Switching Kerosene Heaters To Diesel: A Diy Guide

Kerosene heaters are a great way to stay warm during the cold winter months, but what happens when you run out of kerosene? Is it possible to use diesel fuel in a kerosene heater? The answer is yes, but with some precautions. Kerosene (#1 diesel) and diesel (#2 diesel) are similar fuels, but diesel burns at a higher temperature and can cause incomplete combustion. This can lead to a build-up of carbon on the wick, so it's important to use a high-quality wick, preferably 100% cotton, and a diesel additive such as isopropyl alcohol or kerosene. Mixing kerosene and diesel in a 1:3 or 1:5 ratio is also an option. While it is possible to burn diesel in a kerosene heater, it may not be recommended by the manufacturer and could void the warranty. It's important to read the manual and understand the risks before making any changes.

Characteristics of Changing a Kerosene Heater to Burn Diesel Fuel

Mixing diesel with isopropyl alcohol

Firstly, it is crucial to understand that alcohol and diesel are not a good combination. Alcohol has a much lower flashpoint than diesel, making it extremely dangerous to mix the two. Additionally, the presence of alcohol can cause engines to run hotter, leading to potential damage to fuel injectors, pistons, and cylinder walls. The alcohol can also remove residue and varnish from fuel systems, causing particles to block the engine's access to fuel. Furthermore, alcohol can oxidize in the tank, creating a sticky brown residue that is highly harmful to fuel systems. It can also degrade plastic, rubber, or metal parts in diesel fuel systems.

However, if you are considering mixing diesel with isopropyl alcohol, it is recommended to use 91% or higher pure isopropyl alcohol. For each pint of diesel, add 5mL of isopropyl alcohol. It is important to note that you may need to adjust this mixture slightly, as diesel fuel can vary from gas station to gas station and even during different seasons.

When using this mixture in a kerosene heater, it is crucial to use a high-quality wick, preferably made of 100% cotton. The wick should be allowed to soak up the diesel for about 30 minutes before lighting it. Failure to do so may result in damage to the wick. Additionally, it is important to ensure proper ventilation when burning diesel in a kerosene heater, as it can produce smoke and fumes.

While burning diesel in a kerosene heater can be done, it is not recommended by manufacturers and should be done at your own risk. It is important to understand the risks and take the necessary precautions to ensure safety and minimize potential damage to your heater.

Using a high-quality wick

When using diesel in your kerosene heater, a high-quality wick is essential to ensure optimal combustion and maintain the longevity of your heater. The type of wick you choose plays a crucial role in the burning process and can significantly impact the overall performance of your heater. Here are some important considerations when selecting and using a high-quality wick:

Choosing the Right Wick Material

The two most common types of wicks used in kerosene heaters are cotton wicks and fiberglass wicks. While both have their advantages, cotton wicks are generally the better choice for burning diesel fuel. Cotton wicks offer several benefits, including:

• Absorbency: Cotton wicks are highly absorbent, allowing them to effectively draw and wick diesel fuel for combustion.
• Trimmability: Cotton wicks can be trimmed to remove any charred or carbon-filled sections, prolonging their lifespan.
• Heat Resistance: Cotton wicks have a higher heat resistance than fiberglass, making them better suited for burning diesel, which tends to burn at a higher temperature than kerosene.

However, it's important to note that cotton wicks may not last as long as fiberglass wicks when used with diesel fuel due to the higher burning temperature.

Pinned vs. Non-Pinned Wicks

Another factor to consider when selecting a wick is whether it is pinned or non-pinned. Pinned wicks have metal pins in the middle that hold the wick in place, while non-pinned wicks can be adjusted and moved up as you trim them. For burning diesel fuel, a non-pinned cotton wick is generally the best option as it allows for more flexibility in adjusting the wick height.

Soak Time

Before lighting your heater, ensure that you allow the wick to soak in the diesel fuel for approximately 30 minutes, especially when using a cotton wick. Lighting the wick before it has adequately absorbed the fuel can lead to burning the wick itself, causing damage.

Wick Maintenance

To maintain the performance and longevity of your wick, regular cleaning and maintenance are essential. Over time, carbon and soot can build up on the wick, impacting its effectiveness. To clean the wick, you can use a toothbrush to gently brush away any carbon deposits. Additionally, consider performing a "dry burn" periodically, where you let the heater burn itself out, wait for a while, relight it, and then let it burn out again. This process helps remove built-up carbon and prolong the life of the wick.

Additives for Improved Burning

To enhance the burning process and reduce wick clogging, consider using additives specifically designed for diesel fuel. Isopropyl alcohol, diesel fuel additives, kerosene fuel additives, or even straight kerosene can be added to diesel fuel. These additives help diesel burn cleaner, reducing the amount of residue that builds up on the wick. When using isopropyl alcohol, ensure it is 91% pure or higher, and add approximately 5mL per pint of diesel fuel.

Mixing diesel with kerosene

Kerosene is frequently mixed with diesel fuel to improve its performance in cold weather. Kerosene is also known as #1 diesel fuel oil, while regular diesel is #2 diesel fuel oil.

The ratio of diesel fuel to kerosene is typically found in the range of 80/20, 70/30, 60/40, or 50/50. However, it is important to note that kerosene blending is not a cost-effective method for improving cold weather performance. Treating the fuel with a cold flow improver additive is a more economical solution.

Kerosene has a better cold filter plugging point (CFPP) than diesel, which means it can pass through a filter at a lower temperature. The rule of thumb is that for every 10% of kerosene added, the CFPP of the diesel blend is lowered by 2-5°F.

However, there are some disadvantages to mixing kerosene with diesel. Kerosene contains less energy (measured in British Thermal Units or BTUs) than diesel, resulting in decreased engine power and fuel economy. It also has lower lubricity, which can lead to increased wear and tear on fuel pumps and other engine components. Kerosene has a lower cetane rating, which can cause issues with ignition and combustion, leading to poor starting, delayed warm-ups, and white smoke.

When mixing kerosene with diesel, it is important to consider the desired cold weather performance and the potential trade-offs in terms of cost, power, and fuel economy.

Using the right additives

There are several options for additives that can be used:

• Isopropyl Alcohol: This is a popular choice, and you should use 91% or higher concentration. Add 5ml of isopropyl alcohol to every pint of diesel fuel. You may need to adjust the mixture slightly, as diesel fuel can vary between gas stations and seasons.
• Kerosene: Adding kerosene to diesel is a straightforward and effective method. Fill your heater 2/3 or 3/4 full with diesel, and then top it up with kerosene. This method helps prevent wick damage and ensures the diesel burns correctly.
• Kerosene Additives: Designed to make kerosene burn more efficiently, these additives can also be mixed with diesel to improve its combustion. Follow the instructions on the additive packaging for the correct ratios.
• Diesel Fuel Additives: While these additives are formulated to improve diesel engine performance, they can also be used in a kerosene heater. However, they may contain additives that are not necessary for a kerosene heater.

It is important to note that while diesel can be burned in a kerosene heater, it is not recommended by manufacturers. Using diesel may void your heater's warranty, and you do so at your own risk. Additionally, always ensure your space is well-ventilated when using any fuel in a kerosene heater to prevent the buildup of harmful gases.

Ventilating the room

• Ensure adequate airflow: Make sure there is enough airflow in the room by keeping windows slightly open or using fans to promote air circulation. Adjust the airflow until any smoking from the heater stops.
• Use in well-ventilated areas: Operate the kerosene heater only in areas with decent ventilation to prevent the buildup of harmful gases. Avoid using the heater in small, enclosed spaces without proper ventilation.
• Avoid overnight use: Do not leave the kerosene heater running while you sleep. When the fuel level gets low, the heater can produce a significant amount of harmful fumes and gases. It is recommended to turn off the heater before going to bed and use alternative heat sources at night.
• Maintain distance from flammable materials: Keep flammable materials, such as curtains, furniture, or paper products, at a safe distance from the heater. This will help reduce the risk of fires and ensure that any fumes from the heater do not come into contact with flammable objects.
• Use a carbon monoxide detector: Install a carbon monoxide detector in the room or area where the kerosene heater is being used. This will help alert you to the presence of dangerous levels of carbon monoxide, which is a colorless and odorless gas.
• Refill and extinguish outdoors: When refuelling the heater, do it outdoors to avoid spills and reduce the risk of igniting fumes. Additionally, extinguish the heater outside to prevent the buildup of fumes in enclosed spaces.
• Regular cleaning and maintenance: Service and clean your kerosene heater regularly, just like you would a vehicle. This will help it burn cleaner and reduce the risk of incomplete combustion, which can lead to the release of additional pollutants.
• Follow manufacturer's instructions: Always refer to the manufacturer's manual for specific instructions on how to use your kerosene heater safely. Different heaters may have varying requirements for ventilation, fuel types, and maintenance schedules.

Remember, whether you are using kerosene or diesel fuel, proper ventilation is crucial to ensure your safety and reduce the risk of harmful fumes and gases. Always prioritize adequate airflow and follow safety guidelines when using a kerosene heater.

Frequently asked questions