Oil & Fuel Kerosene diesel mix?

radnack · Nov 20, 2020

interesting ill have to check around for #1 diesel. Yeah im mostly concerned about gelling with the additive. Ive heard quite a few stories about tractors gelling with the anti gel.

ruffdog · Nov 20, 2020

I read somewhere that #1 diesel is kerosene with a lubricity additive for engines. Last year I freezer tested (about zero F) my summer diesel fuel and saw that it was VERY clouded. I then mixed in white bottle Power Service at the recommended ratio and retested the fuel. It was better but still showed clouding at freezer temperature. I then went to the fuel station and bought Winter diesel and retested it in the freezer. It was nice and clear. It was obvious that they were blending #1 with the #2 and probably treating it.

The Differences Between Heating Fuels, Kerosene, And Diesel Fuel

the old grind · Nov 20, 2020

I use Howe's, PS white bottle, and Stanadyne Lubricity formula. Never had a gelling problem when I'd operate at 5^ F, but also no longer do so below 15^.

My first winter with the '98 1520 (no emissions gear) I'd read somewhere to add kero to prevent gelling but didn't recall any ratio.

I added ~ 1/2 to the tank to top up. What I noticed was how long that tank-full didn't last clearing 2-4" of snow thrice in two weeks.

btw, I did notice a bit of smoke when running the ~50/50 mix.

That oddity was what made me re-purpose the remaining kero .. like for degreasing shop machinery.

ruffdog · Nov 20, 2020

My Toolcat manual says above -9C/15F...use 100% #2-D, down to -29C/-20F...use 50% #2-D and 50% #1-D, below that temp use 100% #1-D

East30 · Nov 20, 2020

MHarryE said:
Do you have #1 diesel in your area? Generally same as kerosene. Station I get my fuel from uses a 50/50 blend #1 & #2 from Nov 15 to Mar 15. My nephews supplier gives him straight #1 for the winter months - we get temps down to 40 below.

This is what I do, starting now in November, straight #1 until spring. I also add an anti-gel.

LouNY · Nov 20, 2020

We do not have any tier 4 tractors on the farm a couple of them are common rail,
we routinely add #1 fuel oil which is kerosene to our #2 when it's delivered in the winter,
right now we were just talking and the next delivery will be a 30% mix plus we always add the Power Serve anti jell.
My pickup is tier 4 and it gets a bit of kerosene when it is forecast to be extremely cold (-20F).
And yes you will see a decrease in fuel efficiency with blended fuels, the blended fuels have less btu per gallon.

cat fever · Nov 20, 2020

Having spent my career working in an oil refinery here is my 2 cents.

Jet fuel, Kerosene and #1 ULSD are the same base product. However, #1 diesel runs through the DDU. (unit that removes sulfur) Jet and Kerosene do not.

I personally mix my fuel 50/50 #1 and #2 and use Howes for the first full tank of fuel when it starts getting cold. It takes time for the winter grade diesel to make its way to the end user. (you and me) By January the fuel at the gas stations should all be turned over and then just add Howes. I would also add, buy your fuel from the busiest branded station you can find. (Shell, BP, Exxon/Mobil,Marathon etc..)

Good luck.