Diesel anti-gel fluid for cold weather

[ricster]

In view of what has recently happened in Lesotho, and the fact that there are a few of guys going to Lesotho in about 3 weeks time, one of the issues faced was that the diesel started to gel in the freezing temperatures.

1) What additive is recommended to prevent this?
2) What additive has been used before by Patrol guys?
3) What side effects/damage can these cause?
4) Does the diesel that is sold in areas known for sub zero temperatures in winter, already have the additive to prevent this gelling effect, direct from the fuel suppliers?
5) Would the diesel in Lesotho already have this additive, direct from the fuel suppliers?

Thanks guys

[Peter Connan]

Cedric, the only qeustion I can sort-of answer is that as far as I know, the fuel in Lesotho is not treated.

When I was at Afriski a couple of years ago, I had a long discussion with the technical manager/general factotum/mechanic, and I remember him whingeing about this problem.

[ricster]

I've heard of adding petrol to the diesel at various ratios..... but....
or paraffin, but then thats like running Mocambique diesel....

[David]

For "only" R1077

Diesel-Fuel-Additive-Cetane-Boost-Anti-Gel

[ricster]

Sugar Honey Ice Tea !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ok 1oz/25 gallons for -10degC. Probably 2oz/25gallons for colder temps

[Peter Connan]

At R1073 for about a thousand litres, it's not all that bad, but to buy a bottle if you only intend going once is rough.

Perhaps the guys going can club together and get a "communal bottle"?

[Alex Roux]

Ricster

I heard of another point on adding parrafin to diesel to avoid freezing and "jellying" of the Diesel
Apparently if you have added parrafin, the fuel composite becomes a little dry and needs a bit of lubricant for your injectors. Then what can help is to add one cap (dop) of two-stroke engine oil per tank.

I guess this opinion needs to be tested / confirmed first? Lest we create problems for ourselves in Lesotho

[Jorrie]

There is a lot of info on the internet about the gelling point of diesel and the pros and cons of additives. It would seem that it is actually the parafin in diesel that causes it to start clouding in cold temperatures, so it is probably not a good idea to add parafin. Water that is present in diesel condesates and solidifies at sub-zero temperatures and seems to contribute significantly to problems when the temperature drops to sub-zero temperatures. Additives could cause rust and dirt in the fuel tanks and lines to dislodge which could then in turn cause all sorts of problems including injecter problems.

In cold climates the fuel companies adapt the diesel they supply when the temperature starts dropping, so that it will not Gel so quickly. I do not know if this is done in South Africa. I know that in Northern Europe the Gel point of diesel supplied at fuel stations is about -19 Deg C and for Petrol it is about -24Deg C. We have operated diesel vehicles in Northern Europe at temperatures of -18 Deg C and below and had no problems.

In Norway the trucks run on diesel in very low temperatures (-40Deg C and below), so it would be worth the while to research what the Norwegians do to their diesel.

It would be a very good idea to contact companies like Shell, BP, Engen, Sasol, etc. to get an expert opinion before using additives.

[Grootseun]

I cannot comment on the paraffin to diesel idea but i can say that when i was in Spain in march for a training course on common rail diesel trucks we were shown that the European trucks like the ones we see in the icy countries even have heaters in their fuel filter housing ( know BMW also has this ) to avoid the formation of paraffin crystals in the diesel - so for me that says stay away from paraffin

As for two stroke Alex - one cap to a tank aint gonna do squat its to diluted - its an old diesel trick to add two stroke , preferably the marine grade one and the ratio is around 500ml to 80L of diesel , you cannot actually overdose it - this does in fact help with the lubrication of the injectors , just don't so this to the modern diesels like the common rails - they are equipped with DPF ( diesel particulate filters ) in the exhaust that wont like this at all

My bet - look at the correct anti gelling agents

[Bruin Beer]

I am no diesel mechanic but I know of farmers that run diesels on paraffin so to me paraffin is just a cleaner more refined diesel.
With this in mind I can not see that this would make much of a difference.
My uncle was left on a winter’s morning in SWA with his Isuzu.
After been towed to the nearest dealer the mechanic indicated that there is a small orifice in the diesel pump and with the diesel that start to gel that gets clogged up.
His solution, boil a kettle of water, slowly empty it on the diesel pump and bobs your uncle. The Isuzu started first time.
Maybe this might be a much cheaper alternative for once a year.
Bruin Beer