Cold weather and outside tanks

StaggerLee

So I was wondering about what is happening to oil in cold weather. We are in a cold snap , lowest temps with wind chill are about -10 to -15. I’ve read that No.2 fuel oil will start to gel at -20. Past two days all service calls were outdoor above ground tanks and locked out primary controls. No oil at burner. All filters and pump screens were checked and replaced as necessary but none were blocked enough to account for blockage. Used co2 gun to “ unblock” lines and after doing so, all fired up, ran 20 minutes , ran analyzer , cycled a couple times.Only one customer had just gotten oil so maybe that one may have been gunked up with sludge but, all the other ones?
So does anyone have an answer if what I read was wrong or could it have gelled up at that temp? Any response is appreciated for my own knowledge……. Knowledge is power

SlamDunk

Could it be water? High summer humidity through tank vent condensing in tank and sinking to the bottom then freezing.

StaggerLee

This has also crossed my mind, a black oil tank outside for years will eventually get some type of condensation on the inside of the tank at some point throughout the year.

EdTheHeaterMan

Here is something that you may want to read about outside above ground oil tanks and the wya the fuel line is connected to the tank before it goes into the home.

https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/comment/1737746#Comment_1737746

Jamie Hall

The fuel, if not treated for cold weather, can gel enough to defeat you at those temperatures. Ask anyone who drives a diesel vehicle… If you can get it moving, it will usually continue. Until the next time.