REALLY dumb question

[blackie65]

I'm 90% sure I know the answer but why not ask and make sure !!!
Is it OK to run diesel fuel in salamander/torpedo heaters. They say kerosene or fuel oil. I'm pretty sure that fuel oil is the same as diesel. Please get me to 100% sure.
If this was dealing with something that wouldn't burn my barn down I would go with my gut but since I am dealing with something flammable I thought I better ask

 

[SensibleNick]

I'm 90% sure I know the answer but why not ask and make sure !!!
Is it OK to run diesel fuel in salamander/torpedo heaters. They say kerosene or fuel oil. I'm pretty sure that fuel oil is the same as diesel. Please get me to 100% sure.
If this was dealing with something that wouldn't burn my barn down I would go with my gut but since I am dealing with something flammable I thought I better ask

Yup. should be fine.

Diesel is known as a fuel oil, and is nearly identical to kerosene.

And also.. Diesel isn't that flammable. Make a puddle of it and try to light it with a match: you'll fail.

More important is what you have around the heater itself. Make sure you keep decent distances between the heater and potentially burny stuff..

 

[blackie65]

THANKS..I am now 100% sure

 

[oldnslo]

#2 diesel may smoke a hair more than kerosene and may also smell a little more in an enclosed area. If it gets real cold the #2 diesel also may not pump as freely as the kerosene.

 

[fgross335_2210]

You'll really want kerosene in a smaller area - less fumes / burns cleaner.....otherwise no difference.

 

[Runner]

My salamander is specifically made and listed as a "multi-fuel" unit and the instructions specify that diesel may be used. So, my answer would be, check your instructions and the listing of your unit to make sure it wouldn't be damaged, but it is probably fine. I don't really know if there is any difference betwee a "multi-fuel" unit and one that isn't marked that way.

 

[fieldserviceengineer]

Diesel fuel has a higher parafin wax content thus higher BTU content. However, it does not burn as cleanly as the more highly refined kerosene (1K). Kero has less BTU content due to that refining. When diesel is used you can generally expect more fumes and less than complete combustion (smoke). Kero ignites easier than diesel.

For those who say that diesel fuel and kero are essentially the same.....that is only true in that they are both liquid hydrocarbon compounds. Their combustion and ignition qualities differ. If they were equal, putting kerosene into your diesel engine would not make any difference in the total available power. Since kero has less BTU content, the engine will produce less power but burn really clean if your injection pump can stand the lower lubricity of kerosene.

 

[Soundguy]

we use it in ours in our big semi-open shop building.. just have some ventilation.

soundguy

 

[Happyman]

we use it in ours in our big semi-open shop building.. just have some ventilation.

soundguy

Yes, VENTILATE!!!!!!!
I darn near put 5 of my employees asleep on cold winter day because we had 2 salamanders going in our warehouse and I forgot to crack a door for some fresh air. Carbon Monoxide will fill the area quickly. VENTILATE!!!!! :thumbsup:

 

[Sumpter]

I was looking at your title to the thread. In my opinion there is no such thing as a dumb question.