Adding parafin to diesel in winter

G

Goobie

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During a trip to Aliwal North a few weeks ago our diesel IX35 had an issue where the diesel solidified in the fuel line due to the extreme cold. Fortunately we got stranded not too far from our overnight stay.

A local farmer sugested we add 500ml paraffin next time as that changes the gelling temperature of diesel. Google seems to agree.

We are heading back there and was wondering how safe it is to add paraffin to modern diesel engines. Anybody here got any experience to share?

Thanks
 
Glad you managed to get going.

I would ask a dealership (or two) to offer options first and then if they recommend parrafin without prompting, excellent. If their recommendation does not, ask them about the parrafin and their view.

Also how it could affect warranty, if at all.
 
a quick google,

https://fuelandfriction.com/trucking-pro/how-prevent-diesel-fuel-gelling/

apparently
"Diesel fuel gelling happens when the paraffin usually present in diesel starts to solidify when the temperature drops. At 32 degrees, the wax in liquid form will crystallize and leave the fuel tank clouded. At 10-15 degrees, it will finally start to gel and clog the tank and fuel filters. "

i assume these temperatures are in F
 
ijacobs3 said:
a quick google,

https://fuelandfriction.com/trucking-pro/how-prevent-diesel-fuel-gelling/

apparently
"Diesel fuel gelling happens when the paraffin usually present in diesel starts to solidify when the temperature drops. At 32 degrees, the wax in liquid form will crystallize and leave the fuel tank clouded. At 10-15 degrees, it will finally start to gel and clog the tank and fuel filters. "

i assume these temperatures are in F
Click to expand...

That article says the paraffin solidifies, but then says adding kerosene help reduce the clogging. Kerosene = paraffin. Confused
 
it's a well-known trick in the platteland, to prevent diesel from gelling overnight when it's very cold.

be very careful though, the paraffin also removes lubricity, so use only when absolutely necessary and afterwards fill up with diesel to dilute the rest in the tank.

not advisable on a modern vehicle, but if you're stuck, then you have no other option other than to park the vehicle indoors overnight.
 
another thing i've seen is guys adding 2stroke oil to the diesel , but thats for a totally different reason, wonder if it would help for the gelling
 
It happened to my Navara in 2007. It had 200km on the clock then. I phoned the DP and he said he can’t help, as he had a multitude if trucks stuck on the road with the exact same problem. He suggested I wait a few hours. And if I was worried about it happening again, to add a bottle of Vodka in the tank.

Never did that, but a few years later, on my way to Afriski in winter, I bought a bottle of winter additive from the co-op in Fouriesburg.

Edit: A colleague did the Vodka thing in his 1984 Isuzu though, and it worked for him
 
I’m curious to know how they deal with this in countries where it actually gets cold. Cos let’s face it, while Aliwal North is kak, Canada is actually cold, and if they park their cars outside, it’s under six inches of snow.
 
Diesel fuel gelling happens when the paraffin usually present in diesel starts to solidify when the temperature drops. At 32 degrees, the wax in liquid form will crystallize and leave the fuel tank clouded. At 10-15 degrees, it will finally start to gel and clog the tank and fuel filters.
Click to expand...

https://fuelandfriction.com/trucking-pro/how-prevent-diesel-fuel-gelling/

Now I'm ****ing confused. That says it's the paraffin that causes the gelling, and you okes want to add more of it?
 
Colin62 said:
I’m curious to know how they deal with this in countries where it actually gets cold. Cos let’s face it, while Aliwal North is kak, Canada is actually cold, and if they park their cars outside, it’s under six inches of snow.
Click to expand...
Easy, they have summer and winter diesel. Winter diesel have the proper anti-gelling additives.
 
Colin62 said:
I’m curious to know how they deal with this in countries where it actually gets cold. Cos let’s face it, while Aliwal North is kak, Canada is actually cold, and if they park their cars outside, it’s under six inches of snow.
Click to expand...
America has 2 different diesel formulations. One for summer and 1 for winter. It gets swapped out at the pumps.

and since Jet fuel is actually water less diesel that withstands extreme cold at altitude. Maybe add a liter or 5 of that.

Afgas is just leaded petrol with no water. (DON'T ADD THAT!)
 
2009 - This diesel powered Koleos started and ran with no issues. Had to engage the central diff lock to get out of the yard though. Maybe European diesel gels at lower temperatures...

DSCF0163.JPG
 
Putting paraffin in diesel for a car that has sub-micron tolerances in the injectors and the high pressure and relies on the lubricity of diesel sounds like a really really really bad idea.

Maybe in some ancient low pressure vehicle.
 
Lord Farquart said:
It happened to my Navara in 2007. It had 200km on the clock then. I phoned the DP and he said he can’t help, as he had a multitude if trucks stuck on the road with the exact same problem. He suggested I wait a few hours. And if I was worried about it happening again, to add a bottle of Vodka in the tank.

Never did that, but a few years later, on my way to Afriski in winter, I bought a bottle of winter additive from the co-op in Fouriesburg.

Edit: A colleague did the Vodka thing in his 1984 Isuzu though, and it worked for him
Click to expand...
Vodka is more than half water in most cases. Even a small amount of water will destroy the film lubricity required for the injectors and pump in a modern car. Maybe a Navara is old school enough. DPs are salesmen. That is it.
 
asshat99 said:
Vodka is more than half water in most cases. Even a small amount of water will destroy the film lubricity required for the injectors and pump in a modern car. Maybe a Navara is old school enough. DPs are salesmen. That is it.
Click to expand...
Guess you stopped reading at Vodka? Morty, is that you?
 
Lord Farquart said:
Easy, they have summer and winter diesel. Winter diesel have the proper anti-gelling additives.
Click to expand...

Magnum said:
America has 2 different diesel formulations. One for summer and 1 for winter. It gets swapped out at the pumps.
Click to expand...

This.

My Isuzu starts on 1st crank every morning even when it's been standing outside in -36C. Usually have to leave it running for 10-15mins or so while scraping snow and ice off the car and ploughing the driveway.

There are some DEFA kits you can install that runs a circulation pump through your engine and cabin to have it nice and warm by the time you head to work, but it's not really necessary.
 
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