Non Powered Kerosene Heaters

[Industrial Toys]

I have been getting one of these Early 80s style kerosene going. I thought I needed a new wick, but the one I bought almost twenty years ago now, is no longer than the one that came out. Seems they don't have a lot of wick length that can be utilized. Like 1/4" !

I would like to know about using Diesel Fuel. Internet tells me I can add one teaspoon rubbing alcohol to a gallon of Diesel with good results. If Diesel doesn't evaporate as well as Kerosene, how is one teaspoon alcohol going to make a difference?

Also, these heaters are not very good at making lots of heat, yet they have to be in a ventilated area. Too ventilated and you won't be able to heat the space with these 10,000 BTU heaters.

I wanted to work in my unheated barn, and not have the heater heat the space, but provide local radiant heat. Seems like it won't be up to the task.

 

[Alan W.]

I guess its possible and a little cheaper probably put out a tad more heat but also a lot more stink.

 

[Industrial Toys]

I should get the Link of the Canuck out East. Says less stink with Diesel/Alcohol

I always think of a very early youtube video I saw, where someone pried open a car battery and it was jam packed with AA Cells! So, I like to verify information before just accepting anything.

 

[Industrial Toys]

Found this new Video. Interesting as for the safety standpoint. Now, he says 3 Oz 90% alcohol for a gallon. that is starting to make more sense.

 

[i7win7]

Think diesel has more paraffin molecules in it, will gum up the wick (burning end) way faster than kerosene.

 

[Jstpssng]

Why don't you just buy kerosene?

 

[Industrial Toys]

The price has been prohibitive for decades. Maybe four times the cost of Diesel. Maybe even more.

Thanks I7. I read of of Gumming up the wick but no explanation. I wonder if alcohol addresses that issue. Judging by the tiny amount of wick available for consumption, I'm guessing the wick really doesn't burn at all.

 

[4570Man]

Throw it away and buy a forced air torpedo. Get a propane if you want clean and diesel if you want cheap. Well used to be cheap it’s up close to $3 a gallon here.

 

[870m]

You could look at a deisel cab heater, i believe the can do up to 25000 btu

 

[Industrial Toys]

Of course I have one of those Cab heaters. Why wouldn't I? lol I have never played with it. I kind of wanted radiant heat. I wanted to clean up the barn a bit and have a source of radiant heat. Just like I have a wood stove fire going in my garage with the door open. It just takes off the chill.

 

[i7win7]

Judging by the tiny amount of wick available for consumption, I'm guessing the wick really doesn't burn at all.

The wick is cloth to absorb the fuel the top is fiberglass strands?? It is slowly consumed, depends on usage, typically needs to be replaced after 2 or so years. Around here ACE hardware sells those if needed now - amazon good for stocking spares.

 

[Sawyer Rob]

Using diesel will make it stink more (read NOT burn as clean) also it shortens the life of the wick quite a bit.

I only use kerosene in them!

SR

 

[Industrial Toys]

I do have a Kerosene Ready Heater, Torpedo Style. Too noisy and I don't want all that air blowing around, just radiant heat.
Then I have the MOTHER of all RADIANT Diesel Heaters. A VAL 6. Also noisy but meant for outside work or in very large areas. Was used on Film sets. It has melted my snow pants and burst air hoses at some distance.

 

[Alan W.]

Brother in law borrowed my torpedo heater. I told him to run kerosene in it only. He brought it back and I used it a month later. It didnt take long to figure out he used diesel instead of kerosene.
Can still remember dad complaining that it was like working around a D8 exhaust pipe.

 

[Industrial Toys]

I have switched my Torpedo to Diesel. I wouldn't say it stinks really bad, but I can't say I use it much indoors. The VAL6 doesn't stink at all.

 

[Jstpssng]

THe Val6 is nice, but for the price they should be.