Diesel fuel freezes at temperature. Does the "winter" diesel freeze in cold weather. Diesel fuel test at a gas station

The pour point of fuels must be taken into account when carrying out storage operations for unloading, loading and pumping through pipelines.
The pour point of the fuel, or, more precisely, the temperature at which normal filtration is disturbed, in winter time is essential for the operation of diesel engines. This is due to the extreme sensitivity of fine filters to an increase in the viscosity of the fuel and the precipitation of sludge and solids from it. According to Hagemann-Hammerich, the filtration time of 200 cm3 of fuel at -15 C should be less than 60 seconds.
Device for determining the limiting filterability temperature. The pour point of the fuel, determined according to GOST 20287 - 74, only to some extent characterizes the behavior of the fuel in the engine power system.
The pour point of fuels (samples 4 and 5) with the introduction of 0 1% additive noticeably decreases, however, after a month of storage, the effect of the additive ceased. Thus, the VES-6 additive, even when introduced at a concentration of 0–5%, does not have a noticeable effect on the stability of the pour point of fuels obtained from highly paraffinic oils.
The pour point of the fuel (GOST 20287 - 74) is determined by cooling the fuel in a test tube placed in the cooling mixture. The fuel tube is kept in the cooling mixture until the product in the tube reaches the temperature indicated for the solidification test. Then the tube is tilted at an angle of 45 and left in this position for 1 min. If the meniscus of the test product has not shifted, the product in the test tube is heated to 50 1 C and a new determination is made, but already at a temperature 4 C higher than the previous one. And so the definitions continue until, at a certain temperature, the meniscus moves. When the freezing point is established, the determination is repeated. The pour point of the product is taken as the arithmetic mean of the temperatures established in two parallel tests.
The pour point of the fuel is reduced to minus 45 - minus 60 С.
The pour point of fuel, as is known, is not a constant value, but is determined by the nature and type of fuel and the method of its production. Naturally, the pour point of fuel-water emulsions depends, on the one hand, on the pour point of the fuel itself, and on the other hand, on the presence of water. Generally, increasing the water content of a fuel increases its pour point.
The pour point of the fuel determines the possibility of its use at a given air temperature. In practice, the pour point of the fuel should be 10 - 15 C lower than the ambient air temperature.
The pour point of the fuel depends on its fractional composition. Heavier fuel has a higher pour point.
The pour point of the fuel determines the possibility of its use at a given air temperature. In practice, the pour point of the fuel should be 10 to 15 degrees lower than the ambient air temperature.
The pour point of fuel for high-speed units located in a cold room must be at least 10 ° C below the minimum local temperature. For other installations, the type of fuel used depends on the operating conditions of the engine and the availability of fuel heaters at the stations.
The pour point of the fuel corresponds to such a limiting temperature at which the fuel loses its fluidity. This indicator serves as an approximate guideline in determining the possible limiting conditions for the use of fuels, and to a greater extent, this indicator is used to judge the possibilities of refueling, transporting, draining and loading fuel.
The pour point of the fuel should be 5 - 10 C below the temperature environment, in which the engine is running, otherwise the fuel filtration deteriorates and its supply may stop.

The pour point of fuels must be determined after their dehydration, since the presence of water, especially for low-viscosity fuel oils, affects the correctness of the determination. This can be seen from the following figures.
A device for determining the freezing point and cloudiness of gasoline. The pour point of the fuel is the temperature at which the fuel thickens so much under experimental conditions that when the test tube is tilted at an angle of 45, the level remains stationary for 1 min.
The pour point of fuels is the temperature at which the test fuel cooled in the test tube under experimental conditions freezes so much that when the test tube is tilted at an angle of 45 it remains motionless for 1 min.
The pour point of a fuel is the temperature at which crystals visible to the naked eye form in the fuel.
The pour point of fuels is the maximum temperature at which the fuel thickens to such an extent that when the tube with it is tilted at an angle of 45, the product level remains stationary for 1 min.
The pour point of the fuel is the temperature at which the fuel thickens so much under experimental conditions that when the test tube is tilted at an angle of 45, the level remains stationary for 1 min.
According to the pour point of the fuel, they correspond to summer grades.
A sharp increase in the pour point of fuel when small amounts of high-melting normal paraffin hydrocarbons are added to it is explained by their low solubility in hydrocarbons of other classes at low temperatures. With an increase in fuel temperature, the solubility of paraffinic hydrocarbons increases slowly at first, and then, as the temperature of the medium approaches the melting point, they increase sharply. The solubility of paraffinic hydrocarbons also depends on their melting point and the nature of the solvent. With an increase in the melting point, the solubility of paraffinic hydrocarbons in the fuel decreases. The closer in structure the hydrocarbons that make up the fuel to paraffinic hydrocarbons, the better their solubility in the fuel. Along with purely paraffinic hydrocarbons, the crystallization of higher-boiling fractions of jet and especially diesel fuels is also caused by monocyclic naphthenic and aromatic hydrocarbons, which have long side chains of a normal structure.
US specification for diesel fuel for city and intercity buses. The specification does not regulate the pour point of the fuel, but, like the ASTM specification, stipulates that it should be 5 6 C below the ambient temperature.
It is most expedient to reduce the pour point of fuels by using depressants. Significantly improving the pour point and viscosity at low temperatures of boiler fuels, it has practically no effect on their other physical and chemical properties.
Influence of paraflow additive on the pour point of fuels. /, 2, 3 - a mixture of Grozny and Balakhan solar distillates (ratio, and, respectively. 4 - a mixture of Grozny solar distillate with Bibieybat sulfonated (1. 2. 5-mixture of Grozny solar distillate with Emben sulfonated (1. 2.
The ability of depressants to lower the pour point of fuels depends on the concentration of the depressant and the nature of the fuel.
The dependence of the pour point (/ and exit (2 deparaffinate) on the temperature of complex formation. | fuel and its yield increase, which indicates incomplete complexation.
Influence of paraflow on the filterability of fuels. However, due to the fact that the pour point of fuels decreases quite significantly when depressants are added, the difficulties associated with the transportation, storage, pumping and refueling of such fuels are significantly reduced. Therefore, it should be recognized that the addition of depressants to jet and diesel fuels will certainly improve their low-temperature properties, although it will not completely solve the problem of fuel filtration at low temperatures.
Consequently, the use of such additives that lower the pour point of fuels makes it possible to carry out work on draining, loading and pumping fuels through pipelines at lower temperatures, but these additives do not affect the expansion of low-temperature limits for the use of fuels on engines, since they practically do not change the temperature cloudiness of the fuel.
The size and shape of wax crystals also affect the pour point of fuels. However, according to D. L. Goldstein, this does not improve the fluidity of fuels in the fuel-conducting system. The experiments of this author have established that the filtration of initial fuels and fuels containing paraflow is interrupted at approximately the same temperature (Fig.
Influence of paraflow on the viscosity of fuels. More often, the structure is formed at a temperature several degrees higher than the pour point of the fuel.
Influence of paraflow on the pour point of fuels. Paraflow and other studied depressants, while reducing the pour point of fuels more or less effectively, have practically no effect on the cloud point of fuels.
Typically, PTF is lower than the cloud point and higher than the pour point of the fuel.
The pour point of fuel such as kerosene is equal to - 50 C, slightly lower than the pour point of a similar fuel isolated from oil before refining; its value reaches - 38 - 40 C. As in the case of fuels such as kerosene, the pour point diesel fuel, obtained after oil cracking, equal to - 7 - 9 C, below the pour point of diesel fuel (: - 3, - 5 C) isolated from oil before processing. Attention is drawn (Table 64) to the high yields of isobutane in the process of refining Romashkino oil. Under optimal conditions, catalytic cracking gases contain 20–23% isobutane.
The use of depressant VES-241 with a concentration of up to 0 1% allows to reduce the pour point of the fuel to -15 C. It is a low molecular weight copolymer of ethylene with vinyl acetate, which is a by-product of the production of sevilen.
When studying the depressant activity of compounds such as polyalkyl methacrylates, an assumption was made about another mechanism for reducing the pour point of fuels. It is believed that the pour point depressant is involved in the crystallization of paraffinic hydrocarbons, penetrating into the resulting chains with the formation of eutectic crystals. This co-crystallization theory explains well some of the results of studies on the effectiveness of polyalkyl methacrylates.

Ensuring normal fuel supply, start-up and operation of the engine at low temperatures is determined by the pour point of the fuel. In practice, the pour point of the fuel should be 10 to 15 degrees lower than the ambient air temperature. With the increase in fuel viscosity caused by cooling, the booster pump is unable to supply fuel to the fuel pump, and at very low temperatures, the fuel may completely lose fluidity. When the temperature drops, paraffin crystals are released from the fuel, clogging filters and fuel lines. Corrosion of engine parts is determined by: a) the sulfur content in the fuel; b) the content of water-soluble acids and alkalis.
The effect of the content of diesel fractions in marine fuel oil F-5 and depressant additive VES-6 on the pour point of fuel during storage has been studied.
To ensure reliable fuel supply to the engine cylinders in winter great importance also has the pour point of the fuel. The pour point of diesel fuels is the temperature at which the fuel in a standard test tube loses the ability to change its level within 1 minute. For reliable operation of the engine, this temperature should be 5-10 C lower than the ambient air temperature during vehicle operation. Additionally, GOST provides for the determination of the cloud point of diesel fuel. This definition according to GOST 5066 - 49 consists in cooling the tested fuel and establishing the temperature at which it becomes cloudy due to the onset of crystallization of the hydrocarbons that make up its composition.
When carrying out urea dewaxing of diesel fuel using settling-washing centrifuges at the pilot plant of the State Oil Refinery, a decrease in the pour point of fuel from -9 to -48 G was achieved, and high-quality synthetic fatty acids and alcohols were obtained by oxidizing the paraffin separated from the fuel.
The latter is achieved by dewaxing distillates in the production of winter grades of fuel, in which, as a result of the extraction of paraffin or the introduction of special additives, the pour point of the fuel decreases and clogging of pores and the formation of a layer of paraffin on the filter partition are excluded in the filters. During their production, fuels must be cleaned of all contaminants (tars, sulfur, naphthenic acid soaps, water, mechanical impurities), which also cause blockage of filter pores and interfere with the operation of fuel equipment.
For all high-melting hydrocarbons, regardless of the melting point, there is a limit to their percentage in solution, above which paraflow has no effect on the pour point of the fuel.
In diesel fuels, the presence of normal alkanes is desirable, since they have good flammability (maximum H:C ratio), but at the same time increase the pour point of the fuel. Therefore, in diesel fuels, the permissible amount of normal paraffinic hydrocarbons is determined by the pour point according to GOST.
By modern technology from distillates of diesel fuels, when grades 3 and A are obtained, n-alkanes C 2 - C 2o are deeply extracted (up to 95% of the potential) in order to lower the pour point of the fuel and at the same time obtain a valuable product for petrochemistry - liquid paraffin (see further section

Depending on the conditions of use, three grades of diesel fuel are installed: L (summer) - for operation at ambient temperature C and above; 3 (winter) - minus 20 C and above (fuel pour point not higher than minus 35 C) and minus 30 C and above (fuel pour point not higher than minus 45 C); A (arctic) - minus 50 C and above.
Diesel fuel grades are subdivided into types: L (summer) - for operation at an ambient temperature of 0 C and above; 3 (winter) - for operation at an ambient temperature of - 20 C and above (fuel pour point not higher than - 35 C) and - 30 C and above (fuel pour point not higher than - 45 C); A (arctic) - for operation at an ambient temperature of 50 C and above.
The pour point characterizes the temperature limits of the use of fuel without preheating. The pour point of the fuel should be 5 to 10 times lower than the temperature at which the fuel is supposed to be used.

For many motorists, with the onset of severe frosts, the most unpleasant factor is the difficulty in starting the engine. And if we can’t fight mother nature, we can ensure the smooth operation of the car. To do this, you need to keep your iron horse in order and constantly monitor the performance of all its systems. Although there are factors beyond our control. For example, for owners of cars with a diesel engine, the stumbling block may be the features of diesel fuel, on which the successful start of the engine depends. And in order to reduce the degree of dependence on its characteristics, you can use special additives - "antigels" ...

First, I would like to raise the question of what happens to diesel fuel when the temperature drops? And here main problem are paraffins, which in one or another concentration are always present in the composition of diesel fuel. Upon cooling, paraffins pass into a solid state, i.e. crystallize and precipitate (this is visually manifested in the form of turbidity of diesel fuel). In turn, paraffin crystals settle on the walls of the fuel line, thus reducing throughput the entire fuel system, and sometimes this leads to its complete clogging. And then the fuel supply either stops completely, or is supplied in a very limited amount.

Thus, with the onset of cold weather, it is necessary to fill the car not with "summer" diesel fuel (paraffin crystals begin to form in it already at a temperature of + 4 ° C), but with "winter". This step will give a certain advantage, because in the "winter" diesel fuel, the crystallization of paraffins begins only at a temperature of -10-15 degrees. By the way, there is also arctic diesel fuel, which “can withstand” frosts down to -50 degrees, but it is not sold in our country.

However, there is also a “BUT” here. Fuel for the winter at our gas stations is not always available, and it is simply impossible to visually distinguish it from the "summer" one. Therefore, it is very easy to get a “summer” diesel engine in your tank at a twenty-degree frost.

An effective way to combat paraffinization of diesel fuel is the use of special depressant additives (antigel). When this substance is added to the fuel in a certain proportion, the thickening temperature decreases. But it is unnecessary to forget that the effectiveness of the antigel depends not only on the proportion of dilution, but also on the quality of the fuel itself. Such preparations also “disperse” water from the fuel, which is extremely important for diesel fuel equipment.

At low temperatures, the quality of diesel fuel is characterized by three parameters:

Cloud point (if the fuel begins to become cloudy, but is still able to break through the micropores of the filter, the motor will work);

Maximum filterability temperature (the filter is blocked by white paraffin gel, and the fuel stops flowing to the engine);

Freezing temperature.

The proposed range of "anti-gel" products is quite large. When choosing one or another additive for your motor, it is advisable to focus not only on the manufacturer, but also carefully study the instructions.

When using an anti-gel additive, keep in mind that:

• an increase in the content of the additive in the fuel in excess of its effective concentration prescribed by the instruction does not lead to an improvement in the low-temperature properties of diesel fuel;
• the introduction of a pour point depressant into already cloudy diesel fuel is useless, since such an additive acts only on dissolved paraffins;
• when operating a diesel engine, it is not so much the freezing point of the fuel that is important, but the threshold of its filterability;
• The effectiveness of the additive directly depends on the quality of diesel fuel.

We bring to your attention small review anti-gel additives presented on the domestic market.

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1. Anti-gel for diesel fuel Gold Eagle (USA), about 55 UAH.

It is applied to diesel engines for the purpose of prevention of freezing of diesel fuel. Recommended for low temperature applications and low quality fuels.

2. Anti-gel for diesel fuel BIZOL (Germany), approximately 75 UAH.

A special additive in diesel fuel to reduce the thickening temperature to minus 31 degrees. Improves fuel filterability. The effectiveness of the product depends on the quality of the fuel. Not effective when added to congealing or already congealed fuel! Main properties: reduces the thickening temperature; improves fuel filterability; suitable for all grades of diesel fuel.

3. Liqui Moly diesel antigel Diesel flieb- fit (Germany), about 45 UAH.

The additive ensures the performance of diesel fuel and lowers the temperature of the beginning of crystallization of paraffins in diesel fuel by 10 degrees.

Application:The additive solidifies at -5°C, so it is recommended to keep it warm. If the additive has frozen, it is necessary to place it in heat. When freezing and thawing the additive, its functions are fully restored. The additive is suitable for all grades of diesel fuel. The additive should be added to the tank at the rate of 150 ml per 50 liters of diesel fuel. The performance of the additive is only effective if it is added to diesel fuel at temperatures above 0°C.

4. Liqui Moly Concentrated Diesel Antigel Diesel flieb- fit K(Germany), about 130 UAH.

Prevents the growth of paraffin crystals in diesel fuel during vehicle operation in winter. The additive ensures the performance of diesel fuel up to a temperature of -31°C. Provides fast start of the engine in frosty weather, efficiency and reliability of work.

Application:for all grades of diesel fuel, ensures the reliability of the engine in winter. Add an additive at the rate of 1:1000, that is, one measuring cap per 30 liters of diesel fuel. Strictly follow the dosage. Add in advance at a positive temperature.

5. Superantigel Hi-Gear, (USA), 3.78 l (for processing 2000 l of fuel) - about 440 UAH, 325 ml (for processing 170 l of fuel) - approximately 65 UAH.

According to the manufacturer, this anti-gel reduces the pour point of diesel fuel to -47°C (at a ratio of anti-gel to diesel fuel of 1:500). Effectively protects injectors and high pressure fuel pump from wear. Neutralizes water condensate in the fuel tank. Prevents the formation of ice plugs in the power system.

Application:pour the drug into the fuel tank at a ratio of 1:500.

6. Anti-gel diesel Runway (Russia), 300 ml - about 16 UAH, 500 ml - 21 UAH, 1 l - 42 UAH.

Prevents thickening of diesel fuel at temperatures down to -40°C. Reduces the limiting temperature of the filter passability to -36°C. Prevents freezing of the fuel system. Compatible with all types of diesel fuel.

This product does not cause defrosting of thickened diesel fuel.

Application:for achievement best results Pour the contents of the bottle into the fuel tank before refueling at the rate of 1 bottle for 65 liters (300 ml) or 110 liters (500 ml) of diesel fuel.

7. Unique anti-gel SMT2 / 296 ml (80 l) - about 35 UAH.

Designed to improve the low temperature properties of diesel fuel: pour point and filterability limit. Reduces the gelation temperature of summer fuel to -42°C, winter fuel to -56°C. Contains a unique complex of active ingredients: SMT2, modified copolymers and polyesters. The active components of the additive accumulate on the surface of n-paraffin crystals nucleating in the fuel, preventing their growth and association into a spatial gel-like structure. The presence of SMT2 metal in the air conditioner contributes to an increase in the service life of expensive fuel equipment.

And in conclusion, let's sum up a little. You can fight the cold and very effectively. The main thing is a clear and correct compliance with the requirements for the use of the drug you have chosen. Do not forget that using anti-gels of dubious production is more expensive for yourself, because they get into the very heart of your car. And with this, as you understand, you should not joke.

We hope that our advice will help you stay "on horseback", regardless of any pranks of Santa Claus.

Prepared by Oksana Belovol.

With the onset of cold weather, many drivers begin to be interested in the question of what to do if diesel or diesel fuel in the car is frozen. This problem is faced not only by drivers of passenger cars, but also by trucks. It is easier to prevent the problem in advance than to painfully eliminate the problems that have arisen later. In many cases, the human factor plays a key role in the occurrence of such situations. Unfortunately, today, for various reasons, the operation diesel engine in winter, sometimes causes a lot of problems.

What to do if diesel or diesel fuel is frozen in the car, we will try to figure it out together, and also discuss the points that can further save the owners of such cars from the occurrence of such situations. There may also be problems that are not related to driver inattention. This applies to a greater extent to the fuel used, which must correspond to the temperature regime during the operation of the vehicle.

Causes of diesel freezing

In winter, the topic of freezing diesel engines is discussed very often, especially in northern regions countries. The controversy is mainly about why this happens and how to deal with it. Most often this happens for two reasons, it is a frozen battery or problems with the supply of diesel fuel to the engine. Today we will discuss the situation. When the problem is in the fuel system.

In cases where all operating conditions of diesel engines are fully observed, such situations do not arise. One of such important conditions is the use of summer varieties of diesel fuel in the warm season, and with the onset of cold weather, switch to winter diesel fuel. Why should it be done? There is only one reason for this, it is the somewhat different chemical composition of these fuels.

We will not discuss the question of why the transition from one type of fuel to another was not made in time, there can be many reasons, including the fault of negligent owners of gas stations who did not replace one type of fuel with another in time. Let's talk about how experienced drivers come out in such situations.

A frozen diesel is a diesel fuel that has turned into jelly at a temperature of about 6-7 degrees below zero. Kissel is paraffin that clogs fuel pipes, cleaning filters, and a high-pressure pump. Most often, fuel filters suffer from this, the replaceable elements of which are made of paper, they become clogged with paraffin, thereby preventing the passage of diesel fuel.

How to prevent this?

First of all, I would like to advise all owners of diesel engines to fill the tank with fuel that corresponds to the period of operation of the car. Experienced drivers are advised to carry a spare fuel filter element with them. In some cases, replacing it solves all the problems that have arisen. Today you can find cars designed for operation in northern countries in which such a filter is heated.

The operating instructions for cars with diesel engines of certain models recommend adding a small amount of kerosene or gasoline to the fuel tank. Kerosene will be preferred as it will not wash out the grease in the high pressure fuel pump. This cannot be done with new engines and especially with turbocharging. Also, experts recommend the use of special additives in diesel fuel. Their use will not help if they are added to already frozen fuel.

How to start a frozen diesel?

If possible, you need to put the car in a warm place to let the fuel system of the car warm up properly. When this is not possible, you should try to warm up problem areas yourself. A hair dryer is well suited for such purposes, the warm air of which must be directed to fuel filter. You can also use another method. The filter must be wrapped with a cloth and poured with boiling water for several minutes.

Hot air should warm up all accessible places of the fuel system. Drivers of heavy vehicles heat fuel tanks with burners, but this method is unacceptable for passenger vehicles. You can use affordable means to heat diesel fuel to 70-80 degrees above zero and then pour it into the fuel tank. In some cases, experienced drivers try to start the engine bypassing the fuel filter. Sometimes this helps, but after warming up the system, you need to restore the previous fuel supply scheme.

A frozen diesel engine is a serious problem, especially if it happens on a deserted highway away from settlements. We tried to give affordable advice on what to do if diesel or diesel fuel in the car froze. Maybe someone managed to solve such a problem in a different way, which is quite possible, but it is better to carefully approach the preparation of the machine for operation in winter conditions, and such problems will not arise.

JELLY FROM SOLUTION

You are late for work, the car will not start, you curse everyone in the world and torture yourself with the question - well, why did I buy diesel? Why did God invent winter?

Are you ready car enthusiasts who have chosen a diesel engine for efficiency and high-torque, deal with unnecessary difficulties in the winter season. Eighty percent of the passenger car park in Belarus would be made up of cars running on diesel fuel, if the operation of a diesel engine, except for efficiency, did not differ from a gasoline one. However, it all boils down to this. Russian word, if - if winter.

OUR REFERENCE

Diesel fuel is a complex mixture of paraffinic (10-40%), naphthenic (20-60%) and aromatic (14-30%) hydrocarbons and their derivatives with an average molecular weight of 110-230, boiling away in the range of 170-380 degrees Celsius. The flash point is 35-80 degrees Celsius, solidification - below 5 degrees.

Many believe that the lion's share of the problems associated with winter diesel operation lies in the use of diesel fuel that does not correspond to the season. Its three main brands are established by standards. The most common is summer, the range of its application is from O ° C and above. Winter diesel fuel is used at negative air temperatures down to -30°C. At lower temperatures, arctic diesel fuel is used. But it should be remembered that winter fuel cannot be distinguished from summer fuel either by color or smell.

So what happens to diesel fuel in winter? As the temperature drops viscosity of diesel fuel increases . There are three temperature thresholds for changing the fluidity of diesel fuel.

clouding - solar oil is cloudy. In fact, this is the temperature at which the paraffins contained in diesel fuel begin to crystallize. For summer fuel, the cloud point is -5°С, and for winter fuel it is -25°С .

Ultimate filterability - the fuel thickens so that it is no longer able to pass through the filter. The smallest crystals of paraffin clog the pores of fuel filters and safety nets, settle in the pipeline channels and paralyze the engine. For summer fuel, the filterability limit temperature is -7°С, and for winter fuel it is -35°С.

solidification - complete loss of fluidity. At this temperature, diesel fuel becomes like jelly or fatty jelly.

The main difference between summer, winter and arctic grades of diesel fuel from each other is the percentage of paraffins, which affects the viscosity of the fuel, and, consequently, the use depending on the time of year and temperature.

OFF-SEASON

The most unpleasant time for the owner of a diesel car is the autumn-winter off-season, when the temperature outside ranges from +2°C to -5°C. When there is summer or “allegedly winter” diesel fuel in the tank, it can thicken at any time. And if there is also water in the fuel, thrombus formation in the fuel lines and filter is guaranteed. Therefore, at the beginning of the cold season, the sediment from the filter and fuel tank should be drained.

If a diesel engine worked with “smoke” in the summer, it makes sense to check and adjust the fuel injection advance angle. Failure of this parameter can make it very difficult to start a cold engine. Therefore, it is better to contact a service station in advance, because in winter diesel drivers do not sit idle, they have queues.

For vehicles with over 100.000 km winter start can greatly complicate the lack of compression in the cylinders of a diesel engine. As a rule, worn piston rings and cylinder liners are to blame for this. But what can I say if the owners are postponing repairs piston group until the last moment. As the people say, until the thunder breaks out, the peasant will not cross himself.

In Belarus, the thermometer rarely drops below -25 ° C, so the use of all-weather engine oils does not create difficulties in the operation of a diesel engine. The desire to “make life easier” for the starter and battery using oils with a reduced viscosity of SAE 10W-30 is not objectionable. It is not worth getting carried away with expensive "superfluid" "synthetics" of the 5W-30 type, intended for engine lubrication at temperatures below -30 ° C, this oil is relevant for Russian motorists - neighbors in the union state.

You can say hard times for a diesel engine, they start already when the thermometer drops to + 5 ° С. Up to this point, the diesel engine can somehow be started with non-working glow plugs. At lower temperatures, it is no longer possible, even if the candle is “playing around” in only one cylinder. After all, the function of the device is to create in the combustion chamber the temperature necessary for normal mixture formation and its self-ignition. The operation of the glow plugs is usually signaled by an indicator on the instrument panel, which lights up even before the engine starts, and after a while goes out, indicating that the air in the combustion chamber is ready to receive a portion of fuel and you can move the key to the “start” position. Experience shows that you should not trust this device. On a non-new car, it can catch fire, even when the fuse blows and the candle control unit relay does not work at all. In the case of a candle control relay output, some craftsmen simply insert a button that supplies voltage into the electrical circuit. directly on the glow plugs, and, having counted the prescribed number of seconds needed to heat the candle, then the circuit is opened - now you can start the engine and do not need to buy an expensive relay. In general, a popular invention - "a manual relay with a voice countdown, controlled by a button" - no comment!

COCKTEL MIXING LESSONS

And yet, a diesel engine in winter can also be operated on summer diesel fuel. In the absence of a suitable fuel for the season, a mixture of summer and kerosene is used. How do they influence dilution rates kerosene (or gasoline) improvement of low-temperature properties of summer fuel see table. Instead of kerosene, gasoline can be added to diesel fuel, but this is already extreme.

Diesel fuel is also a lubricant for parts of the fuel pump and injectors, adding gasoline reduces its lubricating properties. At the same time, the resource of both the fuel equipment and the motor itself is significantly reduced.

cetane number (characterizes the flammability of diesel fuel, the more it is, the faster it spontaneously ignites) injected into the cylinder mixture when diluted with kerosene and gasoline is greatly reduced, especially when diluted with gasoline. The mixture ignites longer and has time to warm up well, so it burns out with an explosion, and the pressure in the cylinders rises sharply. The engine runs "hard", its durability is reduced.

Sergey Dashuk, the head of the repair shop of the service station IP "Autohouse Antlant - M", the official VW dealer in the Republic of Belarus, said that It is strongly discouraged to perform such manipulations, especially such experiments are not desirable on modern diesel vehicles, which have a pressure in the fuel system of more than 1600 bar. Although fifteen years ago, even in the instruction manual diesel vehicles VW has written that up to 30% gasoline can be added to summer fuel. And now the VW manufacturer does not recommend adding even depressant additives.

Water destroys diesel!

The "battle" with water in fuel should be given increased attention. In winter, it crystallizes even earlier than paraffins. Some diesel foreign cars have sensors with indication on the instrument panel. If the control light signals that it is time to drain the contents of the fuel filter sump, this must be done immediately. In general, you should not wait for the indicator to light up or focus on the usually recommended 3000 kmrun, and drain the sediment at least once a month.

The real test for a diesel engine begins when the outside temperature drops below -25°C. On days like these, it makes sense to think: is it really necessary to start your “rumbler” today? Perhaps, for the sake of the health of the "fiery engine" and your own peace of mind, remember the experience of riding the subway?

Otherwise, knowing about the impending frost, it will not hurt to take off in the evening battery from the car and bring it to a warm room. Otherwise, its capacity for the morning start may not be enough. Another trick is to pour about a glass of unleaded gasoline into the engine crankcase before turning off the engine at night. It dilutes the oil and reduces its viscosity for a while. In the morning, after starting and warming up the engine, gasoline evaporates and escapes through the crankcase ventilation system. But this method should not be introduced into permanent practice. Gasoline accelerates the oxidation of the oil, reducing its anti-wear properties, and carbon deposits are intensively deposited on the parts.

BTW - MIRACLE SUBSTANCES

Diesel anti-gel additives are commercially available. They are called depressant , or anti-gel (anti-gel). Most often, they are able to reduce the maximum filterability and pour points, but not cloudiness. Therefore, the fuel can stratify, especially if it is stationary, for example, during overnight parking. This makes it difficult to supply it, since the fuel intake is located at the bottom of the tank, where paraffin crystals settle, and a more liquid layer is at the top. In addition, many additives fully realize their capabilities only when mixed with warm diesel fuel, therefore, adding most of these compounds to an already frozen diesel fuel severe frost ineffective. One way or another, but the addition of anti-gel drugs to diesel fuel makes sense. The benefits from them are clear, and the additional costs do not exceed $ 10 per half ton of joinery.

It is better to fill in additives when refueling, since the fuel coming from underground tanks is warmer than the surrounding air. Just in case, you can dissolve the additive in a canister for a full tank and store it in a warm room. It is advisable to use proven preparations from well-known manufacturers, since there are compounds with increased corrosivity or lowering only the pour point of diesel fuel.

However, the most reliable way to deal with " ice age» in the fuel system of a diesel car - the installation of various heating systems on the fuel filter, pipelines and the fuel receiver in the tank. Heaters optimally solve winter problems.

FOLK METHOD

Starting a diesel engine with a tugboat is risky. The drive of the gas distribution mechanism on passenger cars is a belt. When towing jerks are inevitable. This is where the timing belt can jump over a few teeth, or even break. If the starter is very bad or the battery is discharged, you can use a tug to start the engine, but only the driver must understand what this threatens if something happens.

OUT OF THE CANDLE?

For self check the glow plug should be unscrewed from the head, the voltage from the "plus" of the battery should be applied to the plug of the candle, and the "minus" - to the body. At a serviceable candle, the glow tube immediately heats up. After 10 seconds, it heats up and begins to glow. If reality does not match this ideal, the candle should be replaced.

AND MAIN

A tuned engine, filled with the appropriate oil and fuel for the season, usually starts and runs well.

It has a higher efficiency when compared with a gasoline unit. This increases its power and mileage. And this fuel is cheaper than gasoline. These two reasons attract users to purchase diesel cars.

However, this does not mean that such an engine is ideal. Problems with its use can arise in winter, when frost sets in. Inexperienced drivers often find themselves in a situation where the fuel is frozen and the car engine has stalled.

How does diesel fuel freeze?

DF includes hydrocarbons of various groups - naphthenic, aromatic and paraffinic. At the same time, the latter are to blame for the freezing of the fuel. The positive function of these hydrocarbons is to increase the rate of ignition of the fuel. But at low temperatures (about -5 ºС for summer diesel fuel), they begin to crystallize into a solid phase in the form of flakes and the fuel becomes cloudy.

At the cloud point of the fuel, the engine continues to operate normally. It also works at the limiting filterability temperature (-7 ºС), but at this stage the paraffin crystals begin to coagulate (stick together). With a further decrease in temperature (-10 ºС), agglomerates are formed, which no longer pass through the filter cells and clog it. The engine stalls without getting fuel. This occurs at the freezing point of diesel fuel.

Features of the fight against frost

The fight to lower the freezing point of the fuel, allowing the engine to operate in frost, is underway. different ways. The most expensive is the replacement of summer fuel with winter fuel. The latter, intended for cold climates, is obtained by the dewaxing process - the removal of hydrocarbons with a high melting point at the production stage.

Since the yield of fuel from crude oil is halved, the price also increases. The freezing point of such winter diesel fuel is - 45 ºС, it becomes cloudy at -35 ºС, it is recommended to use it at a temperature not lower than -30 ºС.

More in a simple way get winter diesel fuel for the temperate climate zone.
In summer, pour point depressants are added, which prevent paraffin crystals from sticking together. The freezing point of this summer diesel fuel, which has actually become winter, is -35 ° C, cloudiness - -25 ° C. It is recommended to use it up to -15 °C.

Every motorist can make summer fuel into winter fuel in this way outside the factory conditions. To do this, when frost sets in, add a depressant additive in accordance with the instructions. It is important that during this operation the temperature of the fuel is not lower than +5°C, otherwise the effect will be zero.

What methods of lowering the freezing point should be feared?

Along with established methods for lowering the pour point, there are many fraudulent methods. Most often, summer diesel fuel is diluted almost by half with kerosene or other petroleum products and the resulting composition is passed off as a normal winter one. It really works at low temperatures, but kerosene sharply reduces the lubricity of fuel - in just one season, a car engine can fail.

It is impossible to know what freezing point the purchased diesel fuel has. We recommend that you do not buy fuel from random sellers, but refuel at reliable and trusted gas stations.