Hypothetical Question

[DZink24]

As I drove by a gas station today, what I saw on the price board in the lot made me think. Kerosene- $2. 65, Diesel- $2. 85. Lets assume you were not in danger of running out anytime soon, but the prices keep going up every day, so you decide to top off the tank. What would you do? K or D? I know it isnt alot of difference in $$$, but its the principle that irritates me.

 

[JUeckert]

this is what gripes my tail,and proves my point about big oil robbing us. K has always been more expensive and less used then D. during the winter months k is most demanded,now that spring is here and more diesel is being burned,it's suddenly more expensive. i smell profit! never have i paid more for diesel than i have kerosene,looks like thats gonna change though. to answer your question,if it were me the only way i would run kerosene is with some additive,maybe 2cyl oil... second thought i wont be paying more for k,my heating requirements will be handeled with wood,anything to keep from lineing someones pockets. .

 

[EKlem]

I would top off with diesel. Kerosene has less energy in it so you get less mileage. This may actually make it more expensive. People running winter fuel(often 30-50% kero) usually see significantly lower mileage. Also, it does not lubricate as well so things tend to wear out a lot quicker. One question: is it off road kero? I have seen the dyed stuff for cheaper than diesel but not the on-road stuff.

 

[nps]

One question: is it off road kero? I have seen the dyed stuff for cheaper than diesel but not the on-road stuff.

That's a new one on me. What is the on-road purpose of kerosene?

 

[EKlem]

That's a new one on me. What is the on-road purpose of kerosene?

I think that I wrote that too quickly. I haven't ever seen on-road kero either. I guess what I should have said is that it is probably not legal to run kero and it would stink to be caught with red fuel in your tank. I have definitely seen plenty of kero that isn't dyed but it should have been. Sorry for the confusion.

 

[DavidBurt]

As was stated Kero has much lower btu rating therefore much lower fuel economy. I really notice the difference in winter summer fuel 0. 5 to 1. 5 mpg.

Dave