Regan Brown
While some people claim that diesel fuel should not be put into a sprayer, others have reported success using diesel fuel in a backpack pump sprayer or ATV-mounted battery-powered pressure sprayer. However, it is important to note that diesel fuel can damage certain components of a sprayer, such as the O-rings and seals, and may not be suitable for all types of sprayers. It is recommended to use a cheap pump-up sprayer or a sprayer with Viton seals if using diesel fuel to avoid potential damage to the equipment. Additionally, proper cleaning and maintenance of the sprayer are crucial to ensure its longevity.
Can you use diesel fuel in electric sprayers?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Using diesel fuel in electric sprayers | Not recommended |
| Using diesel fuel in pump sprayers | Possible, but not recommended |
| Alternative fuel | Motor oil, mineral spirits, grease |
| Alternative sprayer | Cheap pump sprayer, hand pump sprayer |
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What You'll Learn
Some claim diesel ruins sprayer motor seals
Some claim that diesel will ruin the spray motor seals in an electric sprayer. Seals are essential components of an engine system, preventing fuel and air leakage and ensuring fuel is efficiently delivered to the combustion chamber. Over time, seals can wear out, crack, or harden, resulting in fuel and air leakage, which can cause poor engine performance and increased emissions and fuel consumption.
In the context of electric sprayers, diesel fuel may accelerate the wearing out of seals due to its different chemical composition compared to gasoline. Diesel fuel contains higher levels of sulfur and other contaminants that can degrade the seal material over time. Additionally, diesel fuel has a higher viscosity, which means it is thicker and may place more stress on the seals, potentially leading to faster wear and tear.
To prevent damage to the sprayer, it is recommended to use a cheap, disposable hand pump sprayer when dealing with diesel or a diesel/oil mix. This way, users can avoid the potential issues caused by diesel's incompatibility with the seals in standard electric sprayers.
It is worth noting that there are pumps specifically designed for diesel fuel. These pumps have seals engineered to withstand the unique properties of diesel fuel, including its higher viscosity and the presence of contaminants. Using a pump designed for diesel can help avoid the issues associated with using diesel in a standard electric sprayer with incompatible seals.
In conclusion, while diesel fuel may not be compatible with the spray motor seals in a standard electric sprayer, there are alternative options available, such as disposable hand pump sprayers or pumps specifically designed for diesel fuel. By choosing these alternatives, users can avoid potential damage to their equipment and ensure a more seamless and efficient spraying experience.
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Using diesel with a pump sprayer
If you plan on using diesel with a pump sprayer, it is recommended to use Viton seals, as they offer better resistance to chemical attack by the oils present in diesel. Nitrile seals can also hold up to diesel fuel to some extent. In addition, a demand pump is preferable, as a pump that runs continuously will quickly drain the battery it is connected to.
When using diesel with a pump sprayer, it is important to clean the pump and sprayer thoroughly after each use. This can be done by flushing the system with water and detergent or soap, and then running the pump dry. Some sources recommend using a neutralizer or cleaner in addition to flushing with water. Allowing diesel to remain in the pump or sprayer may damage the components over time.
It is also worth noting that diesel is not always the best option for a pump sprayer. Some people opt to use a diesel and motor oil mix, with ratios ranging from 50/50 to 2 parts diesel to 1 part motor oil, depending on the desired results. Others choose to avoid diesel altogether and use cooking oil for emulsion formation, adding Cimmeron for Bahia grass treatment. Ultimately, the specific use case and desired results will dictate the best fluid to use with a pump sprayer.
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Diesel + remedy in a pressure sprayer
Using diesel fuel in a pressure sprayer requires careful consideration of the sprayer's components and the specific chemical mixture being used. Here are some insights and guidelines for using diesel fuel in a pressure sprayer, specifically focusing on the "Diesel + Remedy" mixture:
Sprayer Considerations:
- Seals and O-Rings: It is important to choose a sprayer with seals and O-rings that can withstand diesel fuel. Viton seals, for example, offer better resistance to chemical attack by the oils in diesel. Buna-N O-rings, found in Ryobi 18v handheld sprayers, have also been reported to work with diesel without issues.
- Pump Type: Diaphragm pumps are generally considered more suitable for diesel mixes than piston pumps. However, some users have successfully used piston pumps as well.
- Tank Material and Size: Avoid plastic components, as diesel can soften them. For ATV-mounted sprayers, a 20-25 gallon tank is recommended.
- Maintenance: Proper maintenance is crucial. Empty and clean your pump after each use with a good detergent and water.
Mixture Considerations:
- Mixture Ratio: The ratio of diesel to Remedy and other additives can vary depending on the specific application. Some users have reported success with a mixture of one gallon of Remedy, one gallon of Tordon, a surfactant, and 100 gallons of water. Others have used 1.25 gallons of RM43 to one quart of Remedy in a 45-gallon tank with water and dish soap.
- Additives: Cooking oil can be used for emulsion formation to avoid the mess associated with diesel. Cimmeron (for Bahia grass) is another additive suggested by some users.
Precautions:
It is important to note that using diesel in a pressure sprayer may shorten the lifespan of the equipment, and proper disposal of any diesel-containing mixtures is crucial. Always refer to the manufacturer's guidelines and local regulations when working with diesel fuel and chemical mixtures.
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Cleaning a sprayer after using diesel
It is important to clean your sprayer after using diesel or changing spraying chemicals to prevent damage to crops or grass. This can be done by following these steps:
Step 1: Choose the Right Cleaning Agent
Read the label on the diesel container and follow any specific instructions for cleaning. If no recommendations are provided, you can consider using a commercial tank cleaner, household ammonia, kerosene or fuel oil, or chlorine bleach. The choice of cleaning agent depends on the type of residue you need to remove. For example, kerosene or fuel oil is suitable for removing oil-based residues, while chlorine bleach decomposes residues of most sulfonylurea and other herbicides.
Step 2: Disassemble and Rinse
Disassemble the sprayer parts that came into contact with diesel. Rinse these parts with water or a recommended rinse solution. Fill the tank with water and the rinse solution, if applicable, to about 10% of its capacity. Agitate the solution and let it sit, preferably overnight, before flushing.
Step 3: Reassemble and Flush
Reassemble the sprayer parts. Continue with the recommended rinses from the diesel or cleaner labels. Fill, agitate, and flush the system with the suggested solution. For some herbicides, you may need to repeat this flushing process up to three more times.
Step 4: Clean External Surfaces
Thoroughly clean the outside of the equipment, including the tank, booms, nozzles, and any other external surfaces that may have come into contact with diesel. Ensure that all components are dry before storing or reusing the sprayer.
By following these steps and maintaining a clean sprayer, you can prevent crop damage, ensure the proper application of chemicals, and extend the lifespan of your equipment.
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Diesel as a carrier for Garlon 4
Garlon 4 Ultra Herbicide is a powerful tool for killing hardwoods and controlling saplings. When using Garlon 4, it is essential to mix it with a carrier, and diesel fuel is one option that can be used. Diesel acts as a penetrant, aiding the herbicide in reaching the target species.
A common ratio recommended by users is 1 part Garlon 4 to 4 parts diesel. This mixture is suitable for foliar and basal application, even on challenging species with thicker bark. The effectiveness of this mixture is evident, with users reporting that it can "smoke any hardwood out there". However, it is important to exercise caution to avoid drift onto non-target stems and potential translocation to their roots.
Before preparing oil-water emulsion sprays, it is crucial to perform a jar test to ensure compatibility. Users should also be cautious not to introduce water or any water-containing mixtures into the premix or Garlon 4 Ultra, as this can result in the formation of a challenging emulsion.
While diesel can be used as a carrier for Garlon 4, it is important to note that gasoline and ethanol are not recommended for use in any sprayer due to their flashpoints. Professionals have suggested using the Chapin 3.5-Gallon Concrete Sprayer 1949 for spraying diesel fuel, although manufacturers may not officially recommend it due to liability issues.
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Frequently asked questions
No, it is not advisable to use diesel fuel in your electric sprayer.
Diesel fuel can ruin your spray motor seals and eat up the O-rings.
Yes, you can use a mix of Remedy One, Tordon, a surfactant, and water. You can also use cooking oil for emulsion formation.
Always clean your sprayer thoroughly after each use. To store your sprayer for a long time, remove the fluid section and dunk it into a bucket of light motor oil to prevent rust and keep the O-rings in good shape.
