Whether you know it or not, if you own a diesel-powered vehicle, you essentially have alternative fuel-burning capabilities. This is especially true if you own an older diesel (pre-common-rail). Rudolf Diesel himself designed the first diesel engine to run on coal dust, then discovered it would also run on peanut oil. In recent years, biodiesel, vegetable oil, and additives have been all the hype. But what about running something that's free in your diesel, like used automatic transmission fluid?
Saving At The Pump
Yes, that's right, used automatic transmission fluid. Richard Snyder has been running ATF as his primary fuel in his '02 7.3L Power Stroke for nearly two years now. When we caught up with him, he reported that the 90% ATF, 10% diesel mixture he's been burning has caused no problems to date.
The Next Alternative To High Diesel Prices?
While ATF is a questionable alternative to diesel fuel, let us explain to you Snyder's elaborate, but simple system he uses to safeguard his engine. First, a 12-volt Tuthill transfer pump pumps used ATF from a 55-gallon drum through a three-micron spin-on filter to make sure no miniscule metal shavings find their way into the fuel system. Then, he uses a fuel pump nozzle to get the fluid into his Excursion's fuel tank. The last step is adding cetane booster to each tank. The best part about his setup is that he uses his vehicle's battery as a power source for the pump. With a simple plug adaptor, he can fill up anywhere, provided that it has used ATF. In addition, he religiously changes fuel filters every 5,000 miles, and has a spare with him at all times.
Real-World Impressions
Idling seems to be the only time Snyder's 7.3L emitted anything. A faint, light haze of smoke is visible, but disappears during freeway driving. He told us that the only time he experienced a loss in power was when running a 100% used ATF mixture. This may have something to do with the fact that ATF doesn't burn as readily as diesel. According to our research in lower flammable limit (LFL) and upper flammable limit (UFL), we found that diesel will burn sooner and longer than ATF, which translates into more complete combustion. And, as ATF was not intended to be combusted, no BTU (British Thermal Unit) rating exists to compare it to diesel. We suspect ATF's BTU rating is lower than diesel, but despite this, Richard claims that neither his mileage nor power has dropped since he started running his current 90% used ATF, 10% diesel blend. In addition to saving at the pump, Snyder claims his EGTs are 100 degrees cooler, and the engine runs quieter.
 Northern Tool and Equipment...  Northern Tool and Equipment offers this 12-volt diesel fuel transfer pump (Model Number FR1614), nozzle and 1-inch diameter hoses for $170. The Tuthill pump can flow 10 gallons per minute (10 gpm). |  Snyder uses a simple, three-micron...  Snyder uses a simple, three-micron spin-on filter from Grainger (Grainger Item 4ZC86) to filter all particulates out of the used ATF. These filters can be found at most industrial supply stores, as well as two-micron or one-micron units. Snyder simply replaces his filter when he notices the pump working harder to fill his fuel tank. |  Utilizing a trailer plug-in,...  Utilizing a trailer plug-in, one of his Excursion's batteries allows Snyder to basically fill up anywhere there is a source of used ATF. |