9 replies to this topic

[edi57]

Is it ok to use used engine oil in a diesel space heater?

If so I'm guessing I should probably filter it before putting it in the heater? If anyone can think of a suitable and simple filtering method that wouldn't get messy...that would also be handy.

[mattdc2r]

Wouldn't have thought so mate, it's far too thick for a start. probably knaker your pump before it got anywhere near the burner unit.

[mike.]

Why not just use veg oil?

[Shifty]

Or red diesel?

[edi57]

How about an oil/diesel mix?

The space heater is going to cost me enough... I just want to find a way of staying warm cheaply!

Edited by edi57, 15 January 2009 - 10:06 PM.

[RetroRay]

Uncle ran his old escort diesel van on chip/veg oil never had a problem believe it or not

[mattdc2r]

Diesel engines work differently to the space heaters. Obviously the engine in compression ignition, where as the space heater has a burner unit. In the burner unit of the space heater are 2 electrodes that are set up to ignite the diesel as it is sprayed in atomised form from the spray nozzle. Used engine oil/ vegetable oil etc will be to thick in my opinion, so you'll have problems obtaining the relevant pressure from the pump. We use Dantherm space heaters, which require fuel pressure of around 10 bar or 147psi. I dare say there is a way of using the oil by adding additives etc, but I'm no scientist.
I think if you were to attempt it, you'd just end up with a horrible mess in the burner unit and probably knackered pump, also the inline filters wouldn't be able to flow enough and they'd just get blocked.

Edited by mattdc2r, 15 January 2009 - 10:50 PM.

[minivanman]

We have a waste oil burner in the garage, its totally different to a space heater. You have to get it up to temperature with paraffin, then the pump kicks in and drips oil into the burner. Gets seriously hot!

[edi57]

Thanks for all the comments. I think you've saved me from ruining a space heater.

[JohnGordon]

Most diesel space heaters should run on paraffin too