Can You Run Kerosene in a Diesel Engine?

Kerosene is a combustible chemical formula that is derived from petroleum. It’s a hydrocarbon liquid that is used as a fuel for jet engines, furnaces, lamps, and heaters. Kerosene has a flash point of 38℃ (100℉) and it has a freezing point of around -40℃/℉. Kerosene is considered a polluting fuel, so it is not recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) to be used in household use – this is because kerosene smoke contains particulate matter that can be harmful and lead to higher cancer risk, asthma, tuberculosis, respiratory infections, cataracts, and adverse pregnancy affects.

Kerosene and diesel are both petroleum fuels from the molecular components of crude oil. Kerosene is extracted from crude oil first, then diesel, as kerosene has a lower boiling point than diesel. Diesel is a reddish colour while kerosene is colourless. While typically kerosene is used in a variety of engine systems, diesel is almost exclusively used for vehicles.

There are a few benefits that come with using kerosene in diesel engines.

The number one benefit of running kerosene in your diesel engine is price point. Kerosene is much less expensive than diesel fuel, so if filling up at the gas station causes you great amounts of pain, kerosene can seem like a fantastic alternative.

Kerosene can run a lot smoother when there are freezing temperatures as it doesn’t gel as quickly as diesel does. This can be viewed as a huge benefit in northern climates like Alberta! However, there are also plenty of additives that can be added to diesel fuel that will stop your diesel fuel from gelling.

While cheaper costs and less risk of gelling can seem like a winning scenario, there are also a lot of risks involved with using kerosene instead of diesel in a diesel engine.

Kerosene is a harsher fuel for your diesel engine, and the lack of lubrication within the fuel can damage your diesel’s injector pump unless you add lubricant.

Because kerosene burns at a lower temperature than diesel (the aspect that prevents gelling in freezing temperatures) it is far less fuel efficient and reduces your engine power. If you’re looking for lots of power you’re not going to get it running kerosene through your diesel, plus the wasted fuel may end up costing you more than anticipated.

Although some diesel engines have kerosene as an accepted alternative fuel option, not all diesels do. Running kerosene through your diesel can cause many issues with the engine unless kerosene is an approved fuel.

If kerosene isn’t an approved alternative fuel for your specific engine, using kerosene can void the warranty you have on your vehicle’s engine. Check with your warranty provider and the vehicle’s manual before using kerosene.

In Canada and the United States, using fuel on public roads that hasn’t been properly vetted and taxed is prohibited. If you are using kerosene in your vehicle that was not meant for road use, you could be liable for a fine. There are certain ash and pollutant standards fuel for road vehicles need to follow, so ensure that you are acting within the law.

In short, kerosene does work in diesel engines, but the risks to your diesel as well as the potential liabilities tend to far outweigh the cost savings. If you’re looking to reduce gelling in your diesel during the winter months, it is often not recommended to use kerosene.

Although you may have heard suggestions of mixing small amounts of kerosene (or even 50/50) into your diesel when it’s cold out, it’s not recommended by professionals in the diesel industry. It’s far better for your engine to use additives, lubricants, and winter-safe diesel engine oil rather than arbitrarily mixing kerosene. Whatever cost savings you may get from using kerosene in your diesel will be overshadowed by the potential large bill to fix any damage it may cause.

For more questions you may have about your diesel engine, please contact us!