Rajan Wilcox
While it is possible to run old diesel engines on jet fuel, it is not recommended. Jet fuel lacks the lubrication qualities needed by diesels for their fuel injection systems, and while it may work for a while, the pumps will eventually suffer damage. Older diesel engines are more tolerant of jet fuel, with some sources stating that jet fuel can be used in old engines with the addition of a diesel lubricant. However, it is important to note that jet fuel is taxed differently from diesel or gasoline in some places, and there may be legal issues with using jet fuel in diesel engines.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Jet A fuel in old diesel engines | Possible, but not recommended |
| Jet A fuel in modern diesel engines | Not recommended |
| Jet A fuel in common rail diesel engines | Not recommended |
| Jet A fuel in military diesel engines | Not used; the military uses JP-8/F34 or JP-5/F44 |
| Jet A fuel in diesel engines with DPF/SCR | Not recommended |
| Jet A fuel in gasoline engines | Possible, but not recommended |
| Performance of diesel engines with Jet A fuel | May not perform as well as with diesel fuel in the long run |
| Legal issues with using Jet A fuel in diesel engines | Jet fuel is taxed differently than diesel or gasoline in some places |
| Additives in Jet A fuel | Lubricants like Marvel Mystery Oil, engine oil, or two-stroke oil |
| Advantages of Jet A fuel over diesel | Higher flash point, acts as a coolant for engine oil, maintains clean injector nozzles |
| Disadvantages of Jet A fuel over diesel | Higher level of sulfur, lacks lubricant qualities, may damage injection pump |
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What You'll Learn
Jet A fuel lacks the lubrication qualities needed by diesel engines
While older diesel engines can run on Jet A fuel, it is not recommended as a long-term solution due to the lack of lubrication qualities inherent in diesel fuel. This is an important consideration, as diesel engines rely on the lubrication provided by the fuel to protect their fuel injection systems.
Jet A fuel is a type of kerosene, and older diesel engines (generally those manufactured before the 1980s) can run on any kerosene-type fuel. However, to mitigate the lack of lubrication in Jet A fuel, it is advisable to add a small amount of engine oil. This helps to ensure that the injection pumps are properly lubricated and reduces the risk of damage to the engine.
The addition of engine oil is particularly important for modern diesel engines. These engines often have electronic systems with sensors that measure fuel viscosity. If the fuel does not meet the required viscosity, the engine's Electronic Control Unit (ECU) may not fire the injectors, potentially causing performance issues.
Furthermore, modern diesel engines have higher injection pressures than older models. The fuel must fall within a narrow range of parameters to accommodate these high pressures. Jet A fuel, on its own, may not meet these parameters and could therefore damage the injection pump over time.
In summary, while it is technically possible to run older diesel engines on Jet A fuel, it is not ideal due to the lack of lubrication qualities in the fuel. For long-term use, it is advisable to use the fuel that is specifically designed for your vehicle, in this case, diesel fuel, to ensure optimal performance and maintain the health of your engine.
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Jet A fuel has higher levels of sulfur and other additives than diesel
Jet A fuel has a higher level of sulfur than diesel fuel. Jet A can contain up to 1000 ppm of sulfur, while diesel fuel typically has a maximum sulfur content of 500 ppm, known as Low Sulfur Diesel or LSD. Due to its higher sulfur content, Jet A fuel has better lubricity than diesel and does not require a lubricity additive as diesel fuels often do. However, the use of high sulfur fuel in modern diesel engines can damage sensitive pollution control devices.
In addition to higher sulfur content, Jet A fuel also contains other additives that are not typically found in diesel fuel. These additives may include cetane, which is used to improve the performance of the fuel. While Jet A fuel may have higher levels of sulfur and other additives than diesel, it is important to note that it is not recommended for use in diesel vehicles. Using Jet A fuel in a diesel engine may result in fines and can potentially damage the engine over time.
The differences in fuel specifications between Jet A and diesel are due to the unique requirements of aircraft engines. Aircraft engines typically use lower-cost fuels with higher flash points, making them less flammable and safer for transportation and handling. Additionally, the operating temperature ranges and injection styles of aircraft engines differ from those of diesel engines, allowing them to utilize a wider range of fuels.
While Jet A fuel may have higher levels of sulfur and other additives, older diesel engines may be more tolerant of using this fuel. Some sources suggest that older diesel engines, particularly those with inline injection pumps, can run on Jet A fuel with the addition of a small amount of engine oil for lubricity. However, modern diesel engines have stricter requirements and are designed to operate within a narrow range of fuel parameters. Deviating from these parameters can lead to damage to the injection pump and other components.
Overall, while Jet A fuel has higher levels of sulfur and other additives than diesel, it is not suitable for long-term use in diesel engines without potentially incurring performance issues and engine damage. Older diesel engines may be more compatible with Jet A fuel, but it is always best to use the fuel that is specifically designed for your vehicle to ensure optimal performance and minimize the risk of any potential issues.
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Jet A fuel is taxed differently to diesel
While diesel and Jet A-1 are both kerosene-type fuels, there are some key differences between the two. Jet A-1 has a higher level of sulfur and other additives, including cetane, which could damage the engine of a vehicle designed to run on diesel.
Taxation Differences
Jet fuel and diesel are taxed differently. In many jurisdictions, such as the United States and the European Union, commercial aviation fuel is tax-free. This privileged status dates back to the Chicago Convention, a 1944 international UN treaty that sought to protect the aviation industry from any potential double levy by banning the taxation of fuel on board a plane in the country where it lands.
In the EU, the average tax on diesel fuel is $1.76 (€1.6) per gallon, whereas the average tax on aviation fuel is around $0.60 (€0.55) per gallon. In some countries, such as France, taxation on jet fuel and diesel can vary regionally. For example, in 2017, the excise tax on gasoline in France was €0.651 per liter, while the tax on diesel fuel was €0.531 per liter.
In Canada, fuel taxes can vary greatly between provinces, with combined excise taxes on gasoline and diesel ranging from 16.2 ¢/L (73.6 ¢/imperial gal) in the Yukon to 30.5 ¢/L ($1.386/imperial gal) in Vancouver.
In some cases, diesel fuel may be taxed at a reduced rate, such as when it is used by farmers and construction vehicles. This type of diesel is often colored red and has a much-reduced tax rate when compared to standard diesel fuel.
Running Diesel Engines on Jet A-1
Despite the differences in taxation and composition, it is technically possible to run older diesel engines on Jet A-1 fuel with the addition of a small amount of engine oil for lubricity. However, it is important to note that doing so may not provide the desired performance in the long run and could potentially damage the engine.
Legislative Changes
It is worth noting that there have been recent calls for changes in the taxation of jet fuel. For example, US Democratic politicians have proposed raising fuel taxes on private jets, while the EU's climate commissioner has suggested a global tax on kerosene. These proposals aim to address the environmental impact of the aviation industry, which is currently responsible for 2% of annual global energy-related emissions.
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Jet A fuel has a higher flash point than diesel
Jet A fuel and diesel are both kerosene-type fuels. However, Jet A fuel has a higher flash point than diesel. The flash point of a material is the lowest temperature at which it can vaporize to form an ignitable mixture in air. Jet A fuel has a flash point between 38 and 66 °C (100 and 151 °F), while diesel fuel flash points vary between 52 and 96 °C (126 and 205 °F).
The higher flash point of Jet A fuel means that it is less flammable and therefore safer to transport and handle than diesel. It is important to note that the flash point is not the same as the autoignition temperature. The autoignition temperature is the temperature that causes spontaneous ignition, while the flash point is the lowest temperature at which there will be enough flammable vapor to support combustion when an ignition source is applied.
The difference in flash points between Jet A fuel and diesel can be attributed to the different requirements and applications of the two fuels. Diesel fuel is used in compression-ignition engines, where air is compressed until it heats above the autoignition temperature of the fuel. This allows diesel fuel to have a high flash point but must have a low autoignition temperature. Jet A fuel, on the other hand, is used in jet engines, which typically use lower-cost fuels with higher flash points to reduce the risk of ignition during transportation and handling.
Despite the difference in flash points, some people have experimented with running diesel engines on Jet A fuel. Older diesel engines (prior to the 1980s) can run on Jet A fuel with the addition of a small amount of engine oil for lubricity. However, modern diesel engines have more sensitive components and require fuel within a narrow range of parameters. Using Jet A fuel in a modern diesel engine could damage the injection pump and may not provide the desired performance over time.
In conclusion, Jet A fuel has a higher flash point than diesel, making it less flammable and safer to transport and handle. While it is possible to run older diesel engines on Jet A fuel, it is not recommended for modern diesel engines due to potential compatibility and performance issues. It is always best to use the fuel that is made for your vehicle to ensure optimal performance and maintain the health of your engine.
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Jet A fuel can be used in older diesel engines
Jet A fuel is a kerosene-type fuel, similar to diesel, and has been used in older diesel vehicles without issues. However, Jet A fuel lacks the same lubricant qualities as diesel, which can cause issues with fuel injection systems over time. While it may work in the short term, pumps will likely suffer damage with prolonged use.
Some older diesel engines have inline injection pumps, which are better able to cope with fuel that does not meet specific diesel parameters. However, newer diesel engines have higher injection pressures and more sensitive electronic systems that require fuel within a narrow range of parameters. These electronic systems often have sensors measuring fuel viscosity, and any variation can cause issues with the engine.
Additionally, there are legal issues to consider when using Jet A fuel in diesel engines. In some places, jet fuel is taxed differently from diesel or gasoline, which may impact the feasibility of using Jet A fuel in diesel engines.
Overall, while it is possible to use Jet A fuel in older diesel engines, it is not advisable in modern engines due to potential damage to fuel injection systems and other components. It is always best to use the fuel that is designed for the specific vehicle.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, older diesel engines can run on jet-a fuel, but it is not recommended for modern engines. Jet-A lacks the lubricant qualities needed by diesels for their fuel injection systems, so while it may work for a while, pumps will eventually suffer damage.
Jet-A is a type of kerosene-based aviation fuel. It has a higher flash point than diesel, which means it is less flammable and safer for use in aviation.
Jet-A has a higher level of sulfur and other additives than diesel. This could lead to fines and may damage your engine. It also lacks the lubricating qualities of diesel, so you may need to add engine oil to the fuel to ensure the engine runs smoothly and avoid damaging the injection pump.
