You can run the winter grade in the spring and summer; you may notice some power loss, but you will most likely not notice any… It’s not a major issue.
Is there a distinction between summer and winter diesel?
Canada is considered as having a “arctic” climate when it comes to using diesel fuel. In the winter, temperatures can easily dip to below 40 C. When the temperatures drop below freezing, failing to prepare your diesel engine could result in its failure.
You can choose between “summer” diesel fuel, which is ideal for use between May and October, and “winter” diesel fuel, which is suitable for use between November and April, at the gas station.
When summer fuel is exposed to low temperatures, it thickens. Your vehicle will not run on gelled petrol. This is where the winter diesel blend enters the picture.
In the summer, what kind of diesel do you use?
Summer Diesel Fuel (GRADE NO. XXXXXXXXXXXXXX During the summer, grade no. 2 diesel fuel, commonly known as “summer” diesel fuel, is appropriate. It begins to cloud at around 7 C, as opposed to 40 C for “straight-up” grade no. 1 fuel.
When it comes to winter diesel, how long does it last?
If you pose this question to several people, you will almost certainly get various replies. This is due to the fact that the storage life of any fuel is influenced by the environment. Given what they do, the military has a natural interest in fuel storage, therefore they’ve studied the storage life of fuels extensively throughout the years. The most important thing is to keep the fuel cool and dry. Diesel fuel may be stored for six to twelve months in optimum conditions. Even under ideal conditions, fuel stabilizers and biocides are required to extend the life beyond twelve months. If the gasoline can’t be kept cool, below 70 degrees Fahrenheit, for at least a year, twelve months is the best estimate for storage. It’s important to note that this only applies to diesel fuel, not ethanol or biodiesel mixtures.
Storage Tanks and Regulations
The most significant benefit that well maintained storage tanks provide over time is the prevention of fuel contamination by water. Tank structural integrity is obviously vital, especially for above-ground tanks with top holes that can enable rain water to pollute the fuel if they deteriorate over time.
Experts advise that you gradually reduce the amount of space left in the tank; this space will affect how much water from condensation builds in the gasoline. The minimum amount of space required is determined by the tank layout and the amount of fuel in the tank (because of expansion).
Depending on whether your fuel storage is above ground or underground, different requirements apply. If more than 10% of the tank is below ground, it is technically classified as underground. Varied states have different standards for the precautions a facility must take to prevent leaks and spills while also dealing with corrosion issues that may arise over time. There are also federal restrictions in existence that are administered and enforced by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). As a result, a facility that wants to save money by storing gasoline must consider the expenses of complying with these procedures in order to determine the overall return on investment.
Controlling Stored Diesel Stability
If these other procedures are performed, biocides and diesel fuel stability treatments will prevent most fuel storage difficulties. A biocide will kill active diesel fuel bacteria in storage tanks, while stability treatments will keep the fuel from breaking down due to chemical reactions with external influences.
Because the removal of sulfur from ULSD renders the fuel much more susceptible to microbial activity than it used to be, biocides have become indispensable instruments in diesel fuel storage.
So, while it’s critical to manage the water accumulation that comes with fuel storage, even if you do so meticulously, there’s a higher risk of a microbiological problem developing, in part because not everyone in the distribution chain is watching things as closely as you are.
Keep in mind that the existence of “biofilm,” or biological mass created by organisms, might impact the speed with which a biocide kills bacteria in fuel. In instances like this, unless the biofilm is broken down and the bacteria can be penetrated by the biocide, a storage system can be reinfected following treatment. The tank would have to be mechanically cleaned in cases of extreme biofilm accumulation.
In stored fuels, stability treatments target oxidation and acid-base processes. When a fuel is exposed to oxygen, it oxidizes, as you might expect. The oxygen reacts with the fuel’s pre-existing “reactive components.” This kicks off a chain reaction that transforms the fuel’s healthy stable molecules into unstable reactive molecules, causing the fuel to darken and stratify. Antioxidants work by halting chain reactions at the start, preventing them from continuing further down the line. Fuel stabilizers work in a similar way to stop dangerous acid-base reactions by reacting with acidic precursors in the fuel and preventing them from reacting with other fuel agents. This is especially essential when the fuel has been exposed to certain metals, such as copper and iron, which promote or exacerbate these hazardous reactions. These reactions can be sped up with just a small amount of dissolved metal. To mitigate this problem, employ an antioxidant stabilizer with a metal deactivator.
Is there a difference in diesel fuel in the winter?
Winter diesel fuel (sometimes referred to as winter diesel, alpine diesel, or winterised diesel) is diesel fuel that has been improved to prevent it from gelling in cold weather. In general, it is accomplished through the use of additives that alter the fuel’s low-temperature characteristics.
What is the difference between diesel #1 and diesel #2?
The fundamental difference between Diesel #1 and Diesel #2 is the cetane rating, which, like the octane of gasoline, indicates igniting ease. It’s all about fuel efficiency, volatility, and seasonality, really.
Less wear on your engines’ batteries implies a faster and more efficient start. The increased cetane grade also helps diesel engines run more smoothly by lowering maintenance requirements.
The additional lubricants in Premium Diesel assist keep fuel system parts moving freely. The fuel pump’s and other fuel system components’ lives are extended as a result of the reduced friction.
Fuel systems can become clogged with sediments and other particles over time. While the engine is operating, detergents are injected to Diesel #1 to clean injectors and other fuel system components. Not only does a clean fuel system last longer, but it also enhances fuel efficiency and horsepower output.
Diesel #1 contains lubricants and detergents, as well as other fuel additives that improve engine performance and save downtime. Even in a well-sealed fuel system, air moisture can find its way in and cause major engine problems. Demulsifiers in premium Diesel work to separate emulsified water from the fuel so that it can be filtered out; even in a well-sealed fuel system, air moisture can find its way in and cause major engine problems. Corrosion inhibitors keep rust and corrosion at bay, while stabilizers keep blockages and buildup at bay.
Diesel #1 is sometimes known as winter diesel since it operates better in colder conditions than Diesel #2. It has a lower viscosity and does not gel when exposed to cold temperatures. Most stations sell a premium Diesel blend that is tailored to the local climate.
While premium diesel has a number of advantages, such as fewer maintenance and equipment downtime, regular diesel is less expensive at the pump, which is an essential consideration. However, total cost of ownership should take into account not only the cost savings from the fuel, but also the impact on ongoing maintenance costs. The age and size of your fleet may play a role in deciding between Diesel #1 and Diesel #2.
When deciding between Diesel #1 and Diesel #2 for your fleet, keep in mind that premium Diesel quality differs from station to station. If you choose Diesel #1, make sure your drivers get their fuel at reliable high-volume stations.
Do you want to learn more about the effects of diesel choices on fuel systems? To talk with an equipment professional, contact your nearest Pap Kenworth office now.
When a diesel engine produces blue smoke, what does it mean?
On startup, a brand new diesel engine running at full load will experience some blow-by. Blow-by occurs when diesel fuel, air, or vapor is pushed past the rings and into the engine’s crankcase. In order for proper combustion to take place, the cylinder chamber must be kept at the right pressure. The rings in a new diesel engine need time to seat properly and form an airtight seal. The blow-by problem should go away after a few hours of break-in time under load. As a result, a properly operating diesel engine should emit no visible smoke from the exhaust system. If there is smoke coming from the exhaust, it could be a sign of a more serious engine problem. This article will assist you in determining the root causes of diesel engine smoke.
White, black, and blue are the three colors of diesel engine smoke. Smoke flowing from the exhaust pipe on a regular basis most likely implies a more serious internal engine problem. Due to a lag before the turbocharger’s air flow can meet the increased volume of diesel fuel delivered into the cylinders, a little puff of smoke during rapid acceleration is normal with earlier diesel engines. Newer electronic diesel engines with common rail injectors synchronize the turbo’s speed to the metered flow of diesel fuel into the cylinder at the same time.
White Smoke:
The injectors are frequently the source of white smoke emanating from the exhaust system. White smoke usually indicates that the diesel fuel isn’t burning properly. Unburned diesel fuel will pass totally unnoticed through the exhaust system. White smoke should be avoided since it irritates the eyes and skin. When white smoke appears during a cold start and then disappears, it’s likely due to frozen deposits of soot that grew around the rings and then burned away as the engine warmed up. It is recommended that glow plugs be used during cold starts and/or that a flushing solution be used to eliminate engine gunk.
Black Smoke:
In contrast to white smoke, black smoke has a high concentration of carbon exhaust particles. The lengthy chain of carbon molecules in diesel fuel is broken down into smaller and smaller molecular chains when it burns in the cylinders. The result of the exhaust leaving the engines is a mixture of carbon dioxide and water. If something goes wrong during combustion, the chemical reaction is not as strong, resulting in long tail hydrocarbons remaining intact and being ejected as smog or soot. When diesel fuel is partially burned, huge carbon dioxide particles and greenhouse gases are released, contributing to air pollution. The introduction of the Selective Catalytic Converter, Diesel Exhaust Fluid, and Diesel Particulate Filter all helped to regenerate exhaust back into the combustion chamber, allowing particulate matter to be broken down even more.
Black smoke is the most prevalent color of smoke produced by a diesel engine, and it indicates that something is wrong with the diesel fuel combustion process. The blend of air and fuel flow into the cylinders is the first place to investigate when diagnosing the problem. There could be too much gasoline, too enough fuel, too much air, or simply not enough air being delivered by the engine.
Blue Smoke:
Blue engine smoke is the most uncommon sort of smoke produced by a diesel engine. The presence of blue smoke indicates that oil is being burned. Blue smoke is not to be dismissed, but it is usual when starting a car in cold weather. When the oil is cold, it thins out, and some may escape into the cylinder and be burned. Due to deposits present around the rings or cylinders, cold temperatures might cause older, more worn rings to dislodge a little. Cylinder glaze, or the smooth deposits left behind when the piston rises and falls, can also accumulate and burn with time. After the initial break-in time, the seal between the combustion chamber and the crankcase should be entirely sealed. Using Lubriplate 105 or Molybdenum Disulfide during the engine rebuild will help the rings seat properly and burn off any carbon deposits upon restart.
Common Causes of Blue Smoke:
It is not something you should overlook, regardless of the color of the smoke. There should be no visible smoke from a properly operating and maintained diesel engine. If you notice significant smoke, make sure to turn off the engine right once, as any additional heat or load could badly harm the engine.
What is the temperature at which winter diesel gels?
- Gelling: It’s unusual to have a situation where the fuel practically turns to jelly. Gelling happens when the paraffin wax in diesel solidifies due to a drop in temperature, and the fuel’s temperature must be kept below minus 10 degrees F for extended periods of time, such as 48 to 72 hours. When diesel is cold soaked, the paraffin wax in the fuel hardens, giving it a hazy look. At temperatures as high as 32 degrees F, the fuel will begin to cloud, but it will continue to flow. Before the fuel can gel, it must be kept at a very low temperature for an extended period of time. It’s common to hear drivers complain about their fuel gelling up, but this is almost certainly not the issue they’re having. Ice or solidified paraffin wax in the fuel filter is more likely to be the issue. There’s more on that later.
- Cloud Point: To determine the cloud point of a sample of diesel fuel, which is the temperature at which the naturally present paraffin wax in #2 diesel fuel begins to crystalize, there are recommended methods. The fuel has a hazy look due to the microscopic particles of suspended hardened wax. Cloud point temperatures for diesel fuel typically vary from -18F to +20F, but can reach +40F depending on a variety of factors connected to the base stock and refining operations. The cloud point of so-called winter diesel fuel (#1 diesel or kerosene) is substantially lower since it contains relatively little paraffin. Fuel distributors will test the product and, if required, may include the results in tenders and delivery receipts.
- The temperature at which a liquid loses its flow properties is known as the pour point. The pour point of diesel fuel changes according on the wax content in the fuel, which varies depending on the source of the base stock, the refining process, and the type and quantity of additives added to the fuel during refining or distribution. The difference between the cloud point and the pour point is always there, with the latter often being 2 to 20F lower than the former. To establish the pour point of a fuel sample, certain tests must be performed. Bulk providers, as previously stated, can supply this information.
- When diesel fuel is cooled, the cold filter plugging point is a measurement based on a standardized test that indicates the rate at which it will flow through a standardized filtration equipment in a given amount of time. The CFPP is the point at which the sample fails to pass through the filter in the time allotted.
Red diesel freezes at what temperature?
What is the temperature at which diesel fuel gels? That’s a tough question to answer because your diesel-powered vehicle won’t drive anywhere in the cold if you don’t prepare properly. Fortunately, the problem can be readily avoided by applying a gasoline additive, which can also stop gelling from happening in the first place. While it’s important to prepare your vehicle before the cold weather arrives, acting quickly can help you avoid a breakdown.
At What Temperature Does Diesel Fuel Gel?
When the temperature drops below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, the paraffin in diesel fuel begins to harden, clouding the fuel tank. This modification will not prevent you from driving, but it will serve as a reminder of how colder weather affects gasoline use.
Gelling happens when the temperature falls between 10 and 15 degrees Fahrenheit, blocking the gasoline tank and fuel lines. You may need to have your vehicle towed to a garage at this stage so that your mechanic may repair any damaged fuel lines and thaw the fuel tank.
How Do You Prevent Diesel Fuel From Gelling?
If you utilize a fuel additive, you can drive a diesel car in subzero temperatures. A fuel additive designed for diesel engines decreases the fuel pour point (the temperature at which it freezes) by as much as 40 degrees. It also inhibits gelling by dispersing water.
The crystals that form in diesel fuel during cold weather are altered by a diesel fuel additive. The additive lowers the size of the crystals in diesel fuel, preventing it from waxing or gelling. It alters the fuel’s chemical characteristics, allowing it to flow at temperatures considerably below zero degrees.
If the diesel has already gelled, an additive can help. To begin, empty the tank and disconnect the fuel line. Typically, this entails pouring the additive into the tank and waiting 20 minutes for it to break down the gel before starting the vehicle, but check any directions carefully to ensure you’re following the appropriate steps. Allowing your vehicle to idle for a few minutes will allow the fuel lines to clean.
Cold Weather Preparation
There are a few more things you can do to prepare your vehicle for cold weather besides utilizing a diesel fuel additive. First, make sure your battery is in good working order. When the weather turns cold after a hot summer, the battery is more vulnerable to failure. Replace your battery if the reading is less than 12.45 volts on a multimeter. You don’t want to have to deal with battery issues on top of fuel issues.
Second, if temperatures are really low, an addition may not be sufficient. Keep in mind that an additive can reduce the pour point by up to 40 degrees. It can prevent blockage in temperatures as low as minus 30 degrees Fahrenheit. We all know that cooler temperatures are feasible, and that the addition may become useless as a result. Even if the temperature does not drop that low, a block heater may be required, especially if you park outside. Make it a practice to turn on the block heater when the temperature drops below freezing.
You may avoid being stranded on even the coldest days if you take excellent care of your diesel vehicle and its gasoline.
NAPA Online has a comprehensive list of fuel additives, or visit one of our 17,000 NAPA AutoCare facilities for routine maintenance and repairs. Consult a trained specialist at your local NAPA AUTO PARTS shop for more information about diesel fuel.
