Is Jet A similar enough to Diesel fuel that a modern Diesel engined tractor would not be harmed by burning it? As an airport operator, we have Jet A available and would have to set up another fuel storage and delivery system to use Diesel and we don't use a lot. Our cost for Jet A is close to filling station cost for Diesel fuel. We've been running it in the old tractor but will be buying a new one soon.
Jet A as Diesel Fuel
- Thread starter Arkie1940
- Start date
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Z-Michigan
Veteran Member
I think that Jet A roughly correlates to #1 diesel or kerosene, but is more carefully refined to control both freezing and boiling points given the high altitudes and low temps that jets fly at. If #1 diesel would be acceptable for the tractor I think it should work. Note that #1 diesel has about 15% less energy per gallon than #2 diesel, so you will be burning more total fuel. That might offset the price difference.
Jimbrown
Veteran Member
Most people have no idea what Jet A is. But it is for all practical purposes kerosene with additives. I doubt that it would hurt any engine and certainly will be a lot cleaner than any diesel bought at the pump or other wise.
Aviation Fuel - Jet Fuel Information
Aviation Fuel - Jet Fuel Information
MikeD74T
Veteran Member
Arkie1940, Before using jet A in a tractor I'd talk to an injector pump shop. That's where the most damage is likely to occur due to lubricity issues. I had injector pump problems just switching to low sulfur diesel in a 58 Ford 801. Additive costs for lubricity may cancel savings. MikeD74T
I've been researching it some. Detroit Diesel addresses using Jet-A and similar fuels in their discussion on using Type 1 Diesel. States "not recommended but has demonstrated acceptable performance in controlled conditions". Heat value for Jet A is 123,608 BTU/gal compared to 131,207 for Type 2 Diesel. That is nearly a 6% reduction. Cetane for Jet A is 40 vs. 44 for DF-1 and 47 for DF-2. I haven't found any info on lubricity. I think it is a question I'd have to pursue with the manufacturer of what ever tractor we end up with. With the investment in new equipment, I think we are also going to need to invest in the equipment needed to provided grade 2 Diesel fuel.
Renze
Elite Member
maybe you need to add a little (2 stroke mix ?) oil to lubricate the injection pump. Diesel pumps dont like pure kerosene because it isnt greasy enough.
thatguy
Elite Member
From my understanding lubricity is a huge issue, especially on new equipment.. not sure what/how you can modify the lubricity either.. As someone suggested an injection shop may be able to give you some advise..
My dads '97 Dodge Ram 3500 owners manual says you can pretty much run any distillate based fuel in it (even a 10 or 20% GAS mix for severe cold).. My '02 Ram 2500 says you can run up to a 20% kero based winter fuel (or something close) but discourages anything greater..
brian
My dads '97 Dodge Ram 3500 owners manual says you can pretty much run any distillate based fuel in it (even a 10 or 20% GAS mix for severe cold).. My '02 Ram 2500 says you can run up to a 20% kero based winter fuel (or something close) but discourages anything greater..
brian
jsborn
Gold Member
My Kubota L4400 operators manual calls for #1 Diesel below -10 C and #2 diesel above -10 C . I would assume that this is due to flow problems but I would also think that you should be OK to run #1 with additives that I would use for lubricity in ulsd any way.
This is JMHO and not a recommendation (in case there are lawyers watching)
This is JMHO and not a recommendation (in case there are lawyers watching)
Steadite
Member
Engine companies use jet fuel as a fuel injector/pump durability test fluid because it gives a thinner lubrication film than #2 or #1. I wouldn't do it.