Regan Brown
While it is not recommended to burn automatic transmission fluid (ATF) as fuel, some people add it to their diesel fuel tanks to preserve the fuel pump and improve lubricity. This practice is more common in older diesel engines with mechanical fuel injection and lower pressures. However, it is not suitable for common-rail fuel systems, as they are more temperamental and can be damaged by the ATF. Additionally, burning ATF can increase pollution and cause visible smoke at idle.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Is it possible to add automatic transmission fluid to diesel fuel? | Yes, it is possible, especially in older diesel engines (pre-common-rail). |
| Common usage | It was common in older mechanical diesel engines with lower pressures. |
| Purpose | To preserve the fuel pump and add detergents and lubricity to the fuel. |
| Alternative | A good diesel additive (e.g., Howes, Hot Shot, Power Kleen) can provide similar benefits. |
| Caution | Common-rail fuel systems may not handle it well and can cause issues in newer diesel engines. |
| Expert opinion | Francis Healy of Chevron Fuel Technology Team does not recommend burning ATF as fuel due to potential extreme wear on injection systems in common-rail engines. |
| Pollutants | May increase pollution and produce harmful exhaust fumes and smoke. |
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What You'll Learn
- Used automatic transmission fluid as an alternative diesel fuel
- Adding automatic transmission fluid to newer diesel engines
- The benefits of adding automatic transmission fluid to older diesel engines
- The drawbacks of using automatic transmission fluid as a diesel fuel alternative
- The cost-effectiveness of using automatic transmission fluid in diesel fuel
Used automatic transmission fluid as an alternative diesel fuel
Used automatic transmission fluid (ATF) can be considered an alternative diesel fuel, especially for older diesel engines (pre-common-rail). Rudolf Diesel, the inventor of the diesel engine, designed his first engine to run on coal dust, and later discovered that it could also run on peanut oil. In recent times, biodiesel, vegetable oil, and additives have gained popularity as alternative fuels for diesel engines.
While it may be unconventional, some individuals have reported success in using ATF as an alternative fuel for their diesel vehicles. One notable example is Richard Snyder, who has been using a 90% ATF and 10% diesel mixture as his primary fuel in his '02 7.3L Power Stroke for almost two years without any issues. Snyder's setup involves using a 12-volt Tuthill transfer pump to draw ATF from a 55-gallon drum, filtering it through a three-micron spin-on filter to remove any metal shavings, and then pumping it into his vehicle's fuel tank. He also adds a cetane booster to each tank and regularly changes his fuel filters every 5,000 miles.
However, it is important to note that ATF is not recommended to be burned as fuel by some experts. Francis Healy of the Chevron Fuel Technology Team attributes the practice to the lack of lubricity in early mixes of ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD). While fuel manufacturers have since addressed this issue by adding lubricants during refinement, using ATF as fuel can still have negative consequences. According to Healy, ATF may cause extreme wear on injection systems and reduce the lifespan of common-rail engines, which operate at higher fuel pressures.
Additionally, there are other considerations when using ATF as an alternative diesel fuel. ATF may increase pollution and produce harmful exhaust fumes. It may also be challenging to obtain used ATF, as many shops use it as fuel for their multi-fuel shop heaters. Furthermore, ATF may not be suitable for all diesel engines, especially newer models with common-rail fuel systems.
While ATF can be used as an alternative diesel fuel in certain older engines, it is important to approach this method with caution. It is always recommended to consult with experts and mechanics before experimenting with alternative fuels to avoid potential damage to your vehicle and to ensure compliance with local regulations and emissions standards.
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Adding automatic transmission fluid to newer diesel engines
Adding automatic transmission fluid (ATF) to diesel fuel is a practice that has been observed in older diesel engines. However, it is not recommended for newer diesel engines, especially those with common-rail fuel systems, as they operate at higher fuel pressures and can be more temperamental.
The primary reason for adding ATF to diesel fuel in older engines was to improve lubricity and add detergents to the fuel system. However, modern diesel fuel already includes necessary lubricants added during the refinement process, eliminating the need for additives like ATF.
Additionally, using ATF in newer diesel engines can have several negative consequences. Firstly, it can cause extreme wear on injection systems due to the higher fuel pressures in common-rail engines. Secondly, it can increase pollution and produce harmful exhaust fumes, with visible smoke observed at idle. Finally, ATF may not burn as efficiently as diesel fuel, potentially leading to a loss of power.
While some individuals have reported success in running a mixture of ATF and diesel fuel in older diesel engines, it is not a widely recommended practice for newer diesel engines. It is always advisable to consult a trusted mechanic or diesel specialist before considering any fuel additives or modifications, especially in modern diesel vehicles.
Furthermore, it is worth noting that the practice of adding ATF to diesel fuel may be challenging to implement due to the availability of used ATF. Many shops and dealerships now use their used fluids to fuel multi-fuel shop heaters, making it difficult to source ATF for this purpose. Overall, it is crucial to exercise caution and seek professional advice before making any alterations to your vehicle's fuel system.
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The benefits of adding automatic transmission fluid to older diesel engines
Adding automatic transmission fluid (ATF) to the fuel tank is a practice observed in older diesel engines, particularly those with mechanical fuel injection and lower pressures. While it is not recommended by fuel manufacturers, some people believe it offers certain benefits.
One of the main advantages of adding ATF to older diesel engines is its ability to act as a detergent and lubricating agent. ATF contains detergents that can help keep the fuel system clean and free of deposits. This was a common practice in older diesel engines that lacked the advanced fuel filtration systems found in modern vehicles. By adding ATF, users aimed to improve the lubricity of the fuel, reducing friction and wear on engine components.
Another benefit of ATF in older diesel engines is its potential to extend the life of the fuel pump. Some mechanics and diesel enthusiasts have suggested that adding a small amount of ATF to the fuel tank can help preserve the fuel pump and improve its longevity. This practice was more common in heavy machinery and bigger trucks with mechanical diesel engines.
Additionally, ATF can be seen as a cost-saving measure for older diesel engines. In the past, when diesel prices were unstable, some vehicle owners turned to ATF as a cheaper alternative fuel source. By mixing ATF with diesel or using it as the primary fuel, they could reduce their fuel costs, especially over long distances or during road trips.
While these are the perceived benefits of adding ATF to older diesel engines, it is important to note that modern diesel engines, particularly those with common-rail fuel systems, are not suitable for ATF. The high pressures and advanced fuel injection systems in modern engines can be negatively affected by ATF, leading to increased wear and potential engine damage. Therefore, it is always recommended to consult a trusted mechanic or diesel specialist before considering any fuel additives or alternatives.
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The drawbacks of using automatic transmission fluid as a diesel fuel alternative
While it is technically possible to use automatic transmission fluid (ATF) as a diesel fuel alternative, there are several drawbacks and risks involved. Firstly, this practice is only suitable for older diesel engines (pre-common-rail) with mechanical fuel injection and lower pressures. Common-rail fuel systems, which are more temperamental, will not handle ATF, and it can cause extreme wear on injection systems, especially in newer diesel engines.
Secondly, burning ATF can increase pollution and emit harmful exhaust fumes. Some smoke may be visible at idle, and there may also be a loss of power when running a 100% ATF mixture, as ATF does not burn as readily as diesel fuel.
Thirdly, ATF is not a widely available fuel source. It may be challenging to obtain used ATF, as many shops use their used fluids as fuel for their multi-fuel shop heaters. Additionally, the practice of using ATF as fuel is not recommended by fuel technology experts due to potential long-term effects on the engine.
Lastly, ATF has friction additives for transmission, which are the opposite of what is desired in fuel. While ATF can add detergents and lubricity to the fuel, there are specifically designed diesel additives available on the market that serve the same purpose and are not significantly more expensive. Therefore, using ATF as a diesel fuel alternative is generally not worth the risks and inconveniences compared to simply using clean diesel fuel or appropriate additives.
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The cost-effectiveness of using automatic transmission fluid in diesel fuel
While it is technically possible to use automatic transmission fluid (ATF) as an alternative fuel in diesel engines, it is not recommended by fuel specialists. This is primarily because of the potential for extreme wear on injection systems in common-rail engines, which operate at higher fuel pressures.
The cost-effectiveness of using ATF as a diesel fuel can be analysed from multiple perspectives. Firstly, in terms of financial cost, ATF may be considered free for those who have access to it, such as through local shops and dealerships, as seen in the example of Richard Snyder, who has been using ATF as his primary fuel for his diesel vehicle. By sourcing ATF from local shops, Snyder has been able to reduce his fuel costs significantly. However, it is important to note that ATF is not always easily accessible, as many shops use their used ATF as fuel for their own equipment, limiting the availability for personal use.
From a maintenance perspective, using ATF as diesel fuel may lead to increased costs due to the potential for engine damage, particularly in newer diesel engines with common-rail fuel systems. As such, the use of ATF may result in higher maintenance and repair expenses, potentially outweighing any initial fuel cost savings.
Additionally, the environmental costs of using ATF as diesel fuel should be considered. Burning ATF can lead to increased pollution and harmful exhaust fumes, contributing to air pollution and potentially negatively impacting public health.
Furthermore, while ATF can be used as an alternative fuel, it may not provide the same level of performance as diesel fuel. In some cases, users have reported a loss of power when running on pure ATF, indicating that the vehicle may not operate at its optimal level, potentially impacting its efficiency and overall cost-effectiveness.
In conclusion, while using ATF as diesel fuel may provide financial savings initially, the potential for engine damage, increased maintenance costs, environmental impacts, and performance issues may outweigh the benefits. Therefore, it is essential to carefully consider all factors before using ATF as diesel fuel to make an informed decision about its cost-effectiveness.
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Frequently asked questions
It is not recommended to burn automatic transmission fluid (ATF) as fuel. However, some people do it, especially with older diesel engines.
ATF has detergents and friction additives, which can help preserve the fuel pump.
Common-rail fuel systems won't handle ATF, pollution increases, exhaust fumes may be harmful, and the engine may experience extreme wear on injection systems.
Good diesel additives such as Howes, Hot Shot, or Power Kleen can provide the same benefits as ATF without the risks.
