Because I trust the folks at this site more then at the dodge sprinter site, I'd thought I'd seek your opinion on this comment. I've a buddy with a transmission shop, and could probably get all I want. Not sure how I"d filter it to 3 microns or if the diesel from BP, Shell, , , , is even that clean

"I am currently running filtered waste ATF through my sprinter. I have been doing this for some time and am very pleased with performance. I filter to 3 micron before running through my truck. My current bargain mix is 85% ATF and 15% RUG (Unleaded Gasoline). My only issue currently is a bit more smoke from unburned fuel. I believe due to the higher BTU content of the ATF vs. Diesel that the mixture is too rich.
there is a lot less carbon in ATF than engine oil. viscosity is also still decent at colder temps. Working with a couple of other engineers on a filter to remove carbon from waste engine oil. We have been doing this for over a year in a VW Golf and my Sprinter. Runs quieter and gets slightly better mileage. Only downside thus far is changing fuel filters every 5k miles.

On a 50/50 mix of ATF and diesel the truck does not smoke at all."

 

Im not sure what the need for RUG is in any mix to go in to a diesel. Maybe you could fill me in on that sounds interesting.
There is more then one person running around 7.3L powerstrokes on 100% atf with no smoke at all. ATF burns well in that engine from all the post I have read.
There was some talk of that the 6.0l powerstroke as well but no reports back from people how have tried it.

 

Hmmmm
We need a report from some of the people burning it. I'm certain I'd need to come up with a way to filter waste atf before I put it in my tank also. And I'm not coming up with any ideas at the moment.

Let me think, a 55galon tank, and electric pump pushing thru a 5 micron filter, dumping into my van everytime I have a half tank of diesel.
Lets wait till some atf burners chime in

 

Howdy,

Running used ATF (or new for that matter) is right up there with running used engine oil and WVO.

I wouldn't do it. Hydraulic oils have additives that were never intended to be burned in any combustion chamber (except that I run it mixed with a whole bunch of other oils in the waste oil furnace in my shop!!)

Now, having said that below is an article that speaks directly to running (successfully) it in various engines.

Automatic Transmission Fluid Fuel - Alternative Diesel Fuel - Diesel Power Magazine



Just don't get stopped by the "fuel cops" ...... since it's red, they'll be after you to prove that you paid federal and state road tax on it and if you can't, the fines are extensive!!


While the number of "carbons in the chain" in ATF is a it longer, the BTU content is not that much higher as to be significant.

#2D has a BTU content of about 135,000-138,000 btu /gal

Crude oil is around 140,000 per gallon. ATF is going to be in the middle somewhere. The difference is negligable.

Dince diesels run with an excess of air, they're ALWAYS running lean.

You know when they're "rich" (over-fueled) from the black smoke coming from the smoke pipe. (rich vs lean is not a valid argument with diesels anyway because of the excess of air available for combustion)


Regards,


Rick

 

as Ive stated there lot of 7.3l guys running on atf at 100%. I dont know of anyone doing it on a 6.0l.
should you run it? thats up to you. Proving its had taxes paid is not hard to do. a lab test will prove that. I just dont know that once you do prove it tthat the epa will like you.

the reason you are smoking is simple its the regular gas in your mix. the sub of diesel proves that. I have seen more then enugh people pump gas in there diesels and the ones that run smoke like mad.

To filter is easy. find a pump from a 7.3l psd wich is a frame mounted pump with one inlet and one outlet. hook a filter to the suction side of the pump and pull it through a 2-3 micron filter, after wich I would pump it in to what ever you need it in. The reason I suggest a 2-3 micron filter is that is the standard on the inline filters and that should help filter life.

Once again Im also in agreement with the btu being somewhat close that it should not matter. I would worry a little bit about excessive carbon build up if you engine has an egr system.

 

carbon build up on egr!
yes would be a problem, seems to be a regular problem at the sprinter site, and egr's reported to be about $500 each, not sure what a ford egr runs. When the egr on my 1985 460 rotted thru I just replaced it with an aluminum spacer. I think the newer engines monitor to many things to do that. At the sprinter site I believe I read a faulty glow plug causes "limp home mode" and thats ridiculous to me

Now if we can just get ford to sell the big transit here in the states(not that submini transit connect) I'd at least know what to buy next time.
Better yet make it here, an import is an import. And if an american is not working there is no reason to give the big shots a bonus

 

Automatic Transmission Fluid Fuel - Alternative Diesel Fuel - Diesel Power Magazine

that link says no to atf in common rail systems, sprinters are common rail. Not sure what the problem would be myself but at the current time I think I'll avoid it

 

to all,

personaly, i would NOT run "alternative fuels" any ANY of the newer diesels.

otoh, we use a great deal of WMO, gear oil, ATF & WVO in our IDI Navistar & Cummins-based tractor/stationary engines & they work fine.
(all of our diesels are considered "farm use" & do NOT have to pay "road tax".)

just my opinion.

yours, TN46

 

I sure do love my IDI for this kinda reason. I've run my 88 and my 92 on straight and mixed versions of Atf, Hydraulic fluid, WMO, Clean (new, just not food quality) Cotton seed oil, and B100. I've only noticed differences in smoke amount when they first fired up, but other than that no ill effects.

I've heard of 7.3 Powerstrokes getting away with it as well, but I would be leary of the EGR on the 6.0 disagreeing with my less than worthy fuels.

 

I run 50/50 #2 and WVO with no issues. My buddy mixes it and runs it through a 60gph centrifuge about 5-8 passes, leaving only sub-micronic particals your fuel filter can't even catch. I'm just getting tired of paying over $3 for a crude fuel.

 

I am strictly a B100 guy, but a friend is looking at this system as he just bought two service centers: Bluegrass Fuel Systems, LLC - Home

 

The bluegrass kit will work, BUT you could build one of your own for way way less than half of that price. I sell 3/4 of those parts at Tractor supply.

 

I figured the components were commonly available. I think they are pushing their dewartering media most of all. It really looked like a pain to keep trying different mixtures to arrive at the perfect mix for your truck. As for me, I will stick with my B100.

 

i,m doing well on my 203 6.o with amix of 50/50 diesel and kero with 4 oz each of diesel clean silver and wally word tech 3 ashless 2 stroke. 176,000 no egr or injector problems yet and she runs great. my 2 cents

 

as far as i understand, running atf in the fuel system isn't always the best idea, especially any waste oils.

WVO is iffy too if not done properly.