this was at the Boulder Biodiesel Co-op's webpage, Tom Judd, the author, is a diesel mechanic who runs "Colorado Biodiesel", and has been involved in biodiesel-specific mechanical issues for years.
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Tom Judd's website:
http://coloradobiodiesel.com/
Tom's Advice on Handling Emergency Biodiesel Gelling Problems
URL:
http://www.boulderbiodiesel.com/tom/Cold/index.jsp
When a sudden front of cold weather sets in and your current biodiesel
blend is suspected to be too high for the temperature drop, the
following can be used as an "emergency guideline" to help avoid
biodiesel-related gelling problems.
First,
For EVERYONE: If you have a block heater USE IT!
Second,
DO NOT, repeat DO NOT use starting fluid on ANY diesel that has working
glow plugs. Period.
If you know your glow plugs are not working and you feel you must use a
"fluid spray" to help get the engine to run (if it turns over with the
starter but will not "fire"), use WD40 (it is a flammable oil, unlike
starting fluid which is an EXPLOSIVE!)
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If you're not normally prone to gelling:
1) Get some diesel or kero in your tank ASAP. Run the engine a while to
get the diesel mixed with your bio blend (independant of blend ratio)
2) Procure some Diesel 911 for your trunk (I normally stock it, or you
can get it at Napa, but most likely for a higher price) because you'll
eventually be in the next class of people:
If you ARE prone to gelling, but are still running:
1) Get some Arctic Express and add DOUBLE the label amount to your tank
when topping up with diesel #2. Whatever concentration of bio you have,
in these temps, top it up with diesel.
2) Procure some Diesel 911 for your trunk.
If you are gelled and cannot start (this means it's directly because of
temps, not some other engine issue):
1) DON'T call Tom! (Just kidding, if you truly are stranded, I'll come,
but it'll be expensive!)
2) Remove your filter if you know how and use a new filter (if you have
one handy - save the old one, it'll be fine when it thaws), if you don't
have a new filter handy, empty the fuel out of the old one as best you
can (heat and drain if possible) and COMPLETELY FILL the filter with
either; Power Service DFS, Arctic Express or Diesel 911 (best choice),
replace filter. Use 1/2 bottle of Diesel 911 in the tank and top with
diesel #2.
3) Make sure your battery is charged AFTER performing step 2 above and
attempt to start the car (do not run the starter for more than about 30
seconds at a time)
4) If the vehicle still will not start after; plugging in for at least 3
hours, charging battery, filling filter with supplements and adding D2
to the tank, THEN call me. Leave a message and I'll get back as soon as
I can.
With very cold weather (below 10 F), what I'd suggest as a fail-safe
blend is Blue Sun B20 with some Arctic Express added to the tank at
DOUBLE the suggested ratio for D2 and keep some Diesel 911 in your trunk.
If you can afford it, having a 5 gal jug of kero handy is nice
insurance. DO NOT use more than 50% kero in your tank though.
Disclaimer: The above guidelines are by no means complete or definitive.
They were learned from years of experience and customer experience. I am
in no way connected with Power Service, but have found their products to
be the most efficacious for diesel service (freezer tests, field tests,
etc.)
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