Mixing kerosene with diesel fuel can help prevent the waxing or gelling of diesel in cold weather. Diesel fuel can become thick and cloudy at low temperatures due to the formation of wax crystals. This phenomenon can clog fuel filters and lines, causing issues with engine performance.
Kerosene, which has a lower freezing point than diesel, can be mixed with diesel fuel to improve its cold weather performance. This mixture lowers the overall freezing point of the fuel, helping to keep it liquid and flowing freely even in colder temperatures. However, there are a few important considerations to keep in mind:
- Proportion: The amount of kerosene to be mixed with diesel depends on the expected temperatures and the specific types of diesel. Typically, a blend of 80% diesel to 20% kerosene is used, but this can vary.
- Fuel System Compatibility: Not all diesel engines are compatible with kerosene blends. It’s important to consult the engine manufacturer or a qualified mechanic to ensure that a mix will not harm the engine or fuel system.
- Energy Content: It has a lower energy content compared to diesel. This means that the engine might produce less power and be less fuel-efficient when using a kerosene-diesel mix.
- Legal and Warranty Concerns: Using this blend might not comply with local regulations or could void the warranty on a vehicle or engine.
- Availability: In some regions, kerosene might not be as readily available as diesel fuel.
- Cost: Depending on market prices, kerosene can be more expensive than diesel, affecting the overall cost-effectiveness of this approach.
Before deciding to do this, it’s important to weigh these factors and consult with professionals or relevant manuals. In some cases, other methods of preventing diesel waxing, such as fuel additives or engine block heaters, might be more appropriate.
Read related article: Can You Mix Diesel Fuels to Prevent Waxing?
Why Does It So?
Mixing a calculated proportion of kerosene with diesel fuel effectively lowers the plug point temperature, which is the temperature at which wax crystals begin to form in the fuel. These wax crystals are responsible for clogging fuel filters and lines, especially in cold weather, leading to engine performance issues. By adding kerosene, the overall mixture remains more fluid and less prone to waxing, even in lower temperatures.
In regions with colder climates, especially during winter months, some fuel suppliers proactively address this issue by offering diesel fuel that is already pre-mixed with an appropriate amount of kerosene. This pre-mixed fuel is tailored to perform better in cold conditions, reducing the risk of diesel waxing without the need for individual users to mix the fuels themselves. This practice simplifies maintenance for diesel engine users in winter, ensuring better engine reliability and performance in cold weather.
The pre-mixed diesel and kerosene fuel serves as a convenient solution, particularly for those who may not be familiar with the correct mixing ratios or who prefer to avoid the hassle of mixing the fuels themselves. The ratio in these pre-mixed fuels is carefully calculated based on regional climate conditions and expected lowest temperatures. This ensures that the fuel remains effective throughout the winter season, providing optimal performance and reducing the likelihood of fuel-related issues.
It’s important to note that the use of pre-mixed fuel doesn’t compromise the efficiency or power of diesel engines under normal operating conditions. While kerosene does have a slightly lower energy content than diesel, the mix is designed to balance cold weather performance with maintaining engine efficiency.
For diesel engine operators in cold climates, using pre-mixed diesel and kerosene fuel can also offer peace of mind. It eliminates the need for frequent checks and adjustments of the fuel mixture as the temperature changes, which can be particularly beneficial for commercial operations where downtime can be costly.
Read related article: Does Diesel Engine Size Affect Susceptibility to Waxing?
Properties of Kerosene That Prevents Diesel Waxing
Kerosene, a light petroleum distillate, is often used as a preventative measure against diesel waxing, particularly in colder climates. Its properties make it an effective solution for this purpose.
Properties of Kerosene for Preventing Waxing
- Lower Gel Point: It has a lower gel and cloud point compared to diesel. This means it remains fluid at lower temperatures where diesel would start to gel or form wax crystals.
- Viscosity: It is less viscous than diesel. This lower viscosity helps in maintaining the flow of the fuel through the engine and fuel lines even in cold temperatures.
- Chemical Composition: It has fewer paraffins than diesel. Paraffins are the components in diesel that solidify to form wax crystals in cold conditions. By reducing the overall paraffin content in the fuel mixture, the likelihood of waxing is significantly diminished.
- Compatibility: It blends well with diesel fuel without requiring any modifications to the fuel system in most cases. This makes it a convenient additive for cold weather conditions.
How It Affects the Freezing Point of Diesel Fuel
When mixed with diesel, kerosene effectively lowers the overall freezing point (or gel point) of the mixture. This is achieved through two primary mechanisms:
- Dilution of Paraffins: Since it contains fewer paraffins, mixing it with diesel dilutes the concentration of these wax-forming components in the fuel. This dilution helps in preventing the formation of wax crystals as temperatures drop.
- Modification of Fuel Characteristics: The addition of kerosene alters the physical characteristics of the diesel fuel. It not only reduces the viscosity but also lowers the temperature at which the fuel starts to cloud (cloud point) and eventually gel. This ensures that the fuel remains in a liquid state, facilitating proper flow and combustion even in cold weather.
The use of kerosene as a preventative measure against diesel waxing leverages its lower gel point, reduced viscosity, and compatibility with diesel fuel. By altering the freezing point and reducing the formation of wax crystals, It ensures that diesel engines operate smoothly in colder temperatures, thereby mitigating the risks associated with diesel waxing.
Read related article: Is Diesel Waxing a Seasonal Problem Only?
How to Mix Kerosene with Diesel
Mixing kerosene with diesel fuel is a practical solution for preventing fuel waxing in cold weather. However, it’s important to use the correct proportions and follow certain guidelines to ensure optimal performance and safety.
Recommended Proportions for Mixing Kerosene and Diesel
- Standard Ratio: A common starting point is a mix of 80% diesel to 20% kerosene (80/20). This ratio is typically effective for mildly cold temperatures.
- Adjusting the Ratio for Colder Temperatures: In more extreme cold conditions, the ratio can be adjusted to 70% diesel and 30% kerosene (70/30). It’s essential to avoid using too much kerosene, as this can reduce the lubricating properties of the fuel and potentially harm the engine.
- Consult Manufacturer’s Guidelines: Always check the engine manufacturer’s recommendations. Some engines might have specific requirements or limitations regarding the use of kerosene-diesel mixes.
Guidelines for Mixing
- Temperature Considerations:
- Determining the Mix Based on Temperature: The ratio should be based on the lowest expected temperature. Use a higher percentage of kerosene as the temperature drops.
- Avoiding Over-Mixing: Don’t use more than necessary, as it can lead to reduced fuel efficiency and power.
- Mixing Process:
- Pre-Mixing: If possible, mix the fuels in a separate container before adding them to the vehicle’s fuel tank. This ensures a more consistent blend.
- Adding to the Tank: If pre-mixing isn’t possible, add kerosene to the fuel tank first, followed by diesel. This helps with better mixing.
- Storage and Handling:
- Safe Storage: Store kerosene in a clean, dry, and safe container specifically designed for fuel.
- Avoid Contamination: Ensure that both the diesel and kerosene are free from contaminants before mixing.
- Monitoring Engine Performance:
- After mixing, observe the engine performance closely. If there are any unusual signs such as difficulty in starting, irregular running, or loss of power, consult a professional.
- Legal and Warranty Considerations:
- Be aware of any legal restrictions or warranty conditions that might be affected by using a kerosene-diesel mix.
By following these guidelines and adjusting the mix to suit specific temperature conditions, you can effectively use a kerosene and diesel mixture to prevent fuel waxing in cold weather, ensuring smooth operation of diesel engines.
Take the Considerations and Cautions
When considering the use of a kerosene and diesel mix to prevent fuel waxing, several important considerations and cautions need to be taken into account:
- Compatibility with Diesel Engines and Fuel Systems: Not all diesel engines are compatible with a kerosene-diesel blend. Some engines, especially newer or high-performance models, may have specific fuel requirements. Using a kerosene mix can sometimes harm these engines or lead to reduced performance. It’s crucial to consult the engine manufacturer’s guidelines or a professional mechanic to ensure compatibility.
- Impact on Energy Content and Engine Efficiency: It has a lower energy content compared to diesel, which means that using a kerosene blend can lead to a slight decrease in engine power and fuel efficiency. This impact varies based on the ratio of kerosene to diesel and should be considered, especially for vehicles and equipment where maximum power is essential.
- Legal and Warranty Implications: In some jurisdictions, there may be legal restrictions on modifying fuel blends for use in diesel engines. Additionally, using a kerosene-diesel mix can potentially void the warranty on some engines or fuel systems. It’s important to be aware of and comply with these legal and warranty issues before deciding to use a kerosene blend.
- Availability and Cost Factors: The availability and cost of kerosene can vary significantly depending on the region. In some areas, it might be readily available and cost-effective, making it a viable option. In other areas, it may be more difficult or expensive to obtain. These factors should be considered when deciding whether to use kerosene as a preventive measure against diesel waxing.
Overall, while mixing kerosene with diesel can be an effective way to prevent fuel waxing in cold conditions, it’s important to carefully consider these aspects to ensure that the solution is suitable and practical for the specific engine, operating conditions, and legal requirements.
Alternatives to Kerosene Mixing
| Method | Overview | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel Additives | Chemicals designed to prevent waxing by lowering the pour point and improving cold flow properties. | Easy to use, effective, improves lubrication and engine cleanliness. | Additional operating costs, not suitable for all engines, potential engine deposits. |
| Electric Block Heaters | Warm the engine block to keep diesel fluid in cold weather. | Highly effective, improves cold starting, reduces engine wear. | Requires external power, added electricity cost, inconvenient in some locations. |
| Battery Warmers | Maintain battery temperature for reliable engine starting. | Reliable engine starting, easy to install. | Needs external power, doesn’t address fuel waxing directly. |
| Fuel Line Heaters | Installed along the fuel line to keep diesel fluid. | Directly addresses fuel gelling, effective in extreme cold. | Complex installation, requires power, increased maintenance. |
| Onboard Fuel Tank Heaters | Installed in/on the fuel tank to keep diesel warm. | Maintains fuel temperature, effective in extreme cold. | Expensive to install and maintain, requires external power source. |
| Insulating Fuel Storage and Lines | Insulation to maintain fuel temperature. | Passive solution, minimal maintenance. | May not suffice in extreme cold, doesn’t actively warm fuel. |
Conclusion
Mixing kerosene with diesel is a viable method to prevent diesel waxing, particularly in cold weather conditions. This technique lowers the fuel’s gel point, ensuring it remains fluid and less susceptible to wax crystal formation, which can lead to fuel system clogs and engine performance issues.
However, it’s essential to consider factors such as the correct ratio, compatibility with specific engine types, and potential impacts on fuel efficiency and engine power.
Additionally, legal and warranty considerations, as well as the availability and cost of kerosene, are crucial in determining the feasibility of this solution.
While there are alternative methods like fuel additives and various heaters, kerosene mixing stands out for its simplicity and effectiveness, making it a widely adopted practice in regions with harsh winter climates. Nonetheless, vehicle owners and operators should weigh all options and adhere to manufacturer guidelines to ensure optimal and safe engine performance in cold conditions.