Countries: CANADA, UNITED STATES Document ID: 1K1201406

Availability: ISIS, FleetISIS, NotSIR_ Revision:
Major System: ENGINES Created:
Current Language: English Last Modified: 10/23/2023

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Title: A26 and $13 Fuel Gelling

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Applies To: Vehicles equipped with A26 and S13 engines

CHANGE LOG

Please refer to the change log text box below for recent changes to this article:

nH 0/23/2023 - Removed DTC 641-XX reference, added S13 to the title
101/03/2020 - Added information on the possible cluster message to run winter fuel or additive
109/27/2019 - Feedback response on the use of Bio Diesel

05/17/2019 - Added link to Racor FWS conversion IK1500098

DESCRIPTION

4
41912018

Greg Scheff

Not Helpful

This document will guide the user through the steps that need to be followed if a fuel gelling condition is experienced. One common place that

gelling can occur (but not limited to), is the frame mounted Davco 382 filter assembly.

SYMPTOM(s)

Loss of power while driving, possible crank no start.

Possible Diagnostic Trouble Code(s) that may be present if gelling has occurred:

DTC/Light Description

SPN 157 FMI 1 Engine Fuel 1 Injector Metering Rail 1 Pressure Most Severe

SPN 157 FMI 18 Engine Fuel 1 Injector Metering Rail 1 Pressure Moderate

SPN 2798 FMI8 Engine Fuel 1 Injector Group 2 : Abnormal Frequency Or Pulse Width Or

SPN 6653 FMI 18 Engine Fuel 1 Injector Metering Rail 1 Cold Start Pressure : Data Valid
But Below

SPN 132 FMI 21 Engine Intake Air Mass Flow Rate: Data Drifted Low.

Aftertreatment 1 Diesel Particulate Filter Differential Pressure : Data Valid
But Above Normal Operating Range - Least Severe Level

Aftertreatment 1 Fuel Enable Actuator : Mechanical System Not
Responding Or Out Of Adjustment.

SPN 3251 FMI 15

SPN 3482 FMI 7

Possible Customer Observations or Concerns
MIL Lamp

Crank No Start

Loss of Power

High Soot Loading

Frequent Regens

SERVICE PARTS INFORMATION

Description Part Number Posed Notes
Davco 382 Primary Fuel Filter Element FS19765 41 25 Micron Rating
Racor Std Primary Fuel Filter Element (if 2611236¢1 1 30 Micron Rating
Eamon (i eoapneay Fuel Filter 4040481C1 1 }30 Micron Rating
Secondary Engine Mounted Fuel Filter 2517615C91 1 5 Micron Rating
Riese) Fuel Systom De-Icer Fieetrite FLTDG32 |/As Needed Sor. bowtie used for emergency thaw only. Treats up to 30
Diesel Fuel Anti-Gel (Recommended) Fleetrite FLTDAG20 |/As Needed Par bottle prevents gelling to -40° F. Treats up to 125 gallons of
PEAK Brand De-Icer (Optional) PKET32C As Needed] 32oz. bottle used for emergency thaw only
PEAK Brand Anti-Gel (Optional) PKDAG32 As Needed||32oz. bottle treats up to 160 gallons of fuel.

(Always follow the De-Icer and Anti-Gel mixing instructions on the
bottle EXACTLY as outlined by the manufacturer.

DIAGNOSTIC STEP(s)

WARNING! To prevent property damage, personal injury, and / or death, park vehicle on a hard,
flat surface, turn the engine off, set the parking brake, and install wheel chocks to prevent the
vehicle from moving in either direction.

WARNING! To prevent property damage, personal injury, and / or death, if the vehicle must be
raised, do not work under the vehicle supported only by jacks. Jacks can slip or fall over.

WARNING! To prevent personal injury and / or death, always wear safe eye protection when
performing vehicle maintenance.

WARNING! To prevent property damage, personal injury, and / or death, keep flames or sparks
away from vehicle and do not smoke while servicing the vehicle’s batteries. Batteries expel
explosive gases.

WARNING! To prevent property damage, personal injury, and / or death, remove the ground
cable from the negative terminal of the battery box before disconnecting any electrical
components. Always connect the ground cable last.

FUEL TYPES

Below is a listing of the most common diesel fuels used in on-highway truck engines.

* Diesel #2 (2-D) - Most common fuel used, also known as "summer fuel". It is a heavier distillate fuel than 1-D, Recommend treating with Anti-
Gel at temperatures below freezing.

* Diesel #1 (1-D) - This is a kerosene like or lighter distillate fuel, and has a lower wax content. Used in applications running in extreme cold.

* BioDiesel - Typically a blend from 5 to 20% Bio (produced from organic materials such as vegetable oil) and conventional diesel fuel

+ Winter Blend - Typically a blend of #1 and #2 fuels to help reduce (not eliminate) the risk of gelling.

Fuel blends can vary wildly depending on geographic location. Consult with your fuel
supplier for details on the fuel blend they are providing, and treat accordingly.

Step| Action Decision
DIAGNOSTIC: What is Gelling?

Yes. Continue to Step 2
The gel point is the temperature at which diesel or biodiesel fuel freezes solid and
can no longer flow by gravity or be pumped through fuel lines. This phenomenon
happens when a fuel reaches a low enough temperature whereby enough wax
crystals have formed to prevent any flow of the fuel

Different stages of Gelling:

1
No. Return to fuel sytem diagnostics.
Does this vehicle exhibit this condition?
Step| Action Decision
DIAGNOSTIC: Visual Inspection 1. Is the fuel frozen? Reference picture 2
and 3 above.
To confirm the condition of the fuel in the tank, a sample will be needed to see its
current state. Using the device of your choice, take a sample directly from the tank || Continue to step 3
and put it in a clear container. Do not pull the sample from the bottom of the tank.
What is the condition of the fuel?
2

2. Is the fuel Cloudy? Reference right side
picture 2 above.

Continue to step 4

Step

Action

Decision

DIAGNOSTIC: Frozen Fuel

To repair a frozen fuel condition, a De-Icer will need to be added to the fuel system
and both fuel filters replaced. Follow the manufacturers guidelines of the De-Icer for
correct procedure.

Note: De-Icer seperates water from diesel fuel, this water will be trapped by the fuel
water seperator. Its important to replace fuel filters and drain the separator daily to
prevent water accumulation

1. Continue to Step 5

3
Step| Action Decision
DIAGNOSTIC: Cloudy Fuel 1. Continue to step 5
Add Anti-Gel per the manufacturers guidelines, and replace both fuel filters.
NOTE: Follow the Anti Ge! manufacturers instructions closely for correct mixing with
fuel. Do not over concentrate.
4
Step] Action Decision
5 |DIAGNOSTIC: Options to Prevent Recurrence 1. Continue to step 6

Depending on the operation conditions of the vehicle, different components and
treatments are available to help prevent fuel from gelling. The following are some
recommendations.

Operating Temperatures at or below 32° F

Use an Anti-Gel additive (See service parts section).

Consider using a "winter blend” fuel (See fuel types section above)
Educate the driver to use the type of fuel that is correctly blended for the
operating climate

Drain water separator frequently.

If equipped, use the 120v block and fuel heaters when possible.

Install a primary Fuel Water Separator equipped with a thermostatically
controlled fuel blending valve such as the Racor GreenMax"*

At 16° F. or below some vehicles will display a message in the cluster advising
to use a winter fuel or additive. Do not ignore this warning and see
10800585 for more information on this message