Katerina Swanson
It is possible to run a diesel engine on used motor oil, and some people have done so with varying levels of success. However, it is not advisable for modern engines with emissions controls. Older, mechanical engines can run on used motor oil, but it is likely to coke the injectors over time, and the chance of this happening increases with the percentage of motor oil added to the fuel. It is also important to heat and filter the oil first to remove water and other contaminants, and some people recommend using a centrifuge filter for best results. The process of converting used motor oil into diesel fuel can be done using a waste oil distillation machine, and the resulting fuel can be used in diesel generators, trucks, ships, and more. While it may be cost-effective and environmentally friendly to reuse waste oil, there are potential drawbacks, such as increased maintenance and the risk of engine damage.
Characteristics and values table
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Engines it can be used in | Older mechanical engines without emissions controls |
| Environmental impact | May be better than other ways of disposing of waste oils |
| Cost | Centrifuges for cleaning motor oil can be expensive |
| Mileage and performance | No change in mileage or performance |
| Additives | May kill the catalyst and DPF |
| Injectors | Likely to coke and clog injectors |
| Filtration | Needs to be filtered to 1-5 microns |
| Heating | Oil needs to be heated to 250°C |
| Cooling | Cooling system cools diesel oil gas into diesel |
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What You'll Learn
Used motor oil can be used in diesel engines
To convert used motor oil into diesel fuel, several steps must be followed. Firstly, the used motor oil needs to be filtered to remove contaminants. This can be achieved by heating the oil and using a centrifuge filter to separate the oil from water and other impurities. It is recommended to heat the oil to a high temperature of around 250°C to convert it into oil gas, which can then be cooled and condensed into diesel fuel.
After the filtration process, the oil should be blended with diesel fuel. It is suggested to blend the oil with gasoline first at a ratio of 10-20%, then let it settle for 24 hours to 3 days before draining the sludge and filtering again. This blended fuel can then be used in diesel engines, providing similar mileage and performance to regular diesel fuel.
Some people have shared their experiences using used motor oil in diesel engines. One person recalled using a blend of waste motor oil and diesel in a Peugeot 406 without any issues, even claiming that it ran smoother and quieter. However, they also mentioned the environmental concerns associated with this practice. Another individual shared their process of blending and filtering used oils, intending to use them in a diesel engine.
While using used motor oil in diesel engines is technically possible, it is important to carefully consider the potential drawbacks. The additives in motor oil can negatively affect the injection system, and the oil may coke and clog injectors over time, leading to costly repairs. Therefore, it is crucial to thoroughly research and understand the process before attempting to use used motor oil in diesel engines.
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It's more suitable for older, mechanical engines
While it is possible to use used motor oil in diesel fuel, it is generally advised to only do so with older, mechanical engines. Engines with emissions controls are not suitable for this practice. Older, mechanical engines are more likely to be able to run on used motor oil, but it is still important to consider the potential drawbacks and necessary preparations.
One key consideration is the risk of coking and clogging injectors. The chance of these issues occurring increases with the percentage of motor oil added to the fuel. Therefore, it is recommended to let the oil sit for a month and then pour off the oil, leaving a small amount at the bottom. Heating and filtering the oil to remove water and other contaminants is also advised, and running it through a centrifuge filter for several passes can further enhance the quality.
Some people have shared their experiences using used motor oil in older, mechanical engines. One individual noted that their grandfather successfully used motor oil in his wood/coal burner, while another person ran a Peugeot 406 with an indirect turbocharged diesel engine on used motor oil without any issues. However, it is important to note that this person changed their oil every 3,000 miles to avoid potential issues.
When blending used motor oil with diesel fuel, it is recommended to first blend the oil with gasoline at a ratio of 10-20% and then let it settle for 24 hours for WVO or 3 days for WMO before draining the sludge and filtering. Heating the blend can also improve the performance of older, mechanical engines. While the additives in motor oil may not pose a problem for these engines, it is important to consider the potential impact on the environment, as well as the time and cost involved in the blending, settling, and filtering process.
In summary, using used motor oil in diesel fuel is more suitable for older, mechanical engines without emissions controls. However, it requires proper preparation to minimize potential issues, such as injector coking and clogging. Blending, settling, heating, and filtering the oil can help enhance the performance of older engines, but it is important to carefully consider the environmental impact and the time and cost involved in the process.
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It's likely to coke and clog injectors
While it is possible to run a diesel engine on used motor oil, it is not advisable if your vehicle has emissions controls. The practice is more common in older, mechanical engines, but even then, it is likely to cause issues with your injectors over time.
The chance of coking and clogging injectors increases with the percentage of motor oil added to the fuel. If you are going to use motor oil in your diesel fuel, it is recommended to let it sit for a month and then pour off the oil, leaving the last cup or so at the bottom. It is also important to heat and filter the oil to remove water and other contaminants. Ideally, it should be run through a centrifuge filter for several passes.
Some people who use motor oil in their diesel fuel report that their vehicles run like a dream. However, it is important to note that modern engines will not respond well to this practice. It is also important to consider the environmental impact of using motor oil in diesel fuel. While it may seem like a good way to reuse waste oil, it is essential to weigh the potential benefits against the risk of costly repairs and increased emissions.
If you are considering using motor oil in your diesel fuel, it is essential to do your research and understand the potential risks and challenges. It may be necessary to remove and clean injectors and replace fuel filters frequently. Additionally, heating the fuel lines and keeping them heated may be necessary. While it is possible to make diesel fuel from used motor oil, it requires proper equipment and knowledge to do so effectively and safely.
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It can be mixed with gasoline
Used motor oil can be mixed with gasoline and used as diesel fuel. This is a popular practice, especially among those with older mechanical engines without emissions controls. However, it is important to note that modern engines may not respond well to this practice.
To mix used motor oil with gasoline, one must first obtain a 55-gallon drum and filter the used oil down to one or two microns. The oil can then be blended with gasoline at a ratio of 10-20% oil to gasoline. The mixture should be allowed to settle for 24 hours for WVO (Waste Vegetable Oil) and 3 days for WMO (Waste Motor Oil). After settling, the sludge that has formed at the bottom of the drum can be drained, and the mixture can be filtered and centrifuged.
It is important to note that the additives in motor oil can have negative effects on certain engines. For example, these additives can kill the catalyst and DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) in high-pressure diesel fuel injection systems. Additionally, the chance of coking and clogging injectors increases with the percentage of motor oil added to the fuel. Therefore, it is recommended to let the mixture sit for a month and then pour off the oil, leaving the last cup of sludge at the bottom. The mixture can also be heated and filtered to remove water and other contaminants, and it may be run through a centrifuge filter for several passes.
Some people have reported success with using a blend of used motor oil and gasoline in their diesel engines. One individual reported that their engine ran smoother and quieter when using a blend, while another stated that they had no issues with their engine after running it on a blend. However, it is important to consider the environmental impact of using waste oils as fuel, as well as the potential for high repair costs if issues do arise.
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It's a cost-effective alternative
Using waste motor oil as diesel fuel is a cost-effective alternative, as waste oil is often easy to obtain and cheap or free. Many people have shared their experiences of using waste motor oil in diesel engines, with some reporting no issues at all.
One person shared that they used to run a Peugeot 406 with an indirect turbocharged diesel engine on WVO (Waste Vegetable Oil) and always put a few litres of used engine oil in the tank. They reported that it was smoother and quieter than when running on diesel and that their biggest concern was the environmental impact.
Another user on the same forum shared that they were running a 30% blend of filtered WMO (Waste Motor Oil) and were deciding on the best filtration setup. They were interested in the cost savings per litre of fuel and whether this would be outweighed by the cost of replacing the pump and injectors if they were ruined.
A user on Reddit shared that they had heard of truckers running their old motor oil as fuel in their diesel engines. They also mentioned that their buddy runs anything he can get his hands on (motor oil, transmission oil, cooking oil, gear oil, etc.) in his powerstroke and it runs like a dream. However, they advised only doing this if you have a mechanical diesel as modern engines won't like it.
Another user on the same forum advised that it would work in older mechanical engines pre-emissions, but it would likely coke the injectors over time. They also provided instructions on how to process the waste motor oil, including heating and filtering to remove water and other contaminants.
A user on "The Diesel Stop" forum shared their plan to obtain a 55-gallon drum and filter used oils down to one or two microns before blending it with diesel in a transfer tank. They were interested in the mileage and power increases or decreases and the resulting savings. Another user on the same forum mentioned that if you blend waste oil with gasoline, the cost is only in filters, and if you can back-flush your filters, the only cost is the start-up expense of purchasing equipment for handling and processing waste oils into diesel fuel.
There are also companies that offer waste oil distillation machines to convert used motor oil into diesel fuel. These machines can produce 80%-85% diesel fuel, with the remaining 15%-25% being asphalt. The diesel fuel produced can be used in diesel generators, trucks, ships, fishing boats, heavy machinery, boilers, and more.
Overall, while there may be some risks and considerations when using waste motor oil as diesel fuel, it can be a cost-effective alternative, especially for those with access to waste oil and the necessary equipment for processing it.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is possible to use used motor oil in a diesel engine, especially in older mechanical engines without emissions controls. However, it may not be advisable as it can cause issues with injectors and fuel systems.
Using used motor oil in diesel fuel can be a cost-effective way to obtain fuel, as it is often easily accessible and inexpensive to obtain. It can also be seen as a way to reduce waste and minimize environmental impact.
The additives in motor oil can cause issues with modern diesel engines, including clogging injectors and damaging emission control systems. It may also require more frequent oil changes and maintenance.
