Bullet heaters

[fatjay]

For years I've been using k1 in my kerosene bullet heater. Last gas station with it shut down, and now I can only get it by the gallon at TSC for $13.99/gal which is insane. I burn 8-10 gallons a day when I'm in the shop, and that's pretty expensive. I was looking at multi-fuel heaters to try and find one that I could use diesel in, but they were $300+, so I didn't love that.

Then, I happened to be looking at my heater and it says kerosene OR #1 fuel oil, and I thought wait a minute, that's diesel. But does that mean I can use either type 1 or 2 diesel? All the pumps have switched to the winter blend around here.

Any suggestions?

 

[orezok]

I’ve been burning #2 diesel in my bullet heater (listed as use Kerosene only) for years without a problem. When they went to low sulfur it worked good with minimal smell.

 

[fatjay]

I’ve been burning #2 diesel in my bullet heater (listed as use Kerosene only) for years without a problem. When they went to low sulfur it worked good with minimal smell.

That's quite reassuring, thanks. I didn't mind burning k1 because the price was fairly similiar to diesel, but now just doesn't exist anymore at the pump, and that's quite annoying.

 

[Sawyer Rob]

Any time I've put diesel #2 in my bullet heaters, they would stink, and more fumes would build up in my shop. I won't use it any longer.

Also, I've had others who have used #2 say they have had spark plug problems using #2.

SR

 

[BravoXray]

Having been a reloader in the past, I wondered just why the hell you would want to heat bullets.

 

[spitter]

I burn diesel in mine also. No difference whatsoever. Work all day in an 800 sq.ft. shop with 8 ft. Ceilings. If it smelled or the fumes were bad, I wouldn't do it.

 

[bdhsfz6]

I have separate kerosene and propane bullet heaters. I use ORD (#2 diesel) or propane, whichever is cheaper.

I do notice some odor with the ORD but the barn is ventilated enough so it isn't a problem.

I used to use the kerosene bullet in the shop which is attached to the house. the fume buildup was a problem there so I switched to the propane heater. I did get some condensation on really cold days though.

This spring, I installed a mini split unit in the shop. I now get heat and A/C, and at current prices, it costs less than either diesel or propane. Unfortunately, a mini split wouldn't work in the barn so I keep the bullets.