Reducing Low Temperature Wax Plugging in Fuel Systems of the Diesel Passenger Car

As diesel passenger cars become more popular in North America, more information is needed about low temperature fuel requirements.

Two different make diesel passenger cars were tested in a temperature-controlled chassis dynamometer facility. The cars were started and driven using No. 2 diesel fuel (with and without flow improver additive) at a series of temperatures that included satisfactory operation as well as wax plugging and stalling. Simultaneous observations were made of fuel system temperatures and pressures and the vehicle’s ability to perform a driving-cycle test. Removal of a screen in the fuel tanks was found to lower the operability temperature substantially.