This phrase is self-explanatory, as fuel gelling occurs when the petrol in your tank thickens to the point that it resembles gel. This only happens when the outdoor temperature dips below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, though it’s most likely to happen when the temperature is around 15 degrees or below. This is due to the presence of paraffin wax in diesel fuel. When you need to improve the lubrication and viscosity of the gasoline, that’s a terrific ingredient to have…but it’s not so great when the wax thickens as it gets colder.
As a result, the thicker fuel clogs the filters and eventually stops flowing completely, preventing you from starting your vehicle. So, how can you tell if your car is experiencing fuel gelling? If it’s below freezing outside and your diesel-fueled vehicle won’t start, it’s most likely due to fuel gelling. Fortunately, this common diesel fuel winter issue can be avoided. To be more specific, there are two basic strategies to avoid this problem.
What temp does #1 diesel gel at?
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.
When using anti-gel in diesel, what temperature should I use it at?
Preventative Actions. Service of Electricity Diesel Fuel Supplement + Cetane Boost is a popular anti-gel that works by decreasing both the cloud point and the gelling point, effectively preventing wax production. When the temperature drops below 30F, this product should be added to your fuel.
Is it possible to defrost gelled diesel?
In cold temperatures, use to liquefy frozen or gelled diesel gasoline caused by wax production or ice crystals. When used as directed, Quick-Thaw will thoroughly thaw the whole fuel system in about 20 minutes. Excellent for diesel vehicles operating in colder locations, where wax crystals found in low- and ultra-low sulfur diesel fuels can cause filter blockage.
Plug in your truck or vehicle
You can use an engine block heater to prevent a diesel vehicle from gelling. These can be installed at your local dealership if your truck doesn’t already have one.
Use winterized diesel.
Some gas stations will have fuel that has been winterized. It may not be available at every pump, so call ahead or inquire at the gasoline counter. They might have a blend that lowers the gelling temperature significantly.
Keep diesel tank as full as possible
Keep more than half a tank of gas in your car. If you’re traveling long distances in places like Wyoming, this could be difficult. With more fuel in the tank, the chance of water/condensation collecting and freezing is reduced. This, in turn, will aid in the prevention of diesel gelling.
Store the vehicle inside
Keep your car in the garage (heated is even better if you have one!) as much as possible. Keeping the vehicle inside, though, may provide just enough of a temperature differential to prevent gelling.
Is it possible to overdose on anti-gel in diesel?
With a high-quality diesel fuel additive, it’s simple to go overboard. Overdosing can cause a variety of new fuel and engine issues, from clogged filters to reduced engine performance and efficiency. If you’re losing lubricity, don’t over-treat.
Is it possible for diesel to gel while driving?
While driving, the fuel tanks can literally gel. When the temperature of diesel fuel drops, the paraffin that is normally contained in it begins to harden. It is critical to always treat your fuel system with a reliable anti-gel additive to assist prevent this from happening.
How can you get a gelled diesel to start?
When the temperature of diesel fuel drops below a certain point, wax naturally present in the fuel begins to crystallize. Depending on the source and quality of the fuel, gelling can occur at temperatures as high as 20F. By clogging fuel lines and filter(s), gelled diesel fuel can stop you in your tracks before you ever get the engine started, wreaking havoc on your fuel system. When your diesel vehicle won’t start or stops running in low weather, you’ll know you have a possible gelling problem. Straight and branched-chain hydrocarbons make up diesel. For #2 Diesel, these hydrocarbons, also known as paraffin waxes, solidify about 17.5 F. The amount of paraffin wax in diesel fuel is determined by the type of crude oil used in its production and the manufacturing process. Gelling is also aided by biodiesel fuel, which is required to be combined with diesel fuel in several states. At greater temperatures than normal diesel, biodiesel gels.
How to Prevent Diesel Gelling
Hot Shot’s Diesel Winter Anti-Gel has a pour point of -65 F when mixed with diesel, providing excellent cold weather protection. The pour point is the temperature at which the paraffin in the fuel has crystallized to the point where it has gelled and is no longer flowable. You don’t have to take our word for it; check out this YouTube video from Project Farm to see for yourself. He tested a number of different diesel fuel treatments and found that Hot Shot’s Diesel Winter Anti-Gel came out on top.
Gelled Fuel in The Fuel Tank:
If the fuel in the tank has gelled, add the entire contents of Diesel Winter Rescue (32 ounces) to every 40 gallons of fuel in the tank (s). Remove the fuel filters and fill them with a 50/50 mixture of Diesel Winter Rescue and diesel fuel. Start your engine after reinstalling the fuel filters. Allow your engine to idle for a few minutes to warm up the fuel system and clear any gelled masses.
Gelled Fuel in Fuel Lines or Fuel Filters:
Remove the engine’s fuel filters and fill with the same 1:1 combination of Diesel Winter Rescue and conventional diesel fuel if your fuel is liquid in the fuel tank(s) but your engine won’t start. Reinstall the fuel filters, start the engine, and let it warm up completely.
How Do Hot Shot’s Diesel Winter Products Work?
Hot Shot’s Diesel Winter Rescue is a fully developed emergency product that contains a military-grade de-icer as well as a lubricity additive for diesel fuel. It’s designed to re-liquefy gelled fuel and de-ice frozen fuel filters, restoring diesel fuel flow to the engine and allowing the vehicle to resume normal operation. Having products like Diesel Winter Rescue in your vehicle during the winter months, when gelling is most likely, is a good idea.
At what temperature should anti-gel be added?
FIRST, ADDITIVE SHOULD BE STORED PROPERLY. Keep your anti-gel somewhere dry and sheltered from the elements until you’re ready to use it. The ideal temperature is room temperature, although anything above 20 F would suffice.
In a jail, at what temperature does diesel begin to burn?
When the temperature of diesel fuel drops, the paraffin that is normally contained in it begins to harden. The wax in liquid form will solidify at 32 degrees, clouding the fuel tank. It will ultimately start to gel at 10-15 degrees and block the tank and fuel filters.
