Any harm from fuel gelling

[PBaker]

I had posted earlier about my fuel gelling but was wondering if any harm could be done to the engine if when the fuel gells and you keep going as long as you can and it sounds as if you lost a couple of cylinders from low fuel delivery could this do any harm to the engine? And by as far as you can I mean like a couple of blocks, this happened over about a 12 mile drive home from work on the interstate.

Thanks,
Paul

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'96 2500 ext. cab, LB, 4x4, 5 speed, 3. 54, TST 280 cam plate, AFC spring kit ,pyro and boost gauges mounted on A-Pillar, tinted windows, 16x8 Eagle alloys series 1219, 285/75R16 Durango A/T's, stainless steel rocker panels and alluminum stirrup steps

 

[illflem]

My experience with gelled fuel has been that the engine won't run at all,much the same as running out of fuel. What may have happened to you is that water in the fuel froze and partially blocked a strainer or filter. Running a diesel engine in the condition you describe may definitely damage or shorten the life the injector pump due to lack of lubrication and cooling because of no return fuel flow. If the truck would of run OK at idle you could of waited for the fuel heater and heat from the injector pump to thaw the fuel,it doesn't take long. Unless it was extremely cold 12 miles should have done it even running poorly. From now on use additive and drain your fuel filter once a week when the engine is warmed during the cold time of year. Hope every thing is OK for you

 

[Missouri Mule]

I'll second illflem.
If fuel was gelled engine wouldn't of started or hard to start(depending how much fuel is gelled). Running fuel thru injector pump on freeway should of warmed fuel even if it was a little gelled.
If your engine wasn't getting enough burnable fuel(gelled) I can't see it being good for engine.
If you think fuel is gelling make sure fuel heater is working correctly.
Water in fuel sounds resonable.

[This message has been edited by Missouri Mule (edited 12-17-2000). ]

 

[RON'S RAM]

I had a similar problem the other morning, it was 0 Degrees. Started getting lots of smoke when driving to work, then the engine stalled. Got it started and limped a mile further to a heated garage. Let it sit over night, then it started fine. I was using diesel fuel purchased before cold weather, w\ no addatives. Am now using a winter blend with fuel treatment. Does any one know how to test the fuel heater to make sure it is working?

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1997 2500HD 4x4 Club Cab SLT,5 Spd, Rhinoliner, basically stock 4 now

 

[illflem]

Ron,the thermostat for the fuel heater is built into it so the wires going into it will be hot whenever the key is on. Best way to tell if it's working is to feel it some cold morning(below 40°) with the key on,if the rig has been plugged in it will feel warm also but will not cycle on,so you would have to feel it at a time when it hasn't been plugged in. Like I said above,I doubt if your fuel gelled,your rig wouldn't have even started,it was more than likely moisture in the fuel that froze and blocked a line or filter. Drain your filter weekly after the rig is fully warmed up so the ice has melted, in cold weather to avoid problems.