kerosene in lieu of diesel

[LBrown59]

Somehow I have to believe that most of the difference is the road tax on diesel which is not paid on kerosene.

*As long as you don't get caught, you are saving money.

The fine for getting caught will make this a lot less cost effective than you think...

*Get caught! ?
How could you get caught?!

 

[LBrown59]

Kerosene is $3.84 and diesel is $4.49 or higher.
1*Anybody running kerosene?
2*Do you need to run a lube oil for the injectors.
3*From other post it appears that low sulfur diesel has less lubricating properties than #2 fuel oil.

1*Not if they're smart.
Why not just run offroad and or fuel oil instead?
2*No you need to refraine from puttin Kero in yer tractor.
3*Thay are both the same thing round here.

 

[crashz]

Wooooah! Come again? Kerosene instead of diesel? crashz running a JD 770 just like mine? Do tell more! Here in Taxsylvania off road diesel was $ 4.12 per gallon over the weekend. I am ready to get refilled can I maybe cut my diesel with kero? Percent? I am not very mechanically inclined so please explain the risks.

JD 770 / 70 FEL / 7 BH - 425 AWS / 54" MMM / 54" FMP

I run it in the winter, but keep in mind kerosene is thinner in viscosity and has a slightly higher flash point. This is fine in the winter when cold fuel is slightly thicker. And since my machine sits outside all winter, it stays cold. So in the warmer months I avoid using it. Its in my machine right now, but as I use it, I'm refilling with regular, wicked expensive, on road diesel.

Like I said, its fine when treated, for use in the winter, but the higher flash point and lower lubricity value of kerosene could do some damage to your machine, so I would truly try to avoid using it when the temp is warmer that 50 degrees or so. Risk of damage is much higher in the summer.

I'm thinking of a little experiment with mixing biodiesel and cutting it with kerosene. First I have run a few batches of bio to perfect the mix. Then I need a guinea pig engine...

 

[DieselPower]

The main difference between Kero and DF is the viscosity, Kero is thinner, has a slightly higher flash point and lower gel point. Just like diesel fuel that is available in either low or ultra low sulfur Kero is available in low or ultra low sulfur content. In the winter in my area most all diesel fuel sold is blended with kerosene to lower the gel point. To meet federal fuel standards LSK must be used when blending LSD and ULSK must be used when blending ULSD. In other words you can't use 500ppm LSK to blend a winter 15ppm ULSD as you would raise the sulfur limit past it 15ppm.

Are lubricity additives required for use in your tractor? No, but I recommend them and use them myself.

 

[thatguy]

*Get caught! ?
How could you get caught?!

Here in VA and A LOT of other states they do 'dyed diesel inspections' - IE stopping all trucks and checking the tank. The DMV does it in VA, but in other states it may be the Dept of Tax/Rev/Transportation - Also the IRS does the checks..

IF caught running dyed fuel in a highway vehicle it is a minimum $1,000 fine or $10/gal whichever is more, plus the tax. then the IRS will also send you a bill for another $1,000 plus their tax ($0.244). IF you refuse to allow them to test the tank it is something like a $5,000 fine..

My dads 97 dodge 3500 says in the owners manual that it can run straight kero and even a diesel/gas blend.. My 02 dodge 2500 says only run diesel fuel, but you can run a winter diesel/kero blend. My truck needs the lubrication for the fuel pump

Brian

 

[Skyco]

I've read where some states are big on dipping tanks to check for red around ag events, livestock sales, horse shows/sales/rodeos etc. Mainly places where diesels, pickups included, are common and they may have offroad red fuel on the farm for tractors. The temptation to run it on road is powerful. If you get caught though it throws all money savings out the window many times over.
I even read where someone was developing a spectrophotometer device that could detect the dye in the exhaust stream as you drove by...if that device works out then it will be very easy to nail people cheating.

 

[SkyPup]

The FL DOT checked my diesel fuel tank on my RV last weekend when I crossed the state line, and its a 2008 Mercedes that can ONLY run on ULSD due to the diesel particulate filter and the Bosch Common Rail injection pump!

 

[LBrown59]

The only problem with the pumped kerosene is it is red too,

This is a new one on me as any kero I've seen or bought has been clear.

 

[crashz]

Thanks for the info DieselPower! I didn't realize that kerosene came in LS and ULS grades. If fact I didn't know you could buy an on-road version.

The kerosene I've been getting is dyed blue. It only goes in the tractor and some heavy equipment that gets unlucky enought to push snow, so no biggy.

About ten years ago I used to drive a beat up, brown, GMC 3/4 ton with a 6.2L diesel. Had the truck for only a few years and since I traveled a lot of highways, it was checked about a half dozen times for off-road fuel. Once a state cop told me that he was checking it becuse it looked like I just rolled off the farm!

I read about a device that will be used by the MA state police that will detect burnt off-road diesel. This device can detect the dye from the exhaust of vehicles, so the officer will be able to see the plume from in his cruiser. no stick needed.

 

[dmccarty]

In NC, the Tax Man likes to dip tanks at NASCAR events.

One guy got fined for running 100% veggie oil. He was fined since he was avoiding the road tax.

newsobserver.com | Driver ticketed for using biofuel

Later,
Dan