[AT] Mixing High Octane gasoline and Diesel fuel

[Ronald L. Cook]

No. 2 Diesel fuel and gasoline will separate if you leave them for 
awhile.  I know from experience.  One of my drivers delivered fuel oil 
to a gasoline storage tank once upon a time.  I think your dad's mixture 
might have worked when first mixed, and then you get your "rich 
mixture".  It had more to do with the time since mixing than level of 
fuel in barrel.  Top oils look like diesel fuel, I agree, but they are not.

Ron Cook,
Salix, IA

Jim and Lyn Evans wrote:

> Actually, the higher the octane, the slower it burns. If you put in high
> octane gasoline into an engine that doesn't require it, the performance will
> probably be reduced because it doesn't burn fast enough.  High compression
> engines develop so much heat that you have to have slower burning fuel to
> prevent preignition.
> 
> My dad always had about 50 gallons of diesel put in his 300 or so gallon gas
> tank.  He did if for valve lubrication.  He never had problems with the
> tractors.  However, it became a pretty rich mixture when the big tank
> started getting empty.  His pickup would tend to not shut off and would
> smell like a diesel.  I also remember that my Honda mini bike did not like
> running on diesel at all...  :)
> 
> Jim
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: at-bounces at lists.antique-tractor.com
> [mailto:at-bounces at lists.antique-tractor.com] On Behalf Of Dean VP
> Sent: Tuesday, April 12, 2005 6:36 PM
> To: at at lists.antique-tractor.com; AT JD
> Subject: [AT] Mixing High Octane gasoline and Diesel fuel
> 
> I was informed of a way to get more performance out of our lower compression
> engines that were designed to run on lower octane gasoline. The theory
> explained to me was that the current high octane gasoline burns too fast to
> get full performance from our low compression, long stroke engines. It was
> stated that a 25% to 35% diesel fuel mixed with gas would produce a slower
> burn rate (lower octane) offering more power and torque. Intuitively, this
> theory makes some sense to me.
> 
> Anyone with first hand experience trying this? Sure would solve the top end
> lubrication issue. But ... with the downside of some potential Pre-ignition
> knock. Then add some water???  :-) 
> 
> Dean A. Van Peursem
> Snohomish, WA 98290
>