Ready for Winter
Cloud Point refers to the temperature at which paraffin in diesel starts to form wax crystals and fuel will have a cloudy appearance. Typical cloud point is around 15°F. A good rule is to always start winter treatment of fuel when the temperature is 15° above the Cloud Point so around 30°.
First Fuel Pump
Sylvanus F. Bowser invents the first commercial fuel pump to dispense kerosene, lamp fuel and gasoline in 1885 to try and improve safety. The pump consisted of a wooden storage barrel. Marble valves. Wood plunger and a faucet. Bowser went on to invent improved models and eventually the word “Bowser” became a generic term for gasoline pumps and the term is still used in Australia, New Zealand, and some in Canada today. Bowser later invented a back-scratcher and a sit-down enema of all things. The S.F. Bowser and Company operated into the late 60’s before being sold.
A Drop Adds Up
Oil lost From Leakage |
Gallons Per Day |
Gallons Per Month |
Gallons Per Year |
One drop every 10 seconds |
0.11 |
3.38 |
40 |
One drop every 5 seconds |
0.23 |
6.75 |
81 |
One drop every second |
1.13 |
33.75 |
405 |
Three drops every second |
3.38 |
101.3 |
1,215 |
Steady stream |
24 |
720 |
8,640 |