ATF as fuel

RufusTheRam

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Mar 21, 2005
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Raleigh
i've seen some discussion recently on other boards about running used atf as fuel. so, i figured i'd make a thread here for discussion. some people are claiming to be running on it 100% with no issues other than getting a good filter setup and changing it frequently. personally, i just started on a 75/25 mixed tank in my truck. haven't put many miles on it yet, but no problems. we'll see.
 
I think the only controversy I have heard with it, is that some people where worried about the extremely small pieces of metal that could be in the used fluid from the trans. Causing problems in the IP, and the cylinders. It seems like if you used a 1 micron filter that you would potentionaly filter anything of size that could cause problems, but I don't know for sure. Also you have to make sure there is no water at all, or you will have problems with it. I know at some shops when they change the fuel filter they pour new trans fluid in the housing with the new filter. Other than that I have heard of people running used motor oil also.
 
Where are you going to get a consistent supply of used ATF, that you trust hasn't been polluted w/ other stuff?
 
The problem I see is if the DOT pulls you and cks your fuel and find RED in your tank that is a BIGGGGGG fine (up to 10,000 dollars) and they bring you up on tax evasion charges.
 
H&H Transport said:
The problem I see is if the DOT pulls you and cks your fuel and find RED in your tank that is a BIGGGGGG fine (up to 10,000 dollars) and they bring you up on tax evasion charges.
Click to expand...

I believe that's a different red dye, the ATF shouldn't glow under blacklight, right?
Besides, if you were running thsi full time I'm sure you'd already have the paperwork showing your bonded permit to use alternative fuels, you're supposed to have that anyway...
 
Possibly this is a stupid question but is it just the Cummins that can run ATF/used motor oil or can any diesel run them(Powerstroke, Duramax, 6.5? I have only ever heard of people running these in the Cummins. Also do you need to mix the ATF/motor oil with diesel or can you run it straight?
 
Blending used oil and vehicle fuel
Army Logistician, Nov-Dec, 2003 by Arthur Kegerreis
E-mail Print Link Cost-conscious maintenance managers are constantly seeking ways to do business with less money, fewer people, and minimal changes to the workload or workspace. Oil and fuel blending is one process that meets all of these criteria and Is mechanic friendly.

Fuel blending may be performed when directed by the Army Oil Analysis Program laboratory or during any unscheduled maintenance when an oil change is required. Waste motor oil from a vehicle's crankcase is blended with diesel fuel or JP8 fuel from the vehicle's fuel lank. After passing through a filter, the oil and fuel mixture is put into the vehicle's fuel tank to be burned as fuel. Fuel blending should not be performed if the oil has any sign of antifreeze contamination.

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The oil and fuel blending system consists of a drain pan for collecting the waste oil and a pump and blender with hoses. The blending device (see photo below) draws oil from the drain pan and fuel from the vehicle fuel tank, blends and filters the mixture, and returns the blend to the vehicle fuel tank. The filter removes virtually all contaminants that could potentially damage engine components except antifreeze.

The advantages of using the system are many--

* Any traditional diesel engine, such as a vehicle or generator, can use the system.

* The blending process takes only an average of 15 minutes.

* The cost of one gallon of diesel fuel is saved for each gallon of waste oil blended.

* The cost and labor involved in collecting, storing, and transporting waste oil is nearly eliminated.

* The blend is consumed with no adverse effects on the engine or any unusual emissions into the atmosphere.

* Reusing the oil prevents most oil spills and the resulting cleanup costs.

* The process is an environmentally friendly method of disposing of used oil.

For 33 vehicles using the oil blending process over a 3-month period during Operation Joint Forge in 2002

* The blending operation required 12.25 hours as opposed to 49.5 hours for a traditional oil and filter change, saving 37.25 hours, or $745.

* Mechanics blended 70.5 gallons of oil, so 70.5 gallons of fuel did not have to be purchased.

* No storage, record keeping, or $50 disposal fee were required for 70.5 gallons of waste oil.

Oil blending has many advantages and few disadvantages. Probably the most significant reasons for using this process are that it eliminates fuel waste and helps keep the environment clean. The system is approved by the Tank-automotive and Armaments Command and should be required in all maintenance activities.

CHIEF WARRANT OFFICER (W-4) ARTHUR KEGERREIS IS A MEMBER OF COMPANY B, 728TH MAIN SUPPORT BATTALION, 28TH INFANTRY DIVISION, PENNSYLVANIA ARMY NATIONAL GUARD. DURING A 12-MONTH DEPLOYMENT TO BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA, HE SERVED AS THE TASK FORCE EAGLE MAINTENANCE OFFICER. AS A CIVILIAN, HE IS THE AUTOMOTIVE WORKER SUPERVISOR AT ORGANIZATIONAL MAINTENANCE SHOP # 15 AT FORT INDIANTOWN GAP, PENNSYLVANIA. HE IS A GRADUATE OF THE WARRANT OFFICER SENIOR COURSE.

COPYRIGHT 2003 ALMC
COPYRIGHT 2003 Gale Group


http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0PAI/is_6_35/ai_110459244
 
Thanks for the info Jeff. The only thing I didn't see was the maximum mixture you can run. 50/50?
 
marvilusone said:
Thanks for the info Jeff. The only thing I didn't see was the maximum mixture you can run. 50/50?
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I am doing 50/50 wvo diesel. Not sure about the safe waste dino oil mix. I have a friend thet runs a n/a 7.3 & he runs atf in it when I see him I'll ask & post up.
 
My grandfather has been experimenting with this lately. He bought a centrifuge (sp?), and a filter setup. It's only been a few months, but so far so good. I think he said he's using about 20% waste oil to 80% diesel. This is on a '02 ford w/7.3
 
im using a few qts of ATF on each fillup. and ive used virgin 10w-30 a few times as well. my next oil change will all go into my tank. this is on an 06 cummins with no problems so far other than alittle more smoke a WOT.
 
Google Cummins Sentinel....it has been discontinued due to EPA tier issues, but I wouldnt be surprised to see it come back in the future.

The quick dirty .02 version, it eliminated the need for changing engine oil. It added a 5 gallon storage tank and a vacuum system that continuously drew small amounts of oil out of the lubrication system and fed it to the fuel tank. It was marketed at large fleets to eliminate down time, and was gaining in popularity rather quickly when emission regs spelled its untimely death. I have heard a number of fleet mangers report extended pump lives wile running the system, and cooler operating temps.
 
I get filter bags from ebay. Just got a .5 micron filter bag slow being gravity fed but I like the security. ebay search "WVO filter bag"
 
I would think a small pump with a filter head and replaceable filter would be a better long term solution for doing this... Did I mention I now have 12 gals of atf/oil, It was free but now I'm thinking it's got some residual value :flipoff2:
 
that was what i was thinking using a pump with an inline filter. pump from container straight into truck. eliminate having to handle it more then once just dump it into the main container
 
I'm going to have a near endless supply of fairly fresh motor oil from forklifts, the place I just started at we change the motor oil every PM (normally 3-months). The oil always is very clear/clean, probably gets the most dirt in it draining it out/pouring it in the container.

I'm thinking of running a mix in my 7.3, maybe 75/25 or so. I plan to do more research on it though.

Also, I'm thinking of doing what Yager suggested, hard mounting a couple automotive filters and running it through them into the tank instead of using bags. I figure run two filters that way I can just change the first one often, and leave the 2nd for backup. Canister filters would filter alot smaller particles than a bag correct?

If anyone has seen any info on good/bad issues w/ running motor oil let me know (especially in the 7.3's)
 
Do you not need to heat used oils like you do WVO? In other words, if you are mixing it into your diesel tank all you do is pump and go, no need to wait for the oil to reach an optimal temp?
 
so back to this for just a quick question. I have a near endless supply of mixed used motor oil and used ATF; one is this okay to mix straight into my fuel tanks w/diesel and two, if it is safe, should i use the suggested .5 micron filters orrr?
 
No need to heat it, it doesnt gel like WVO....WVO forms a cake at ambient temps, ATF still pours smoothly.

I dont think any (reasonable, litigous minded) person is going to tell you its safe. I will just say it is done quite a bit, and I would use a 5 or 3 micron filter to remov as much as possible.
Will your engine be as trouble free as long as pure diesel?
probably not
Will the cost savings off set, thats a personal decision.
 
Jeff B said:
Blending used oil and vehicle fuel
Army Logistician, Nov-Dec, 2003 by Arthur Kegerreis
Click to expand...


Just keep in mind that the mil-spec 6.2s and 6.5s used an HD injection pump so they could run 'low quality' fuels... be that JP8, contaminated diesel or used motor oil.
 
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