As a mechanical engineer with a focus on internal combustion engines, I can provide you with an in-depth analysis of what happens when kerosene is used in a diesel engine.

Firstly, it is important to understand that diesel engines are designed to operate on diesel fuel, which has specific properties that are different from kerosene. Diesel fuel is a distillate of crude oil that is heavier and has a higher flash point than kerosene. It also has a higher viscosity and better lubricity, which means it can reduce friction between moving parts in the engine.

When kerosene is put into a diesel engine, several issues can arise due to its distinct properties:


1. Lubrication Concerns: As you mentioned, kerosene has very little lubricity compared to diesel fuel. This lack of lubrication can lead to increased wear on the fuel pump and other components of the fuel system. Over time, this can result in premature failure of these parts.


2. Combustion Issues: Kerosene has a lower flash point and a different combustion profile than diesel. This can lead to incomplete combustion, which may cause the engine to run poorly or even stall. Additionally, the different combustion characteristics can lead to increased emissions and potential damage to the engine's exhaust system.


3. Fuel System Damage: The dry burn of kerosene can cause damage to the fuel pump and injectors. These components are not designed to handle the lack of lubrication that kerosene provides, and they can suffer from accelerated wear and tear.


4. Engine Performance: The use of kerosene in a diesel engine can lead to decreased performance. The engine may not have the power or efficiency it would normally have when running on diesel fuel.


5. Potential for Engine Seizure: In extreme cases, the lack of lubrication and the potential for damage to the fuel system can lead to an engine seizure, which is a catastrophic failure of the engine where the moving parts seize up due to lack of lubrication.


6. Economic Impact: While it might be tempting to use kerosene as a cheaper alternative to diesel fuel, the long-term costs associated with engine damage and repairs can far outweigh any short-term savings.

In conclusion, using kerosene in a diesel engine is not recommended due to the potential for damage to the engine and its components, as well as the negative impact on performance and emissions. It is always best to use the correct type of fuel for the specific engine to ensure optimal performance and longevity.

read more >>

Drier burn. The most common concern cited is the dry burn of kerosene that may damage fuel pumps. Kerosene has very little lubricity compared to #2 diesel. Without the lubricity, fuel pumps experience a lot of wear and may burn out when running on kerosene.Sep 28, 2015read more >>