How to Avoid Waxing in Diesel Fuels
Diesel fuels are known for being clean burning and environmentally friendly. They are widely seen as part of the answer to the looming global warming crisis. Any car that's equipped with a diesel engine can operate on diesel fuels, including biodiesel and even vegetable oils. However, diesel fuels have a tendency to wax up when the weather gets cold. The waxing produces crystals that can clog a car's fuel injectors and cause damage to the engine. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to avoid waxing in diesel fuels.
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Instructions
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Use diesel fuels made with rapeseed rather than soybean, palm or coconut oils. Rapeseed has a higher unsaturated fatty ester content than the other oils (which contain saturated fats). The unsaturated fat of rapeseed is less likely to form wax crystals in cold weather.
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Add a little kerosene to your diesel. Kerosene will lower the viscosity of the diesel, thus contributing to the prevention of waxing.
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Take your car to a mechanic and ask for specialty additives. There are certain substances that automotive professionals have access to that are even better than kerosene at helping you to avoid waxing. Sometimes, you can find these additives in an auto parts store, but the additives your mechanic can give you are stronger.
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Let the engine run for at least 30 minutes before driving your car. This will give the diesel a chance to heat up and the wax crystals to melt.
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Preheat oil before adding it to your car. This way, you'll avoid putting waxy oil in your engine in the first place. You can heat your oil in the can by hanging it over a lantern or placing it directly underneath a high-powered light bulb.
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Tips & Warnings
If you're not sure what kind of oil your diesel is made out of, ask the nearest clerk at your local auto parts store or inquire with your mechanic.
You don't need to mix a lot of kerosene in with your diesel. A one part to four parts ratio will suffice.
If you plan on letting your engine run to melt wax crystals, be sure to do it outside on the driveway or with the garage door open. If you do this in an attached garage with the door closed, you run the risk of poisoning the air in your home with carbon monoxide, which can kill you before you even realize it's happening.
