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This term is pretty self-explanatory, since fuel gelling occurs when the fuel in your tank thickens up enough to look and feel like gel. This only happens when the temperature outside drops below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, though it’s most likely to occur at about 15 degrees or lower.
How cold does it have to be to gel diesel?
Gelling: Situations where the fuel literally turns to jelly are fairly rare. Gelling occurs when the paraffin wax in diesel solidifies because of a drop in temperature, and the temperature of the fuel generally has to stay below something like minus 10 degrees F for extended periods, like 48 to 72 hours.
Will diesel gel at 20 degrees?
Once the weather is close to 10 to 15 degrees Fahrenheit*, gelling starts to occur and can clog the fuel system (*depending on the source and quality of fuel, gelling can occur as high as 20 degrees Fahrenheit).
At what temperature do you add anti-gel to diesel fuel?
When temperatures are below freezing (32°F) It is always smart to start using anti-gel as soon as temperatures approach freezing. The rule of thumb is that the lower the temperature, the more fuel additive needs to be added. We suggest that you follow the instructions on the bottle of your anti-gel.
Can diesel gel while driving?
Nowadays, modern diesel engines do not return as much fuel to the tank as they used to, so the fuel doesn’t stay warm when the engine is running. The fuel tanks can actually gel while driving. Diesel fuel gelling happens when the paraffin usually present in diesel starts to solidify when the temperature drops.
What temp does #2 diesel fuel gel?
When diesel users talk about gelling, this is the issue they’re referring to. Gelling starts to occur at a specific temperature known as the cloud point, coined after the white haze — or “cloud” — that appears as paraffin wax crystalizes. No. 2 diesel fuel has a cloud point of 14 degrees Fahrenheit.
What temperature should you use anti-gel?
When temperatures are below freezing (32degrees F) It is always smart to start using anti-gel as soon as temperatures approach freezing. The rule of thumb is that the lower the temperature, the more fuel additive needs to be added.
What temp does 50/50 diesel gel?
For example, a 50/50 blend of No. 1 diesel and No. 2 diesel will give operability down to -16F. The premium diesel special has additives designed to keep the engine running clean and control the effects of condensation by lowering the temperature that ice crystals will form in fuel.
How do I keep my diesel from gelling up?
One of the top ways to prevent fuel gelling is to ensure the fuel never gets too cold, which you can do by not storing your car outside in cold temperatures. So if you have a garage that is heated, or some type of climate-controlled storage area for your vehicle, this solution should work in the winter.
Does gelled diesel thaw?
Use to liquefy frozen or gelled diesel fuel caused by wax formation or ice crystals in cold weather. When used according to directions, Quick-Thaw will completely thaw the entire fuel system in about 20 minutes.
Do gas stations add anti-gel to diesel fuel?
When temperatures drop diesel fuel can form waxy solid crystals that clog fuel lines and fuel filters. Not only does this cause engines not to start (or to start and then die), it can also require major repairs if things get bad enough. Diesel fuel anti-gels are simply added to the fuel (just drop it in the fuel tank).
Can you over treat diesel fuel with anti-gel?
You can easily add too much of a high-quality diesel fuel additive. Overdosing can lead to a whole new list of fuel and engine issues from clogged filters to overall decreased engine performance and efficiency. If you’re losing lubricity, don’t over-treat.
Will block heater prevent gelling?
To avoid a diesel from gelling, you can plug the vehicle in using an engine block heater.
Will diesel fuel Ungel when it warms up?
While gelled fuel sounds bad, the good news is that diesel fuel will return to normal as soon as the temperature goes back up above the gel point. Pushing a vehicle into a garage and leaving it for a few hours is typically all that is required to fix the gelling problem.
Does wind chill affect diesel fuel?
Another misconception is that wind chill will affect the cloud point of diesel. Thankfully, this is not the truth. Only static air temperature will cause your diesel to gel.
Should I use #1 or #2 diesel?
Diesel #1 is also known as winter diesel because it performs better than Diesel #2 in cold temperatures. It has a lower viscosity and is not prone to gel in freezing temperatures. Most stations offer a premium Diesel mix that is blended for local weather conditions. Diesel #2 costs less at the pump.
Can #1 diesel gel?
1 diesel is better for use in cold weather. This is because it has a lower boiling point and is lighter than No. 2 diesel. This makes it less susceptible to gelling or waxing in cold weather, and thus better able to flow through a car’s engine.
Can you mix #1 and #2 diesel?
#1 and #2 grade fuels can be mixed at the same time. This means you don’t have to worry if #1 grade is only available during the winter months.
