Fuel and heating fuel

bjackson · Oct 13, 2012

Hello again helpful folks... Once again I come with a question that only this site seems able to answer.

I recently switched home heating systems and now have a decent abundance of home heating oil (about 150 gallons). I have heard I can run this fuel in my diesel tractor but don"t want to go mucking up my only running machine right now, especially with the winter approaching.

I"m not sure exactly what type of fuel they were putting in the house tank, I am fairly sure it was considered "#2" fuel oil. Attempting to contact a fuel company up here results in automated answering, especially on weekends.

Thanks for help in ideas regarding this. The knowledge base never ceases to amaze and help!

MSM · Oct 13, 2012

You can run it in your tractor as it is basically #2 diesel. I would pump off the top of the tank to avoid any sludge,water or debris sitting on the bottom of the tank. Depending on the winter temperatures you may encounter,I would recommend treating it with some fuel conditioner with anti-gel.

Paul Janke · Oct 13, 2012

I had a job for a while delivering fuel. Heating oil and diesel was the same tank.

Allan in NE · Oct 13, 2012

Depends where ya live.

In colder areas fuel oil is #1 diesel fuel; warmer areas use #2.

Either way, you're tactor doesn't care a whole lot. :>)

Allan

RN · Oct 13, 2012

Use a fine fuel filter at tank or on hose connected to 5 gallon can to get any bits of crud, a shot of antigel as suggested wouldn"t hurt- but a gallon of straight unleaded gasoline to 10 gallons of the fuel oil will get you going in northern Minnesota at new years if you have a John Deere with a Bosch injecion system. Some areas the heating fuel gets a dye pack on delivery-indicates non taxed offroad use only-and the dye sometimes noted to "film/gel" in cold, another reason to have a filter on the holding tank to clean before putting in vehicle. Depending on tractor-suck out heating oil, add to tractor tank as half and half with screened funnel or filter and just run it, watch your tractor fuel filters. Mid 1970s Chicago area during first fuel shortage, rationing had a customer at dealership with 504 Peugot diesel that put on the 404D filter kits and ran fuel oil no problems- filler hose at drain plug on heating oil tank with a filter. He had converted to LP but still had the heating oil use records on file at the supplier and could get 75% of previous use delivered tax free. RN

LJD · Oct 13, 2012

Up to a year or so ago - heating oil and "farm diesel" were the same fuel taken from the same bulk tanks. Heating oil - if anything is better for mechanical injection systems then ultra-low sulfur pump diesel. It is full sulfur #1 or #2 diesel depending on the season and expected outdoor temps.

The problem is - full sulfur heating oil is now illegal for any internal combustion engine - anywhere in the USA. Where I live in NY - we now have three fuels . . . heating oil (full sulfur), farm fuel (medium sulfur) and highway diesel (ultra-low diesel).

So yes - heating oil is fine to run in your tractor. Just don't get caught. The "fuel police" have been coming on to private property here in NY and checking fuel tanks. My neighbor got arrested a few months ago at his saw mill and house. They found heating oil in his Detroit Diesel (runs his saw-mill), his Case backhoe, his Case dozer and also in his new Chevy Duramax truck that was parked inside his garage. Last I heard he was fined $3000 and now they come back and check every few months.

Wile E · Oct 13, 2012

I need to understand this.
Some division of the state police in NY goes around and checks farm equipment and construction equipment for the "wrong" fuel so they can fine you? But you can use it for a heating fuel...? Huh? Burning it in an engine or a heater is the same......Yes? Or No?

Aaron SEIA · Oct 13, 2012

They are looking for the red dye in heating and farm diesel. Red dye means no road tax has been paid on it.
AaronSEIA

Anonymous-0 · Oct 13, 2012

(quoted from post at 15:12:28 10/13/12) They are looking for the red dye in heating and farm diesel. Red dye means no road tax has been paid on it.
AaronSEIA

same here.......... We are switching away from oil heat also in the next few weeks and I'll be running the leftovers in the tractor.....

JayinNY · Oct 13, 2012

Put that right in your tractors, I have used home heating oil in my tractors for years, just treat it for winter use. I use napa conditioner or power service to prevent gelling in cold weather!

36 Coupe · Oct 14, 2012

The IRS has agents prowling back roads looking for red dyed fuel in diesel trucks.My oil dealer told me his truck got stopped often by the agents.Home heating oil has been left out of the low sulphur requirement because the cost of low sulphur fuel is much higher.These requirments sneak in a bit at a time.5 buck per gallon heating oil is close.The average heating oil usage is 1000 gallons per household.You will need 500 bucks for a 100 gallon minimum order of oil that will last about 20 days..As for gasoline you will see rationing next.There are too many nuts running the roads at 75 mph wasting gas.You cant drive The speed limit here with out having a train of cars and trucks forming behind you.They pass in dangerous places.

Fuel and heating fuel

bjackson

New User

MSM

Well-known Member

Paul Janke

Member

Allan in NE

Well-known Member

RN

Well-known Member

LJD

Well-known Member

Wile E

Well-known Member

Aaron SEIA

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Anonymous-0

Well-known Member

JayinNY

Well-known Member

36 Coupe

Well-known Member

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