Can You Mix Diesel Fuels to Prevent Waxing?

Mixing different types of diesel fuel can be a strategy to prevent waxing, especially in cold weather conditions. Diesel fuel waxing, or gelling, occurs when the temperature drops and the paraffin in the diesel starts to solidify. This can clog filters and fuel lines, causing problems in starting and running the engine. Here’s a general overview of the approach:

Winter and Regular Diesel: In cold areas, winter diesel is designed to gel at lower temperatures than regular diesel. Mixing them can lower the gelling point. For instance, a mix of 70% winter diesel and 30% regular diesel often works well, but the exact ratio can vary based on local climate conditions.
Additives: Anti-gelling additives, used in small quantities (typically a few ounces per gallon of diesel, as instructed on the product), can prevent diesel from solidifying.
Kerosene Mixing: Blending kerosene with diesel in a 1:10 ratio (10% kerosene and 90% diesel) can help, but too much kerosene reduces the lubrication in diesel, potentially harming the engine.
Manufacturer’s Guidelines: Always consult the vehicle or equipment manufacturer’s guidelines for specific mixing instructions and proportions.
Correct Proportions: The appropriate mix depends on diesel types and temperature. For example, in moderately cold temperatures, a lower proportion of winter diesel or additives might be sufficient, whereas in extreme cold, higher proportions may be necessary.

It’s important to note that while mixing diesel fuels can be effective in preventing waxing, it’s not a universal solution and should be done with caution. Always consult with a professional or refer to your engine’s manual for guidance specific to your situation.

Read related article: Does Diesel Engine Size Affect Susceptibility to Waxing?

Types of Diesel Fuel

Regular Diesel

Common Use: Regular diesel is the usual type used in engines, like in trucks, buses, and some cars.
Behavior in Warm Weather: It’s good for use when it’s not too cold, like in spring or summer.
Waxing Issue: In cold weather, this diesel can start to get thick and waxy. This happens because of substances called paraffins in the diesel. When it gets too thick, it can cause problems like blocking fuel filters and making it hard for engines to start. This usually happens around freezing temperatures, like 32°F (0°C).

Winter Diesel

Designed for Cold Weather: This diesel is specially made to work in cold conditions, like in winter.
Anti-Gelling Additives: It has added chemicals, known as anti-gelling additives, which help keep the diesel liquid and flowing even when it’s very cold outside.
Lower Gelling Point: Winter diesel is formulated to not turn waxy until it gets much colder than regular diesel, often well below 32°F (0°C).

Differences Between Regular and Winter Diesel

Gelling Temperature: The biggest difference is at what temperature they start to gel or turn waxy. Regular diesel gels at higher temperatures (around 32°F or 0°C) compared to winter diesel.
Additives in Winter Diesel: Winter diesel has these special additives to prevent waxing in cold temperatures. These additives keep the fuel from becoming too thick and clogging engine parts.
Cost and Availability: Winter diesel can be more expensive because of these additional additives. It’s also more commonly found in places that have very cold winters.
Switching Between Fuels: In areas with varying climates, people often switch to winter diesel in colder months and use regular diesel when it’s warmer.

It’s important to choose the right type of diesel for your vehicle and the weather conditions to prevent engine problems, especially in colder climates.

Read related article: Is Diesel Waxing a Seasonal Problem Only?

Practical Tips for Mixing Diesel Fuels

Mixing diesel fuels in the right way depends a lot on where you live and the weather there. If it’s a bit cold, like just below freezing, you don’t need as much winter diesel in your mix.

But in really cold places, more winter diesel is better. You should ask people who know about it in your area, because they can tell you what works best.

When you mix the fuels, do it where there’s plenty of air and use clean stuff so the diesel stays good. It’s important to wear gloves and something to protect your eyes because diesel can be bad for your skin and eyes. Make sure you mix the diesel well so it’s all the same. Keep it in a safe place too, away from things that are hot.

After you start using your new diesel mix, watch how your engine is doing. If it’s hard to start, doesn’t run as strong, or makes more smoke, the mix might not be right. You should also check the parts that the diesel goes through, like filters and lines, to make sure they’re not getting clogged. If something doesn’t seem right, you might have to change the mix or get help from someone who knows a lot about engines.

As the weather changes, you might need to change your mix, so it’s good to keep an eye on that. Always be safe and go with what’s best for your engine.

It’s also important to remember that each engine can be different. So, what works for one might not work for another. Always think about what the company that made your engine says. They give advice that’s just right for your engine. If you don’t follow their advice, you could have problems. Your engine might not run well, or it could even get damaged, which can cost a lot to fix.

When you’re trying to figure out the best mix of diesel for your engine, it’s a good idea to start with a small change. Then, see how your engine reacts. If everything seems okay, you can keep using that mix. But if there are problems, you might need to try something different.

Keeping a record of what mix you’re using and how your engine performs can be really helpful. This way, you can see what works best over time and make changes if you need to.

Read related article: Troubleshooting and Resolution: Dealing with Wax Settling

Strategies for Preventing Waxing

Here are some strategies for preventing waxing in diesel fuel, explained in simple terms:

A. Mixing Winter and Regular Diesel

Ideal Ratios for Mixing: A common mix is 70% winter diesel and 30% regular diesel, but this can change based on how cold it is. In colder weather, you might need more winter diesel.
Benefits of Mixing: This mix helps keep the fuel from turning waxy in cold weather. It’s a balance – you get some cold protection without using only the more expensive winter diesel.
Potential Risks or Downsides: If you don’t mix the right amount, it might not prevent waxing. Also, mixing the wrong ratio could harm some engines, especially if they need a specific type of fuel.

B. Use of Anti-Gelling Additives

Types of Additives: These are special chemicals you add to diesel to stop it from turning waxy. There are many brands, but they all do a similar job.
How to Use Them (Measurements and Frequency): You usually add a small amount, like a few ounces per gallon of diesel, before it gets cold. The bottle will tell you how much to use.
Effectiveness in Different Temperatures: These additives work well in various cold temperatures. They’re good for places where it gets just a bit below freezing or even very cold.

C. Kerosene Blending

Pros and Cons of Using Kerosene: Kerosene can lower the temperature at which diesel turns waxy. But, it’s not as good as diesel for lubricating the engine, which is important for keeping the engine healthy.
Recommended Mixing Ratios: A common mix is 10% kerosene and 90% diesel. But, this can change based on how cold it is and the engine type.
Impact on Engine Lubrication: Adding too much kerosene can reduce the oiliness of the fuel. This can lead to more wear and tear on the engine, so it’s important to not overdo it.

Each of these strategies has its benefits and risks. It’s important to choose the right one for your situation and to follow instructions carefully to protect your engine.

Follow the Manufacturer’s Guidelines

It’s really important to follow what the maker of your vehicle or engine says about using diesel fuel. Here’s why:

The company that made your engine knows best about what kind of fuel it should use. They test their engines with different fuels and know what works best. If they say to use a certain type of diesel or a specific mix, it’s because they’ve found that’s what keeps the engine running well and safely.

Every engine is a bit different. Some are built to handle cold weather better, and some might need special types of diesel to work right. That’s why the advice can be different for each type and model of engine. What works for one might not work for another.

If you don’t use the diesel type or mix that the manufacturer recommends, you might have problems. The engine could start running badly, or it might even get damaged. This could mean big repair bills or the engine not lasting as long as it should. It’s safer and smarter to stick to what the manufacturer suggests for your specific engine.

Conclusion

Mixing diesel fuels can be a good way to stop waxing in cold weather. You need to choose the right mix for your area and your engine. It’s important to be safe when mixing and to watch how your engine runs after. Always follow what the engine maker says, because they know best for your engine. Mixing diesel fuels can help a lot, but you have to do it carefully. This way, your engine stays healthy and works well, even when it’s really cold outside.

Remember, each engine is unique and might need a different type of care. So, it’s always best to start with a small change in your fuel mix and see how your engine reacts. Keep an eye on things like how well your engine starts and runs. If you notice any problems, it might mean you need to adjust the mix. Keeping records of your fuel mix and engine performance can help you find the best combination for your situation.

By being careful and attentive, you can make sure your diesel engine runs smoothly throughout the cold season. This approach not only helps in preventing the issues caused by waxing but also ensures the longevity and efficiency of your engine. So, take the time to understand your engine’s needs and the climate you’re in, and you’ll be well on your way to maintaining a healthy, well-functioning diesel engine.