Thread: 300tdi smoother after winter diesel

Hi markus_80

Winter diesel does make for smoother running in cooler weather in my experience.

Being a 300 TDi the 600 to 700 Klms run that would have done on that tankful, would also have tidied up the valve faces, resulting in the motor running smoother.

If you dont already do so, consider having the tappet clearances adjusted next time you get a service done.

Cheers Arthur

Forgive me but what exactly is "winter diesel"...is this something available from only select service stations?

Originally Posted by Young Angus

Forgive me but what exactly is "winter diesel"...is this something available from only select service stations?

Hi Young Angus

That question would be best answered by a customer service person on the help line of the company that you favour, but I'll have a go for you.

A higher percentage of a lighter grade fuel is added to the diesel during the winter months and less paraffin is allowed in the refined product.
In really cold weather, paraffin tends to set in fuel lines, filters and the pump and if it gets past the rings, it can pool and set in the bottom of the sump, when the tractor ( as an example ) starts work and the oil doesn't circulate, the bigend and main bearings don't last long at all.

I have seen a few cases now, of damaged motors, where farmers have had summer fuel in their storage tanks and using it well into the frosty winter weather.

Adding a 20 per cent mix of heating oil to the tank of a stubborn starting diesel motor, saves the cranking battery. Not good to use that mix during hot weather however, as it gives excessive diesel knock especially when first started.

Cheers Arthur

That sounds like a pretty good explanation to me! Is it something that applies to cars too or just heavier vehicles buying their fuel from a certain place that might specify whether it's summer or winter diesel? Or is it just something that changes at any normal service station that stocks diesel when the weather changes and we don't even know about it?

I don't need to know any of this stuff, just curious

Winter diesel can most commonly be found in the highlands in NSW VIC ACT and probably tassie during the winter months however I have heard of some places keeping small amount all year round for sudden cold snaps or for when the average temp regularly gets below 5 degrees even in the warmer months.

Form what I have seen servo's will put a temporary sign on the pump to say that winter diesel is in use/available.

cheers for the info arthur

mark