Ameer Randolph
Torpedo heaters are a type of heater that can be used to warm spaces like garages and workshops. They can be fuelled by kerosene, diesel, or fuel oil, but it is recommended to use kerosene for cleaner burning and lower maintenance. While diesel may be cheaper and more readily available, it can cause a strong fuel smell and leave behind soot and residue. Kerosene, on the other hand, burns cleaner and produces less odour, but it may be more expensive and harder to source. Some users have reported successfully using diesel in their torpedo heaters without issues, while others have noted that it resulted in a mess and increased fumes. Ultimately, it is important to use the type of fuel that the heater is manufactured for and to prioritize safety, especially in enclosed spaces.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can diesel fuel be used in a kerosene torpedo heater? | Yes, but it is not recommended. |
| Why use diesel fuel in a kerosene torpedo heater? | Kerosene is more expensive and harder to find than diesel fuel. |
| Downsides of using diesel fuel in a kerosene torpedo heater | Diesel fuel produces more smoke, soot, fumes, and odor than kerosene. It may also clog the injector and produce more CO. |
| Alternatives to diesel and kerosene | Propane, fuel oil, #1 diesel, #2 diesel, Jet A, winter blend diesel, unleaded gasoline, and winterized ULSD. |
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What You'll Learn
Kerosene heaters are illegal in some places
Kerosene heaters are a popular choice for many, with an estimated 2 million sold in the US in a single year. However, they are not without their drawbacks and potential dangers. Kerosene heaters can pose a risk of fire or explosion if used incorrectly or with the wrong type of fuel. They also carry a risk of burns, especially to children and pets, and can cause asphyxiation in small or poorly ventilated spaces due to oxygen depletion.
Due to these risks, kerosene heaters are illegal in some places. Before purchasing or using a kerosene heater, it is important to check with your local fire department or fire marshal for any restrictions in your area. Some states, such as California, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Ohio, have banned the sale or home use of kerosene heaters. Wisconsin has banned their use in multifamily dwellings, but they are permitted in one- and two-family houses. Several other states, including Maryland, Delaware, New York, Connecticut, and Rhode Island, have previously banned kerosene heaters but have since reversed or relaxed their restrictions, acknowledging the improved safety of newer models.
The legality of kerosene heaters varies across different regions, and it is essential to stay informed about the specific regulations in your area. While kerosene heaters may be a convenient option for some, it is crucial to prioritize safety and adhere to local laws and guidelines regarding their use.
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Diesel may clog injectors
While some people have reported using diesel fuel in their torpedo heaters without any issues, others have warned against it due to the risk of clogging the injector. Diesel fuel is thicker than kerosene, and while it can be used as a substitute in some cases, it may not be suitable for all heaters.
One user reported that they had to clean their heater after using diesel fuel, as it left a hard black soot inside. Another user advised against using diesel fuel in a kerosene heater with a wick, as it can cause the wick to crust up with soot very quickly. This can not only be messy and difficult to clean but also reduce the efficiency of the heater.
In contrast, kerosene is known to burn very clean and is less likely to cause clogging or sooting issues. It is specifically recommended for torpedo heaters to avoid these problems. However, kerosene can be more expensive and less accessible than diesel fuel, which has led some users to opt for diesel despite the potential drawbacks.
To mitigate the risks associated with diesel fuel, some people have suggested blending or cutting the diesel with gasoline to thin it. This practice has been reported to work in some heaters, but it is important to exercise caution when using any type of fuel that the heater is not manufactured for. Additionally, the use of additives, such as isopropyl alcohol, has been suggested to make diesel fuel more suitable for kerosene heaters. However, there are concerns about the low vapour point of alcohol, which may pose an explosion risk.
Overall, while it may be tempting to use readily available and cheaper diesel fuel in a torpedo heater, the potential issues with clogging, sooting, and mess should be carefully considered. Kerosene, or alternative heating methods such as propane heaters, may be preferable options to avoid these problems and ensure a safer and more pleasant experience.
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Diesel is cheaper
While kerosene is recommended for torpedo heaters as it burns cleaner and produces less odour, diesel fuel is a cheaper alternative. Kerosene heaters are typically more expensive to run as kerosene costs almost double the price of diesel.
In some areas, kerosene is hard to come by, making diesel a more convenient option. For example, in Boston, kerosene heaters are illegal, making diesel a more accessible fuel source. In addition, diesel is more readily available at gas stations, whereas kerosene can be more challenging to source.
However, it is important to note that diesel may not be suitable for all torpedo heaters, particularly older models or those with wicks. Using diesel in these heaters can result in excessive smoke, soot, and fumes, which can cause a mess and be challenging to clean.
Some newer torpedo heaters are designed as multi-fuel units, capable of burning diesel, kerosene, and fuel oil. These heaters may be a good option for those wishing to use diesel as they can burn it cleanly without the issues associated with older models.
For those considering using diesel in their torpedo heater, it is essential to refer to the user manual or consult a professional for advice. Adjusting the pump pressure can help reduce fumes when using diesel. Additionally, diesel supplemented with 91% isopropyl alcohol has been suggested as a possible substitute for kerosene, although this method may require caution due to the low vapour point of alcohol.
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Kerosene burns cleaner
Some people opt to use diesel fuel in their torpedo heaters because it is cheaper and more readily available than kerosene. However, diesel can produce more smoke, odors, and fumes than kerosene. It is also important to note that diesel fuel may not be suitable for all torpedo heaters, especially older models, as it can cause clogging and other issues.
To improve the performance of diesel fuel in torpedo heaters, some people mix it with gasoline or isopropyl alcohol to thin it out and reduce the risk of clogging. Others use additives such as DieselPro fuel conditioner to control soot issues.
Overall, while diesel fuel may be more accessible and affordable, kerosene burns cleaner and is generally preferred for torpedo heaters, especially in enclosed spaces.
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Kerosene is harder to find
Kerosene is a low-viscosity, clear liquid formed from hydrocarbons obtained from the fractional distillation of petroleum between 150 and 275 °C (300 and 525 °F). It is composed of hydrocarbon molecules that typically contain between 6-20 carbon atoms per molecule, predominantly containing 9 to 16 carbon atoms. The name "kerosene" comes from the Greek word κηρός (keros), which means wax.
Despite its many uses and popularity in some regions, kerosene may be harder to find in certain areas, especially where it is illegal or less commonly used. In such cases, people may need to rely on alternative fuels, such as diesel, for their heaters and other applications. However, it is important to note that using the wrong type of fuel in a heater can be dangerous and may damage the heater. Therefore, it is always best to consult the heater's user manual or seek advice from a professional before using any fuel other than what the heater is manufactured for.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, diesel fuel can be used in a torpedo heater. However, it is not recommended as it can cause a lot of smoke and soot, as well as an unpleasant smell.
Regular pump diesel or diesel #1 can be used in a torpedo heater. Diesel #2 is thicker than kerosene and will clog the injector.
It is not recommended to use diesel fuel in a kerosene heater as it can cause a lot of smoke and soot. However, some people have used diesel in their kerosene heaters without any issues.
Diesel fuel is usually cheaper than kerosene, and it can be more efficient in terms of BTU value.
The main disadvantage of using diesel fuel in a torpedo heater is the unpleasant smell it can cause. Kerosene burns cleaner and produces less odor.
