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Find answers to common questions about the effects of cold weather on diesel.
When the weather turns cold, diesel fuel does freeze. The process starts at 32 degrees Fahrenheit.
Gelling occurs when diesel freezes and the paraffin wax in it solidifies. At 10 to 15 degrees Fahrenheit, the fuel becomes a gel-like substance with a cloudy appearance that can clog up your system.
There are a few warning indications that diesel fuel is starting to gel. You may notice a decrease in power and compression because the fuel is not reaching the combustion chamber. Other signs to look out for include the engine stalling, stirring, or failing to start. If you can see the diesel, a cloudy appearance is a good indicator that it has frozen.
When diesel is frozen, it can hinder fuel flow or clog your engine, making it less likely the engine will start. If your engine does start, you run the risk of system damage or your equipment stopping midway. You will need to heat up the fuel and liquefy it again before you can use it properly.
You can unfreeze gelled diesel in various ways. The primary goal is to heat up the engine until the diesel returns to its liquid state. When there is an emergency, you can use fuel additives to reverse gelling. This is a popular method of unfreezing diesel because fuel additives are usually inexpensive, though reliability can vary. Keep in mind that additives can be potentially harmful if not used properly.
When the weather starts getting cold, it’s important to take measures to protect your diesel from freezing. Here are a few ways you can prevent gelling:
Extreme heat can impact diesel as well. Learn more about the effects of hot weather on diesel fuel.
Taking care of your diesel tank is essential to ensuring the quality of your fuel. Diesel tank maintenance allows you to prevent low or high temperatures from affecting your fuel and the performance of your diesel-powered equipment. Here are a few ways you can care for your tank:
At Shipley Energy, we have the knowledge and resources to provide you with a reliable fuel supply that will meet your needs from season to season. We offer several varieties of premium diesel fuel, from off-road to biodiesel.
With solutions from Shipley Energy, you can stay ahead of any weather changes and continue operations without a hitch. Contact us or give us a call at 1-800-839-1849 to get started.
Shipley is a very important part of making Dottie’s a success. They provide us with Non Ethanol 87,90,93 grade fuel which is a huge draw for our loyal non ethanol customers. Shipley also provides us with Kerosene, Off Road, and On Road Diesel at competitive prices a...
Read moreShipley is a very important part of making Dottie’s a success. They provide us with Non Ethanol 87,90,93 grade fuel which is a huge draw for our loyal non ethanol customers. Shipley also provides us with Kerosene, Off Road, and On Road Diesel at competitive prices and a timely manner. Shipley helps us most by managing our delivery, watching the market, and deciding when the best time to purchase a load would be to capture the most savings. This is particularly important in these volatile times in which we are working.
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