Dave Liquorice wrote:
On Fri, 1 Jan 2010 13:02:09 -0800 (PST), Dawlish wrote:

I think I remember that diesel then began to cloud at -9C.

Can't find anything via google other than very vague figures. Nothing
on the Shell or BP websites that I can find

Things may have changed with more modern fuels.

The producers make "summer" and "winter" grade fuels. The quick
google indicated that summer fuels may wax (have a "cloud point")
anywhere between 0C and -12C. Winter ones may go down to -24C before
reaching the cloud point.

I've not had any trouble with my diesel with overnight temps down to
-10C. "Brian in Aberfeldy" hasn't mentioned any problems and it's
been pretty cold up there in the last week.

I've also read that it is common practice to defrost the diesel engines
by lighting a fire underneath them!!

Yes, my Dad tells stories like that from the winter of '47. That was
cold but we don't know what the fuel was like back then.

--
Cheers Dave.
Nr Garrigill, Cumbria. 421m ASL.



My understanding is the diesels ability to pass through the fuel filter
is the issue. Also any entrained water will form ice in the pipes and
clog fuel flow. I changed the filter believing it to be the problem
initially - it was manky right enough - but given the non flowing diesel
it was IMO less of problem than the temps. I also added a cetane booster
to try to assist combustion / free up the flow. If I was to comingle the
fuel my choice would be parrafin - a couple of pints only per tank.
Purely to prevent any chance of washing oil off piston rings.
Sorry this is getting off the purely weather subject.