Hey guys, I was filling up my diesel Jetta the other day with pump diesel when I happened to look over at the kerosene pump. both pumps had labels on them stating the amount of sulfur they contained. The diesel pump said 15 ppm max allowed and the kerosene pump said 500 ppm allowed. I'm now wondering if, when I use kerosene I need to add some oil to help with the lubrication. It was my understanding that the added suflur was what "lubricated" the system. But seeing that the kerosene was allowed about 30 times for sulfer than diesel, does it make sense that I should have to add 2 cycle oil (or something similar) when I fill up. MY engine is the older type that uses the diesel fuel to lube the injector pump while running so I'm always leary of running stright diesel without some 2 cycle oil. I'm guessing that there are other additives in diesel and kerosene that do the lubricating? And yes I know that diesel and kero are basically the same thing but there has to be some differences becasue the kerosene cost .40 cents/gallon more.
Randy B
Hi Randy,
My understanding is that a diesel engine will run just fine on Kero.
The fluid film properties are different than diesel (even with the sulfur in the kero) and the Kero lubrication performance is inferior to low sulfur Diesel(LSD).
A simple solution may be to add a diesel fuel lubricant additive commonly used by those running low sulfur diesel.
Many of these additives also contain a cetane booster. An added bonus.
Consider doubling up on the dosage compared to that of diesel fuel being that LSD already has some lube where Kero does not.
Most refiners now add a synthetic lubricant to LSD so the need for added lubrication with pump diesel is becoming questionable.
veggie
Usually there is a LARGE sticker on any Kerosene pump stating for "Off Road Use Only" as it is not typically taxed for DOT use. Farm, tractor, etc use, are where these pumps are typically seen. Kerosene is not typically available as a straight motor fuel (as it is not typically in the tax structure unless mixed as winter blend).
Be careful, and yes, use plenty of lube, and you will have less btu/power.
Terry
Here is a good study of diesel fuel lubricity additives. 2% biodiesel wins.
http://www.johnfjensen.com/Diesel_fuel_additive_test.pdf
Thanks, Geno
Thanks guys, good to know about the actual fluid properties being different and the lubrication not being dependent on strickly the sulfur! I did read that report awhile back and that's why I usually add 2 cycle oil when I fill up. The idea is that's its a safety net because in theory the big oil companies are suppssed to be adding enough lubricants to their low sulfur diesel to safely run the older style diesel engines.
Randy B