How To Tell When Diesel Fuel Begins To Gelīerg mentions that there are a few telltale signs when diesel fuel is beginning to gel and it’s all primarily based on the loss of power and compression because fuel is failing to reach the combustion chamber. 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). What Temperature Does Diesel Fuel Gel?Ī similar process takes place in diesel fuel when the fuel begins to crystalize during cold weather. Then, as it cools, the wax becomes solid again. It’s similar to how a wax candle will remain solid until lit, at which point the wax progressively becomes a free-flowing liquid. With long enough exposure to cold temperatures, it will produce a solid wax-like substance that can clog the entire fuel system. We used to own a towing company and unfortunately for our customers, we have seen plenty of gelling causing diesel vehicles to not start in the winter.” Why Does Diesel Fuel Gel?ĭiesel fuel, especially #2 Ultra Low Sulphur Diesel that is common to all services stations, will ‘gel’ as the paraffin in the diesel fuel starts to crystallize and freeze. Brain freeze can happen just by being outside.
By now it’s often 20 degrees below zero here for days and days on end. So far we have only been down into single-digit temps. “I’m wearing my gloves rated for 40 degrees below zero, and my hands are still very cold,” says David. David Berg of BayBrook Solutions lives in Mandan, North Dakota, where at the time of this writing the weather was a balmy 5☏ with a 20 mph wind.
We recently caught up with someone who is an expert on winter maintenance to get his advice. If you happen to be driving a diesel vehicle, there is a unique risk of your diesel fuel gelling adding one more checklist item to consider for preventive maintenance. Unless you’re someone who lives in Florida, southern California or perhaps Texas, the chances are good that temperatures are dipping below freezing and affecting the performance of your vehicle. As the cold sets in for the winter, many around the country start thinking of their vehicles and the need for winter maintenance.
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