Diesel fuel problems & cold weather.

The effects cold weather has on diesel fuel

Cold Weather and Diesel Fuel Do Not Mix

There are 3 issues regarding cold weather and diesel fuel.

CLOUD POINT.
Cloud Point is the temperature at which the wax (paraffin) in diesel fuel begins to form cloudy wax crystals. These wax crystals coat the fuel filter element and very quickly reduces the flow through the filter element. This effect either reduces the engines power output or prevents the engine from starting.

POUR POINT
Pour Point is the temperature at which the wax (paraffin) in the diesel fuel has crystallized to the point where the fuel "GELS" and will not flow. Usually, the Cloud Point and Pour Point are about 15-20 degrees apart. Both points vary greatly, but generally, fuels reach the cloud point at 40°F (5°C) and the Pour Point is reached at temperatures below 20°F (-7°C)

WATER
Freezing temperatures will cause any water / moisture present in the fuel to form a fuel/ice slush, which can further restrict the fuel flow through the filter element.

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