The problem of fuel quality is relevant both for owners of cars with a gasoline engine and for owners of diesel engines. Additional difficulties may arise for the owners of a car with a diesel engine in the winter.
For owners of cars with a diesel engine, the situation when diesel fuel freezes in the fuel system in winter is quite typical. This is because the composition of diesel fuel contains paraffins, which crystallize at low temperatures, as a result of which the fuel flow in the system becomes impossible.
What measures can be taken to revive the car engine
First of all, you need to find a way (tow, push) to deliver the car to a warm garage. At the same time, you can fill the fuel tank with a means that prevents diesel fuel freezing, at the rate of 2 times more than what is recommended in the instructions for use.
Next, you should proceed directly to the "resuscitation" actions, which include warming up the fuel filter with a hair dryer (use carefully!) Or hot water. Before using the water, it is recommended to wrap the filter with rags to make the procedure more efficient. It is desirable to perform the same actions simultaneously with the fuel tank. You should also check the battery charge level and recharge if necessary.
After an hour and a half after performing the above actions, try to start the engine. If the attempt is unsuccessful, then provided that the car is in a warm box, you just have to be patient and periodically repeat attempts to start the engine.
How to start the engine in the cold
What to do if the car continues to be in the cold? This situation is undoubtedly more critical. But a number of measures can be taken here too. First, blow the fuel line from the filter to the tank. Pour warm diesel fuel into the filter. Carefully heat it in any suitable container over an open fire.
If possible, try to warm up the diesel fuel with a stream of hot exhaust gases from another car. Alternatively, try to supply fuel from the tank bypassing the fuel filter. Replace the fuel filter with a new one if possible. As one of the ways, try adding kerosene to diesel fuel in the proportion of 3 parts kerosene - 7 parts diesel fuel.
As a last resort, use a blowtorch. However, in no case should you direct an open fire at the tank - it is imperative to use a screen made of any suitable material.
If the measures taken do not give the desired result, call a tow truck.
In any case, the emergence of a difficult situation is easier to prevent than to cope with its consequences. Therefore, use fuel in accordance with the season and refuel only at refueling stations of trusted operators.
