Can my unleaded engine run biodiesel fuel?

November 7th, 2008 by Discuss this article »
biodiesel
roks11 asked:


I’m really interested in biodiesel fuel. I have an old ford explorer that runs on unleaded gas. Is there a kit I can buy to convert my engine to biodeisel fuel? The only kits I’ve seen convert diesel engines but not unleaded.

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5 Responses Add your own

  1. bravozulu says:

    No, no more than it could run on diesel. You would probably have better luck with alcohol.

  2. vladoviking says:

    I’ll third no that.
    Generally it takes alot sturdier engine case/block to survive diesel combustion

  3. Scott H says:

    Absolutely not. Diesel fuel is ignited by compression while gasoline fuel is ignited by spark. The space between the pistons and the top of the engine is much smaller on a diesel since it must compress the fuel to the point that it spontaneously combusts without any other source of combustion. A gasoline based engine also compresses the fuel but not as much as a diesel engine. A combination of the compressed fuel and a spark provided by a spark plug causes the fuel to explode and drive the piston downward. Putting diesel fuel in a gas engine will only gum up the engine causing it to stall but will not generally destroy it. Putting gasoline in a diesel engine will nearly always destroy it.

    Check out the attached link to see how a diesel engine works.

  4. The Voice of Reason says:

    No. You will need a diesel engine and a fuel system that can withstand the solvent properties of biodiesel.

  5. Dreamweaver says:

    Running an unleaded petrol car on diesel is never a good idea
    You may have time to start the car and get off the petrol station before it cuts out and refuses to start again

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