Sylvie Willis
Diesel fuel is any liquid fuel specifically designed for use in a diesel engine, a type of internal combustion engine where fuel ignition occurs without a spark due to inlet air compression and fuel injection. Before diesel fuel was standardised, diesel engines typically ran on cheap fuel oils. Rudolf Diesel, the inventor of the diesel engine, did not originally intend for a specific type of fuel to be used in his engine, claiming that any kind of fuel in any state of matter would work. Modern Ultra-Low Sulphur Diesel (ULSD) is now the standard diesel fuel available in the UK, mainland Europe, and North America. However, ULSD is not suitable for older diesel engines as the ethanol in biodiesel can attack and shrink older seals in the fuel system, causing leaks.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Official term | DERV (Diesel-engine road vehicle) |
| Colloquial names | Diesel, distillate (Australia), Solar (Indonesia, Israel, and the Middle East), gas oil (gazole in French) |
| Origin | Experiments conducted by Rudolf Diesel for his compression-ignition engine in 1892 |
| First functional diesel engine fuel | Kerosene (paraffin) |
| Other fuels used in early diesel engines | Crude oil, lamp oil, petrol, ligroin, coal tar creosote, paraffin oil, gasoline |
| Fuel used in the first production diesel engines in Scotland and France | Shale oil |
| Fuel used in the first Diesel engine exhibited at the 1900 Paris Exposition | Peanut oil |
| Standard diesel fuel in the UK, mainland Europe, and North America | ULSD (Ultra-Low Sulphur Diesel) |
| Diesel fuel for off-road engines and machinery | Grade A2 Gas Oil (red diesel) |
| Diesel fuel for heating applications and older power generators | Grade D Gas Oil (red diesel) |
| Premium-grade kerosene for home heating | Grade C1 Kerosene |
| Regular kerosene for home heating | Grade C2 Kerosene |
| Fuel efficiency of older diesel engines | Higher compared to newer, more emission-efficient engines |
| Fuel type for older diesel engines | Preferably filtered via centrifuge but definitely filtered sub-micron level |
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What You'll Learn
Older diesel engines typically ran on cheap fuel oils
Rudolf Diesel, a German scientist and inventor, created the first diesel engine prototype and the first functional diesel engine, which were designed for liquid fuels. Initially, Diesel tested crude oil from Pechelbronn, but it proved to be too viscous, so he switched to kerosene (paraffin). He also experimented with various types of lamp oil, petrol, ligroin, coal tar creosote, paraffin oil, gasoline, and fuel oil, all of which proved to be successful diesel engine fuels. In Scotland and France, the first 1898 production diesel engines used shale oil as fuel because other options were too expensive.
In modern times, diesel fuel has been standardised, and almost all petroleum-based diesel fuel available in the UK, mainland Europe, and North America is of the ULSD type. Despite this, fuel oils are still used in watercraft diesel engines. Additionally, diesel fuel can be used in non-diesel engines, such as the Akroyd engine, Stirling engine, or boilers for steam engines.
Some older diesel engines can even run on waste engine oil, although this requires careful filtering to ensure cleanliness. For example, one user reported running their OM617 engine (Mercedes 300D/CD/TD/SD, 1980-1985 3.0L, in-line 5 turbocharged) on 100% waste vegetable/animal fat oil for years without any issues. However, waste vegetable oil can be challenging to source and clean.
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Ultra-Low Sulphur Diesel (ULSD) has acceptable lubricity for older engines
Diesel fuel is any liquid fuel designed for use in a diesel engine. In many countries, diesel fuel is standardised, with the most common type being a specific fractional distillate of petroleum fuel oil.
Ultra-Low Sulphur Diesel (ULSD) is a type of diesel fuel with a sulphur content of less than 50 parts per million (ppm). The transition to ULSD has been driven by stricter environmental regulations, as it helps to reduce harmful emissions such as sulphur oxides (SOx) and nitrogen oxide and particulate matter emissions. As a result, ULSD has been mandated in many places, including the European Union, the United States, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Kenya.
While ULSD has been effective in reducing emissions, it has also introduced challenges related to fuel lubricity. Sulphur in diesel fuel historically provided natural lubrication for critical engine components, and as the sulphur content has decreased, so has the lubricity of the fuel. This has led to increased wear and tear on fuel system components, such as fuel pumps and injectors.
However, it is important to note that ULSD still has acceptable lubricity for older engines. The use of lubricity additives, such as biodiesel and synthetic lubricants, has been effective in enhancing the lubricity of ULSD. These additives help to form a protective layer on metal surfaces, reducing friction and wear. Additionally, ULSD is designed to be used in any engine that meets the ASTM D975 diesel fuel standard, which includes many older engines.
It is worth mentioning that there are some considerations when using ULSD in older engines. For example, ULSD may cause some seals to shrink, and it may not be suitable for all engine types. In some cases, using non-ULSD fuel in newer engines can void the engine's warranty and may not meet federal or state legal requirements. Therefore, it is essential to refer to the manufacturer's guidelines and local regulations when choosing the appropriate diesel fuel for your engine.
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Biodiesel should be avoided in older engines as it can damage seals
Biodiesel is a renewable, biodegradable alternative fuel made from a mix of modified vegetable oils and diesel fuel. It is the US government's preferred fuel type due to its lower emissions and the country's drive to reduce reliance on petroleum. Biodiesel can be used in existing diesel engines without modifications, and it is often used in the military, farms, manufacturing equipment, and the construction industry.
However, biodiesel may not be suitable for older engines, especially those that do not use common-rail ignition systems. Some older engines use seals and hoses manufactured from "Buna N" rubber, which can be dissolved by biodiesel. This can cause fuel injection equipment, filters, and other fuel system components to deteriorate, leading to significant engine performance issues.
To avoid these problems, it is recommended to locate and replace all materials in the engine that can be degraded by biodiesel with biodiesel-rated components. Usually, components made from fluoro-elastomers such as Viton or Teflon are considered safe for use in biodiesel engines. Additionally, some manufacturers suggest reducing the maintenance interval to ensure that filters remain unclogged and lubrication oil is in good condition.
While biodiesel is a promising alternative fuel, careful consideration must be given to the compatibility of older engines with this fuel type. The potential issues with biodiesel in older engines highlight the importance of consulting the manufacturer's recommendations and taking the necessary steps to ensure the safe and effective use of biodiesel.
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Modern engines burn more fuel but pollute less
Diesel fuel is any liquid fuel specifically designed for use in a diesel engine, which is a type of internal combustion engine. Diesel engines are typically found in heavy trucks and boats.
Modern diesel engines have been designed to meet emission requirements, and as a result, they burn more fuel but pollute less than their older counterparts. This is because they run a richer combustion mixture to promote more efficient combustion. While this reduces harmful emissions, it also increases fuel consumption.
For example, a user on a boat engine forum reported that after replacing older mechanical diesels with newer electronic engines, they observed higher fuel consumption but less pollution. Similarly, another user with a Cummins 6BTA engine reported a fuel consumption of about 4.5 gallons per hour at 7.5 knots, using around 80 to 100 horsepower.
The trade-off between fuel efficiency and emissions is a complex issue. While newer diesel engines produce less carbon dioxide and have lower climate impacts, they often emit higher levels of nitrogen oxides and fine particulate matter, which can have adverse effects on human health.
Overall, while modern engines may burn more fuel, they also contribute to improved air quality and reduced toxic emissions, making them a more environmentally friendly option.
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Older engines were more fuel-efficient
Older diesel engines were more fuel-efficient than newer diesel engines. The older diesel engines had higher fuel efficiency ratings, with some sources claiming they could get up to 7 miles per gallon, while the newer engines could only manage around 5 miles per gallon. This is a significant decrease in fuel efficiency, which led to an increase in fuel costs for consumers.
The main reason for the difference in fuel efficiency between older and newer diesel engines is the way they handle the four-stroke combustion cycle. Older diesel engines typically ran on cheap fuel oils, while newer engines use cleaner-burning diesel fuel with improved combustion mixtures. The new engines promote more efficient combustion than their older counterparts, resulting in less pollution. However, this comes at the cost of increased fuel consumption.
Additionally, the design of the older diesel engines contributed to their higher fuel efficiency. These engines were built to withstand higher compression forces and temperatures, resulting in longer-lasting components. The slower combustion process in older diesel engines also reduced wear and tear, further improving their fuel efficiency.
It is important to note that while older diesel engines may have been more fuel-efficient, they were not as environmentally friendly. The push for increased fuel efficiency in newer diesel engines is driven by the need to meet emission requirements and reduce the environmental impact of these engines. Modern diesel engines now incorporate emission control technologies, such as diesel particulate filters (DPF) and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) systems, making them much cleaner and more environmentally friendly.
Despite the improvements in emission control technologies, some newer diesel engines still struggle to match the fuel efficiency of their older counterparts. This has been observed in various boats and vehicles, where newer engines burn significantly more fuel to achieve the same level of performance as the older engines. However, it is challenging to make direct comparisons between older and newer engines, as many factors can impact fuel efficiency, such as engine size, transmission, and pitch props.
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Frequently asked questions
Diesel fuel, also known as diesel oil, heavy oil, or simply diesel, is a liquid fuel designed for diesel engines.
Older diesel engines typically ran on cheap fuel oils. These fuel oils are still used in watercraft diesel engines. Grade D gas oil, also known as red diesel, is used in older machinery and boilers.
Red diesel is a type of diesel fuel that is dyed red to indicate that it is for off-road use or agricultural use. It has a higher sulphur content than regular diesel fuel.
Modern diesel fuel, such as Ultra-Low Sulphur Diesel (ULSD), can be used in older engines. However, it may have worse lubricity and can cause leaks in older fuel systems due to the ethanol content.
Alternative fuels that have been used in older diesel engines include kerosene, shale oil, peanut oil, illuminating gas, and waste vegetable or animal fat oil.
