Quick Fixes
If you suspect the fuel has gelled, but is not solid in the fuel lines, try these quick fixes to get back on the road again:
- Use a hair dryer on high. Blow hot air over the pump and fuel lines for 5 to 10 minutes to liquefy the fuel. If the fuel is just slightly gelled, but not solid, this will get things running again. Another possibility is to pour several pan-fuls of hot water over the fuel filter, pump and injector lines (remember to keep it away from the alternator though).
- Cycle the glow plugs. Yes, switch the ignition on and wait for the glow plug light to go out and repeat two or three times before starting the engine. That can help get extra needed heat into the combustion chamber to get the engine started.
- Top off your tank. If the fuel has gelled and you suspect there is too high a percentage of biodiesel in the tank, top your tank with winterized petro-diesel fuel plus a good dose of anti-gel additive to prevent it from gelling again.