Quote:
Originally Posted by eplurubus
Theoretically, shouldn't the fuel-return system alleviate the gelling problem? Obviously it doesn't, but it seems like it should. I mean, if heated fuel is returning to the tanks, fuel gelling problems should be extinct. So, why do we still have this problem?? I know that every time I remove my fuel-tank caps, I see steam coming up out of the tank (technically, it's probably not "steam", but you know what I mean). I've been in Canada, Wisconsin, and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan when it was extremely cold, and I didn't have a problem with my fuel gelling, simply because I believe that the returned fuel kept the fuel in my tanks warm. I'm probably wrong about this, but naivete is a wonderful thing.
You might be able to keep your tanks at a decent temp, but your fuel lines, not a chance in hell!
Every problem I've seen the filters have been empty with a massive suction sound when you take this off. This indicates to me there is a blockage between the tank and the first fuel filter. In other words, ice has built up on a fitting. If the filter was full of very thick stuff, then I would say the fuel has 'gelled'. I have yet to see it.
GMAN, did you actually see the diesel itself thicken?
I don't know about smaller drops, maybe. Basically the stuff lowers the freezing point of water. That is, if you can get the stuff to mix. That's the key.
I've seen where those fancy several thousand dollar tank heaters have failed guys. The problem isn't ever in the tanks, it's in the lines.