diesel fuel frozen?

[BlackOps]

well very cold and my max 25 - first time would not start - drained the battery down a few times even after charging trying to get it started. could the diesel fuel be frozen? man of all the days i needed it to work and esp tomorrow with 15" of snow possible.
i finally topped off the battery the best i could and let it go for today.

thanks.

 

[DuckSlayer1017]

Your fuel could be frozen. Try diesel 911 or add some kerosene to the tank. You may need to change the fuel filter as well. If you have a way to warm the tractor try it. Consider a portable heater and some blankets, just make sure to not start a fire.

 

[oosik]

Your fuel is not frozen - it is probably jelled or has a small amount of water in it. At cold temps the paraffin in the fuel hardens and causes jelling. Similarly water can "slush up" and plug the system. The answer - the paraffin or water must be heated and liquified. Sooo - - its something like a kerosene space heater, wife's hair dryer, hand held electric heat gun - - you get the idea. CAREFULLY heat the fuel in the fuel tank.

Once the fuel is heated - things should reliquify and the tractor should start. Then - quick as a fox - go to your automotive store, NAPA or the like, and get some diesel fuel additive. I use Power Service diesel fuel supplement - its supposed to prevent fuel jelling.

The only time I've ever had jelling - it was very cold here -25F and it took about half an hour with the wife's hair dryer to solve the problem.

 

[RockyNY]

When was the last time you fueled up? It probably has summer diesel in it. I plowed snow today at -10F. Took a long time to warm things up, but no problem with fuel jelling.

 

[newbury]

Plus try and warm your fuel line. You can make a temp water jacket for the fuel filter (think large ziploc bag) and fill it with boiling water, repeat, repeat. Or wait till summer

 

[BlackOps]

Thanks everyone. esp oosik - I just fueld up about 3 weeks ago with fresh diesel.

 

[Dave M7040]

Are you certain your glow plugs are working?
Dave M7040

 

[buickanddeere]

Using a block heater ?

 

[TJP89]

The only time I've ever had jelling - it was very cold here -25F and it took about half an hour with the wife's hair dryer to solve the problem.

That sounds like a real good way to blow something up. I know diesel isn't as inflammable as gasoline, but I would never take a hair dryer near diesel vapor. Then again, not sure what else I would do if I had a tank of frozen diesel.

To the OP, the hydrocarbon mix called diesel ain't gonna freeze solid anywhere on this planet. Parts of it will thicken so you can't use it, but its not going to turn into diesel ice. Fuel additives, heaters, glow plugs will all help. And although probably nothing will happen, try to stay away from directly heating diesel fuel.

 

[powerscol]

Take and electric heater and place under the tractor and tarp over the tractor. However do not leave, sit and watch. heater should be aimed at oil pan. Give it at least 1/2 hour or more.

Before doing this though add Power Service 911 to the tank and filter bowl.

To start, remove heater and tarp and cycle glow plugs at least twice without starting, then turn her over and cross your fingers.