Defroster for diesel fuel

Fuel defroster allows you to start the diesel engine of the car even in situations where the diesel fuel has thickened and cannot be pumped through the fuel line from the tank to the engine. These products are usually added to the tank and to the fuel filter, where, due to their chemical composition, they return fluidity to diesel fuel in just a few minutes, and, accordingly, allow the engine to be started. Diesel fuel defrosters appeared on the auto chemical goods market not so long ago, but are becoming increasingly popular. They can be used with cars, trucks, buses and so on. We can say that they replaced the old "grandfather" method of heating diesel engines with blowtorches or similar devices. However, do not confuse the defroster additive with a similar agent - anti-gel for diesel fuel. The last remedy is designed to lower the pour point of diesel fuel, that is, it is prophylactic. A defroster is used if the diesel fuel is already frozen.

On the shelves of car dealerships you can find various winter defroster additives. The assortment depends both on the popularity of certain means, but also on the logistics component, in other words, individual defrosters simply do not deliver to some regions. At the end of this material is a rating of the most popular and effective additives for diesel fuel in the winter. It contains information about the features of their use, the volume of packaging, as well as the price.

Defroster name	Description and features	Package volume, ml/mg	Price as of winter 2018/2019
Hi-Gear EMERGENCY DIESEL DE-GELLER	One of the most efficient and popular diesel fuel defrosters. It can be used with any ICE and can be mixed with any diesel fuel, including the so-called "biological" or biodiesel. The instructions indicate that defrosting the fuel in the tank will take about 15 ... 20 minutes. it is also recommended to pour the agent into the fuel filter.	444 ml; 946 ml.	540 rubles; 940 rubles.
Diesel fuel defroster LAVR Disel De-Geller Action	also one efficient and relatively inexpensive diesel fuel defroster. The agent must be poured into the fuel filter and into the tank.	450 ml; 1 liter.	370 rubles; 580 rubles.
Diesel fuel defroster ASTROhim	The defroster quickly and effectively dissolves paraffin and ice crystals. It can be used with any diesel fuel, as well as with any ICE, regardless of configuration and power. In some cases, it is noted that it takes a long time to wait for the defrosting of diesel fuel. However, this is offset by the low cost of the product.	1 liter.	320 rubles.
Defroster additive for diesel fuel Power Service "Diesel 911"	An American product that can be used with any diesel fuel and diesel engines. The uniqueness of the product lies in the fact that it contains a Slickdiesel compound, the purpose of which is to increase the resource of fuel system elements, such as pumps, injectors, filters. The disadvantage of the defroster is the high price.	473	800
Diesel fuel defroster Img MG-336	Medium efficiency defroster. It works quite well, but its operation depends on the condition of the fuel system and the composition of the diesel fuel, as well as the ambient temperature. Among the shortcomings can be noted the long operation of the defroster. However, this is offset by the low price.	350	260

What is a defroster for?

As you know, any liquid at a certain ambient temperature thickens and hardens. Diesel fuel in this case is no exception, and at significant negative temperatures it also acquires a gel-like state in which it cannot be pumped through fuel lines, as well as through fuel filters. And this applies not only to the so-called "summer" diesel fuel. The "winter" diesel fuel also has its own pour point threshold, although it is much lower. However, it should be borne in mind that many domestic gas stations openly mislead motorists, and under the guise of "winter" diesel fuel, they sell, at best, all-weather, and maybe even "summer" diesel fuel with a certain amount of additive.

The basis of any defroster is a complex of chemical elements, the purpose of which is to artificially increase the internal temperature of the frozen diesel fuel, which allows it to be transferred from a gel-like (or even solid) state of aggregation to a liquid one. Manufacturers usually keep the exact composition of each product in secret (the so-called "trade secret"). However, in most cases, the base of the defroster is an alcohol base with some additives that contribute to better combustion of the newly obtained composition, as well as speeding up the chemical reaction when mixed with the release of a certain amount of heat, which is the reason for the transition of diesel fuel from solid to liquid.

How to use the defroster

Many motorists are interested in the question of how to defrost diesel fuel in a tank? That is, how to use the defrost additive? The instructions for most such products indicate that the defroster must be added both to the fuel tank before starting the internal combustion engine and to the fuel filter (in some cases, the latter circumstance can be a big obstacle due to the design features of a particular car). In rarer cases, it must also be pumped into flexible (or not very flexible at low temperatures) fuel hoses with a pump.

The instructions of most products also indicate that in order to completely defrost the fuel in the tank and the fuel system, it takes about 15 ... 20 minutes (less often up to 25 ... 30 minutes). Tests carried out by enthusiastic car enthusiasts show that the result of such use of defrosters depends on a number of factors. First of all, of course, from the brand (read, composition) of the defroster itself. In the second - the state of the fuel system. So, if it is dirty, namely, the fuel filter (filters) is very dirty, then this can significantly complicate the start of the internal combustion engine in frosty weather. Thirdly, the effectiveness of the defroster is affected by the quality of diesel fuel, as well as its type (summer, all-weather, winter).

As for diesel fuel, the more paraffin, sulfur and other harmful impurities in it, the more difficult it is for the defroster to raise the internal temperature of the fuel. Similarly, if summer diesel fuel was poured into the tank, then problems may arise when starting. And vice versa, the better the fuel, the easier it will be to start a diesel engine even in the most severe frosts.

also in most cases it is indicated that before using the defroster, it is necessary to dismantle the fuel filter and thoroughly clean it from debris and hardened paraffin. this must be done carefully, in order not to damage the filter element, but carefully.

Should You Use a Defroster?

Many drivers who have never encountered diesel fuel defrosters before question the feasibility of their use, and indeed their effectiveness in general. namely, this applies to drivers who are accustomed to starting diesel engines after preheating with a blowtorch or similar devices (preheaters), which heat up the elements of the fuel and oil systems of the engine from the outside.

However, such a "grandfather" approach costs only in the form of savings (and even then it is very doubtful, given the labor costs and the cost of fuel). Yes, and crawling under the bottom of a car with a diesel engine is very problematic. Tests carried out both by the manufacturers of defrosters themselves and by enthusiastic motorists show that defrosters really make it easier to start when diesel fuel solidifies. Therefore, before the onset of the cold season, it is strongly recommended to all “dieselists” to buy both a diesel fuel defroster and an anti-gel for it in order to prevent the described unpleasant situations. It definitely won't get worse than using them!

There is also one method by which you can find out whether it makes sense to use a defroster or not. So, at any gas station, any discharge of fuel from a tanker into the capacity of this same gas station is always accompanied by filling out (drawing up) the corresponding document. In it, among other information, two parameters are always indicated - the filterability temperature of diesel fuel and the temperature of its thickening. This document can always be asked from the operator at the gas station, or it simply hangs on the bulletin board in the service of the gas station. Pay attention to the value of the filtering temperature! It is when its value is reached and below that that diesel fuel cannot pass through the fuel filter, and, accordingly, the internal combustion engine cannot work.

Based on the information received and the comparison of the ambient temperature, it can be concluded whether to buy a diesel fuel defroster or not. However, in fairness, it is worth noting that many unscrupulous gas stations sell low-quality fuel, hiding behind documentation that deliberately contains incorrect information. Therefore, if you trust the administration of a particular gas station, then you can trust such documentation. If you do not trust or you are away from home and refuel at some gas station for the first time, then it is better to play it safe and purchase the indicated defroster and anti-gel for preventive purposes.

Rating of popular defrosters

This section provides a list that includes popular diesel fuel defrosters, widely used by both domestic and foreign motorists. All products listed in the rating are recommended for purchase, since they have repeatedly confirmed in practice their high efficiency in defrosting diesel fuel in a fuel tank, even in severe frosts. At the same time, the rating does not pursue advertising of any presented product, and was created only on the basis of reviews of defrosters found on the Internet.

Hi-Gear diesel fuel defroster

The Hi-Gear EMERGENCY DIESEL DE-GELLER diesel fuel defroster is positioned by the manufacturer as an emergency aid to a diesel engine when the fuel is frozen, and, accordingly, the use of antigel is no longer worth it. With it, you can quickly and effectively defrost ice and paraffin crystals that are frozen in diesel fuel. The tool can be used for any type of diesel fuel, and for any type of diesel internal combustion engine (including modern Common Rail), including for internal combustion engines of various sizes and capacities. Only the volume of diesel fuel in the tank and in the fuel system matters. From this, you need to calculate the required amount of funds used.

The use of the Hi-Gear diesel fuel defroster involves a two-step operation. At the first stage, you need to dismantle the fuel filter and remove the frozen fuel from it. After that, add the product to the fuel filter in a 1: 1 ratio with new diesel fuel. If there is a lot of frozen diesel fuel in the filter and it is impossible to remove it, then it is allowed to add a defroster without dilution. The second stage is the addition of the product exactly to the fuel tank in a ratio of 1:200 in relation to the volume of diesel fuel in the tank available at that moment (slight overdose uncritical and quite acceptable). After the introduction of the drug into the fuel, you need to wait about 15 ... 20 minutes so that the agent enters into a chemical reaction, the result of which is the defrosting of diesel fuel. After that, you can try to start the internal combustion engine. At the same time, follow the rules of “cold start” (starting should be done by short attempts with small time intervals, this will save the battery and starter from significant wear and reduce their overall service life). Carefully read the instructions for use of the product, which is available on the package!

The Hi-Gear diesel fuel defroster is sold in two pack sizes. The first is a 444 ml jar, the second is a 946 ml jar. Their article numbers are respectively HG4117 and HG4114. The price of such packages as of the winter of 2018/2019 is about 540 rubles and 940 rubles, respectively.

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Diesel fuel defroster Lavr

The LAVR Disel De-Geller Action diesel fuel defroster is also one very popular and effective tool that allows you to defrost diesel fuel in a matter of minutes and bring its consistency to a state where it can be pumped through the fuel filter without any problems. The tool is designed specifically for use in extreme temperature conditions. It can be used with any type of diesel fuel, as well as with any diesel ICE, both old and new types, regardless of their power and volume. Absolutely safe for the internal combustion engine fuel system.

The conditions for using the Lavr diesel fuel defroster are similar to the previous tool. So, it must be poured into the fuel filter in a 1: 1 ratio. The filter must first be dismantled, and crystals of frozen fuel and debris removed from it. After that, the filter must be left for 15 minutes to perform a chemical reaction and defrost the fuel. If the fuel filter cannot be dismantled, then at least a small amount of fuel must be supplied to it (1/20 of the filter volume would be enough). then you need to withstand about 20 ... 30 minutes. In especially severe cases, the drug can not be diluted, but filled in ready-made, from a bottle.

As for pouring into the tank, it must be poured in a volume of 100 ml per 10 liters of fuel (minimum dosage) to 100 ml per 2 liters of fuel (maximum dosage) in the tank at the time of filling the drug. It is recommended not to pour the measured volume of the defroster at once, but to divide it into three parts, and pour it in turn, after a few minutes, one after the other. After pouring, you need to wait about 15 ... 20 minutes in order for a chemical reaction to occur. then try to start the engine.

Reviews found on the Internet suggest that the LAVR Disel De-Geller Action diesel fuel defroster is a fairly effective tool, and therefore recommended for purchase by motorists living in northern latitudes. It is useful to use this tool for preventive purposes, similar to antigels.

The Lavr diesel fuel defroster is sold in packages of two volumes - 450 ml and 1 liter. Their article numbers are respectively Ln2130 and Ln2131. Their average prices for the above period are about 370 rubles and 580 rubles.

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Diesel fuel defroster ASTROhim

The ASTROhim diesel defroster is a good effective tool designed for use in passenger car ICEs. Can be used with any diesel fuel. According to the manufacturer, its purpose is to restore the fluidity of diesel fuel and eliminate paraffin crystals in case of a sharp decrease in ambient temperature if this happened on the way or summer diesel fuel was poured into the fuel tank. The tool dissolves and disperses ice and paraffin crystals, which allows you to restore the efficiency of the internal combustion engine in the cold season. The defroster works equally well with both high-quality fuel and diesel fuel, which contains a lot of sulfur and other harmful elements. The tool can be used with any diesel ICE, including Common Rail and "pump-injector" systems.

Tests performed by enthusiastic car enthusiasts show a fairly high efficiency of this diesel fuel defroster. In some cases, it was noted that you need to wait a long time until the diesel fuel thaws. However, this is due, rather, to the quality of diesel fuel and the entire fuel system of a particular car. In general, we can safely recommend this defroster to diesel motorists. In the collection of garage chemicals, this copy will not be superfluous.

ASTROhim diesel fuel defroster is sold in 1 liter cans. The article of such packaging is AC193. Its price for the above period is about 320 rubles.

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Defroster additive for diesel fuel Power Service "Diesel 911"

Defroster additive for diesel fuel Power Service "Diesel 911" is a very high-quality and effective tool designed to defrost fuel filters and prevent them from further freezing, melting frozen diesel fuel, and removing water from it. In addition, the use of the Power Service "Diesel 911" defroster allows you to increase the life of the fuel system elements, namely, fuel filters, pumps and injectors. This defroster contains a unique development of Slickdiesel, which is designed to protect the elements of the fuel system when using diesel fuel with low and ultra-low sulfur content (responsible for lubricating high-pressure fuel pump parts). The tool can be used on any ICE, including those equipped with catalysts.

The use of this defroster is similar to the previous ones. First of all, it must be poured into the fuel filter in a 1: 1 ratio, after cleaning it. In terms of volume to be filled into the fuel tank, the manufacturer specifies that 2,32 liters of this product (80 ounces) should be filled in for 378 liters of fuel (100 gallons). In terms of more understandable values, it turns out that for every 10 liters of fuel, 62 ml of a defroster must be poured. This tool can be used for both passenger cars and commercial vehicles (trucks, buses), regardless of their volume and power.

You can buy a diesel fuel defroster Power Service "Diesel 911" in a package of 473 ml. The packaging article is 8016-09. Its average price is about 800 rubles.

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Diesel fuel defroster Img MG-336

Diesel fuel defroster Img MG-336 is positioned by the manufacturer as a high-tech specialized composition for ensuring the performance of diesel engines at low ambient temperatures. Designed for emergency processing of frozen diesel fuel and restoration of the fuel system. It is absolutely safe for all elements of the fuel system, does not contain alcohols and chlorine-containing components. can also be used with any type of diesel fuel, including the so-called "biodiesel". Effectively dissolves paraffin and water crystals.

Reviews of the Img MG-336 diesel fuel defroster suggest that its efficiency is average. However, it is quite possible to buy it if there is no other, more effective, money on store shelves for the amount that you are willing to spend. Among the shortcomings of the defroster, it is worth noting that the manufacturer clearly indicates that the defrost time can reach 30 minutes, which is quite a lot compared to competitors. However, all this is offset by its low price. Therefore, the defroster is recommended for purchase.

You can buy the Img MG-336 diesel fuel defroster in a 350 ml package. Her article number is MG336. The average price is about 260 rubles.

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At the end of the rating, it is worth adding a few words about the “Liquid I”, popular with many drivers. Despite the fact that the instructions for it directly indicate that it prevents thickening, waxing of diesel fuel at low temperatures, in fact, the mechanism of its operation is different. Its basic purpose is to absorb water, that is, to prevent its crystallization in conditions of negative temperatures. It is made on an alcohol basis with the addition of ethylene glycol. Therefore, it has a rather indirect relation to diesel fuel. Its best use in a car is to add it to the composition of the brake fluid so that condensate does not freeze in the receivers.

If you have had a positive or negative experience using any diesel fuel defroster, tell us about it in the comments below this material. It will be interesting not only to the editors, but also to other motorists.

How to replace a defroster

Instead of a factory defroster, experienced drivers (for example, truck drivers) often fill the tank with brake fluid at the rate of 1 ml of brake fluid per 1 liter of fuel currently in the tank. This allows you to get rid of the clumped paraffin in the composition of diesel fuel in a matter of minutes. The type of brake fluid in this case does not matter. The only thing you need to take care of is its cleanliness. Accordingly, it is absolutely impossible to add dirty liquid to the fuel tank (system), as this can prematurely disable the fuel filters. However, brake fluid, like the aforementioned "Liquid I", is based on ethylene glycol, so its effectiveness is very low, especially at significant temperatures. But it can help if the diesel fuel is of poor quality, and it contains a lot of water.

Another popular method by which you can lower the pour point of diesel fuel is to add kerosene or gasoline to it. However, in this case, we are talking, rather, about the antigel, that is, this has nothing to do with defrosting. You can just use it as a preventive measure. As for the proportion, it is 30%, that is, 10 liters of kerosene can be added to 3 liters of diesel fuel. And for gasoline, the proportion is 10%, or 1 liter of gasoline to 10 liters of diesel fuel. However, it must be remembered that it is not recommended to constantly use such a mixture, such a mixture is not very useful for a diesel engine, and this can only be done in extreme cases.

Hack and predictor Aviator

The use of factory defroster diesel fuel is a new word in machine chemistry, and more and more “dieselists” are currently using these tools. These compounds show their best side, and can greatly facilitate the start of the internal combustion engine, even in severe frosts. However, you need to understand that miracles should not be expected from them either. namely, if the engine is in a pre-emergency state, the fuel filter is clogged, summer diesel fuel is poured into the tank and general repairs have not been carried out for a long time, then, of course, the use of such funds will not help in any frost. In general, if the internal combustion engine is operational, then buying a defroster is the right decision for any owner of a car with a diesel internal combustion engine.