. | |
| Keep more than half a tank of fuel in the vehicle. | |
| Use winterized fuel or a winter diesel fuel mix. | |
| Keep the engine running. | |
| Use extra gear. | |
| Use a De-Gel product to un-gel a diesel. | |
| Use a fuel treatment, such as CleanBoost® Sno-Cat™ Diesel Fuel Conditioner. | |
| Use a lighter weight (synthetic) oil. | |
| Use anti-gel fuel additives. | |
| Use a fuel from somewhere the fuel is being moved constantly instead of sitting, gathering water. | |
| Use a fuel conditioner. | |
| Use a fuel treatment, such as Power Service Diesel 9-1-1. | |
| Use a fuel treatment, such as Diesel Recovery from Amsoil. | |
| Use extra fuel filters, cold flow treatment, and diesel emergency treatment. | |
| Keep the vehicle in a warm place. |
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What You'll Learn
Using a block heater
Diesel gelling occurs when the fuel reaches a low enough temperature for wax crystals to form, which can prevent the fuel from flowing by gravity or being pumped through fuel lines. This typically happens at around 17.5 °Fahrenheit (-8.1 °Celsius).
To avoid diesel gelling, you can use a block heater. A block heater is fitted to your vehicle and plugged in to prevent the diesel from reaching the gel point. To check if your block heater is working, clean off the prongs and get out your multimeter. Set it to ohms (to show resistance) and attach its leads to the plug prongs. A reading of 9 to 25 ohms indicates a working block heater.
If you don't already have a block heater, you can get one fitted at your local dealership.
Other methods to prevent diesel gelling include:
- Using anti-gel additives, such as CleanBoost® Sno-Cat™ Diesel Fuel Conditioner, which reduce the formation of wax crystals in the fuel.
- Mixing a little #1 diesel (kerosene) with the #2 diesel fuel, which is commonly used for on-road applications. Kerosene helps to lower the plug point temperature of the diesel fuel.
- Keeping more than half a tank of fuel in the vehicle.
- Using non-alcohol-based additives, called cold flow improvers, or anti-gel preventatives.
- Changing fuel filters before winter to reduce your chances of having to perform the job during colder months.
Gelled diesel can be ungelled using a De-Gel product, such as Power Service Diesel 9-1-1, but this should only be used in emergencies.
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Mixing diesel types
However, it is important to note that mixing diesel types should be done with caution. While it can be effective in preventing fuel gelling, it is not a universal solution for all vehicles or climates. The effectiveness of mixing diesel types may vary depending on the specific diesel types being combined and the operating conditions of the vehicle.
Additionally, it is crucial to be mindful of the potential drawbacks and risks associated with mixing diesel types. In some cases, mixing diesel fuels can lead to reduced fuel efficiency and performance. It is also important to ensure that the correct types of diesel are mixed, as using incompatible types can result in engine damage.
To ensure the safe and effective mixing of diesel types, it is recommended to consult with a diesel technician or a trusted mechanic. They can provide guidance on the appropriate types of diesel to mix and advise on any necessary precautions or adjustments required for your specific vehicle and operating conditions.
While mixing diesel types can be a useful strategy to prevent fuel gelling in cold climates, it should be approached with caution and expert advice to avoid any potential issues and ensure the optimal performance of your vehicle.
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Anti-gel additives
Diesel fuel contains wax, which is liquid at normal temperatures. However, as temperatures drop, the wax can solidify and form crystals, which can clog fuel lines and filters, causing issues for diesel engines. This phenomenon is known as diesel gelling, and it typically occurs when temperatures reach 32°F or lower.
To prevent diesel gelling, anti-gel additives can be used. These additives work by reducing the formation of wax crystals in the fuel, thereby lowering the pour point and gel point of the fuel. This, in turn, improves the cold temperature performance of the diesel. Anti-gel additives are commonly used in diesel or biodiesel when cold temperatures are expected.
There are several anti-gel additives available on the market, including:
- Hot Shot's Secret Diesel Winter Anti-Gel: This additive lowers the cold filter plugging point (CFPP) of diesel fuel, helping to prevent clogged fuel filters and fuel lines. It also improves detergency, stability, lubricity, and winter operability.
- Optilube XPD: This additive has been shown to improve lubricity in diesel fuel and is recommended for use in cold climates.
- Power Service Diesel 9-1-1: This product can reliquify gelled diesel and de-ice frozen fuel filters, but it should only be used in emergencies as it does not prevent gelling.
- BOOSTane Winter Diesel Additive: This additive promises smoother starts, improved fuel efficiency, and engine protection in cold weather.
It is important to note that anti-gel additives should be used as a preventative measure and may not be effective once diesel has already gelled. To avoid diesel gelling, it is recommended to keep fuel tanks at least half full and to use winterized fuel blends when available.
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Fuel treatments
Diesel fuel gelling occurs when the temperature of the fuel drops, causing the wax in the fuel to crystallize. This prevents the flow of fuel to the engine and clogs fuel lines and/or filters. Gelling can occur at temperatures as high as 20°F, but it is most prevalent in winter, when temperatures are consistently low.
To prevent diesel fuel gelling, you can use fuel treatments and additives. These additives can lower the pour and gel points, allowing your engine to perform better at lower temperatures.
- Anti-gel additives: These are added to diesel or biodiesel to reduce the formation of wax crystals, thereby lowering the pour and gel points. Examples include Hot Shot's Secret Diesel Winter Anti-Gel, which can be used with every fill-up during the cold-weather season and is effective down to -40°F.
- De-gel products: These are used to re-liquefy gelled diesel and de-ice frozen fuel filters. An example is Power Service Diesel 9-1-1, which should be used in emergencies only.
- Winterizing additives: These are added to fuel in colder regions to prevent gelling and lower the cloud point. For example, Ricochet purchases fuel with a unique winter formula for use in the colder northern states.
- Cold flow treatments: These are used in advance of fuel gelling, when a truck is about to enter extreme cold conditions.
- Diesel emergency treatments: These are designed to melt gelled paraffin in the fuel system and restore fuel flow.
In addition to these fuel treatments, it is recommended to keep your vehicle plugged in using an engine block heater. This can help prevent diesel fuel gelling by keeping the engine and fuel warm.
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Keeping fuel filters and water separators handy
Fuel Filters
Fuel filters play a critical role in preventing wax crystals and other contaminants from entering the engine. When diesel fuel is exposed to cold temperatures, wax crystals can form, leading to fuel gelling. Fuel filters capture these wax crystals, preventing them from reaching the engine and causing blockages. It is important to regularly inspect and replace fuel filters, as a clogged filter can impede fuel flow and affect engine performance. Additionally, in extremely cold climates, using a cold flow treatment before fuel gelling occurs can help prevent wax crystal formation and keep the fuel filter functioning optimally.
Water Separators
Water separators are crucial for removing water from diesel fuel. Water can cause various issues, including rust, grime, bacterial growth, and engine damage. Water separators work by using centrifugal force or gravity to separate water from fuel, allowing water to collect at the bottom while fuel heads to the engine or secondary fuel filter. Regular inspection and maintenance of water separators are essential to ensure their effectiveness. In some cases, pre-filling water separators can help eliminate air pockets in the fuel system, protecting fuel injectors and improving engine performance.
Emergency Gear
In the event of fuel gelling, having extra fuel filters and diesel emergency treatments on hand is crucial. Diesel emergency treatments are designed to melt gelled paraffin and restore fuel flow. Additionally, products like Power Service Diesel 9-1-1 can be used in emergencies to re-liquefy gelled diesel and de-ice frozen fuel filters. However, it's important to note that these products should not be used regularly and are not a substitute for preventative measures.
By keeping fuel filters and water separators handy and well-maintained, you can help prevent fuel gelling and ensure the reliable operation of your diesel engine, especially in cold climates.
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Frequently asked questions
Diesel gelling is when diesel freezes and forms wax crystals that can no longer be pumped through fuel lines or filters. This usually happens at temperatures below 32°F.
You can prevent diesel gelling by plugging your vehicle into an engine block heater. You can also use anti-gel additives, which reduce the formation of wax crystals, or switch to a lighter weight motor oil.
If your diesel has gelled, you should move your vehicle to a warm place to let it warm up and the wax crystals melt. You can also use a De-Gel product, such as Power Service Diesel 9-1-1, to re-liquefy the gelled diesel.
If your diesel has gelled, you may experience issues starting your vehicle or notice that it is stalling frequently.
Yes, you can install a block heater, which will help keep your engine warm and prevent diesel gelling. Additionally, regularly changing your fuel filters and using anti-gel additives can help prevent diesel gelling over the long term.
