Diesel No start in cold weather

[JuanJ]

Hello,

Diesel fuel tends to gel at low temperatures. Depending on the crude oil quality it was refined from, diesel might contain paraffin, which also solidifies when the fuel reaches the pour point. Both can build up in places like filters, restricting flow.

Additives are your friends, but do your homework before using them.





Juan

 

[decoco]

Hello,

Diesel fuel tends to gel at low temperatures. Depending on the crude oil quality it was refined from, diesel might contain paraffin, which also solidifies when the fuel reaches the pour point. Both can build up in places like filters, restricting flow.

Additives are your friends, but do your homework before using them.





Juan

thanks Juan J more and more it's seeming like a fuel issue. I've added additive, and will pull the filter when I get a chance. I'm in the middle some personal issues and it's cold as balls, so I don't know how quickly I'll get to it.

 

[decoco]

If the truck is turning over fine but will not fire...then there is a fuel issue. Not sure if your are operating in C or F but fuel stations in the USA often have two grades of winter fuel for diesel engine in really cold areas. If you got the middle grade then your fuel filter has likely gelled up and not allowing any fuel to your engine...regardless of whether your block heater is working. Easy check is to pull the fuel filter and look inside---see a lot of white thick slime this is your problem. You will need to add treatment directly to the fuel filter and your fuel tank. In cold temps never trust the gas station to keep you running always good insurance to buy some additive.

correction, I do not have a block heater but a line heater instead (new vehicle to me)- It is working.
I also purchased battery blankets, it was recommended put these in to further preserve the batteries, but at this point it doesn't seem to be a battery issue, but will install anyway for added peace of mind.
I haven't had a chance to measure the glow plugs with a multi meter; but feel like this could strongly be a situation with gelled fuel in the filter. I will attack the filter first once it warms up a notch later this week and go from there.


I was reading on this and it seems like I will need to let the filter sit in a marinade of the additive, and coat in diesel prior to installation?

 

[John Galt]

In a cold climate like ours one learns that it's a good idea to have a sample of the most recent fuel in a jar out in the cold so you can see what's actually happening. This also gives an opportunity to see which additives actually 'de-gel' fuel and which ones are nothing but 'snake oil'. Most are merely lubricity additives and experience has shown that premium petrol is just as effective as an anti-gel additive for a lot less cost.

 

[GTSSportCoupe]

Hello Folks, I am trying to trouble shoot a PZJ engine that is not starting in cold weather.
Temperature this week has been around -28.
The block heater is plugged in, new batteries, but it just won't crank.

Any trouble shooting procedures or tips please let me know.

I did not know it got cold near the equator!! You must be talking about -28 Celsius? Are you at high elevation?

I was able to start my 2LTE in -25 Celsius without any battery or engine warmer of any kind. It takes a while though. Lots of cranking without letting off. Smokey and rattly once started.

 

[decoco]

In a cold climate like ours one learns that it's a good idea to have a sample of the most recent fuel in a jar out in the cold so you can see what's actually happening. This also gives an opportunity to see which additives actually 'de-gel' fuel and which ones are nothing but 'snake oil'. Most are merely lubricity additives and experience has shown that premium petrol is just as effective as an anti-gel additive for a lot less cost.

I've got lots to learn here...

Premium petrol as in 91 octone or 94? Do you normally add it to your tank, and if so how much?

 

[decoco]

I did not know it got cold near the equator!! You must be talking about -28 Celsius? Are you at high elevation?

I was able to start my 2LTE in -25 Celsius without any battery or engine warmer of any kind. It takes a while though. Lots of cranking without letting off. Smokey and rattly once started.

No matter how high up you are, you cannot get close to -28 degrees celcius in Venezuela.
I am in Canada.

 

[GTSSportCoupe]

No matter how high up you are, you cannot get close to -28 degrees celcius in Venezuela.
I am in Canada.

Ah, ok that makes sense. You had put the link to Carabobo, and I thought that is where you were located.

 

[John Galt]

I've got lots to learn here...

Premium petrol as in 91 octone or 94? Do you normally add it to your tank, and if so how much?

In Canada premium petrol usually contains no ethanol; the sticker on the pump shows how much is in each blend. Up to 10% petrol can be added to the tank to assist with cold starting and to reduce fuel gelling.
It was -36°C in this part of Canada this morning. At those temperatures I leave the LC diesel parked and drive the Corolla gasser if I have to go anywhere.

 

[decoco]

well the old lady started today. Albeit a warmer day, and the tank was treated with the additive.
We'll she how she behaves.