PJoseph
.
Senior Member
Joined: 07/04/2005
View Profile
 Offline
|
I have a fuel question. My summer place uses heating oil (#2) to run a boiler that provides forced hot water heat (hydronic baseboard) and hot water. The area has horrible power outages and I run a 6000W contractor grade diesel generator. Portable in design but not easy to move.
Since I have twin home heating fuel tanks (225 gallons each) I was wondering if I could burn home heating oil in the generator safely without effecting its life. I don't want to switch to propane.
I like the idea of using the same fuel since I use it constantly it wont sit long enough to go bad.
Does anyone know if a diesel generator will run on home heating oil number 2.
PJ
R-Vision / Trail Cruiser 30 QBSS
2001 Durango
Prodigy / Equalizer / Hellwigs / Bilstiens / Fastman VB
|
jefff929
Pacific wonderland, wet side
Senior Member
Joined: 05/23/2004
View Profile
Offline
|
I believe you should check with the manufacturer to see if it is a recommended fuel.
With few modifications, I think it will run. I believe what you need to ask the manufacturer is, "will it be healthy for your generator?"
2001 Dodge 2500 QC, Diesel, Auto, 4x4 Shortbox, Stull running boards, 24.5' Prowler 5er
Diesel Bombers My Baby
Another NWBomber
|
jcamp123
Putnum County, New York
Senior Member
Joined: 11/19/2005
View Profile
Offline
|
Same exact fuel, go for it. Only difference is a dye they put in so they can charge road tax.
2000Coachman with super slide
1974 Super Beetle With 2110 cc. engine
A teamster for 38 years
Widowed,Retired and traveling
Joe and Tara my Toy Poodle
|
Fleet Man
Western WA
Senior Member
Joined: 08/27/2001
View Profile
Offline
|
What jcamp123 said. When I worked in the wholesale fuel distribution business, the on road diesel fuel and home heating oil came out of the same bulk storage tank. Today, the red dye is probably the only difference.
2007 Winnebago Journey 34H
Toad, '08 Ford Taurus X
Blue OX, Aventa
US Gear UBS
|
Kenneth
Washington, the state
Senior Member
Joined: 03/20/2001
View Profile
Offline
|
PJ,
Check with your fuel distributor. In some cases it is exactly the same product. In other cases it might be a lower quality fuel.
The red dye is to indicate diesel fuel which has not had the highway tax charged. Of course, there is no requirement to pay highway tax on generator fuel.
I'm free of prostate cancer for 5 years now.
All men over age 50 should get an annual PSA blood test. Mine had a low reading, but the yearly jump was significant. The biopsy showed cancer just entering the aggressive stage. Dr. Hackenslash removed it.
|
|
|
Golden_HVAC
Fulltime, CA, USA
Senior Member
Joined: 08/19/2003
View Profile
Offline
|
Yes your generator will run fine on home heating oil.
Just make sure there is a fuel filter between the tank and the generator that will seperate out any water or large particals. A filter used in marine or auto diesel will work fine.
Fred.
Money can't buy happiness but somehow it's more comfortable to cry in a Porsche or Country Coach!
If there's a WILL, I want to be in it!
Improve a life KangenPowerTeam.com Akaline Water.
I havn't been everywhere, but it's on my list.
Escapees.com
|
tom_kat
way upstate new york/lake george area
Senior Member
Joined: 02/28/2005
View Profile
Offline
|
since your in a warm area you shouldnt have a problem up here with the generator out side you would need to run a winter mix of fuel or it would jell up and quit on you.you will probable need a electric fuel pump to get it to the jenny.
1985 Class A Holiday Rambler Imperial 33 +1979 Class C Holiday Rambler Statesman 1000 = 24 ft
|
jefff929
Pacific wonderland, wet side
Senior Member
Joined: 05/23/2004
View Profile
Offline
|
jcamp123 wrote:Same exact fuel, go for it. Only difference is a dye they put in so they can charge road tax. I didn't know that, learning something new every day. I did know that BioDiesel is compatible with home heating systems so it does follow that home heating oil is really #2 with dye.
|
dpark
Central PA
New Member
Joined: 03/27/2008
View Profile
Offline
|
As was stated above, home heating and road fuel are one and the same. Just the dye used in them tells the DOT if you are using fuel that hasn't been taxed. If you are caught using dyed fuel in your vehicle, it is a $10,000 fine. Just to stir the pot a little more, you could even get away with using Kerosene in the generator (I probably would not). I know people who have used it in their cars in the winter when the fuel gelled. We have mixed it in fuel tanks of big trucks to help the fuel from gelling in sub-zero weather as well.
2006 Chevy Silverado Crew Cab
2006 Springdale 267BHLGL
Prodigy Controller
Honda EU2000is
Me, Wife and 3 year old camping buddy daughter
|
