ATF Used As Fuel: Why?

[RadarRider]

I picked up a diesel magazine that had an article about a guy who uses used ATF as his primary fuel source. I've learned from this article ATF doesn't burn as fully as diesel, SVO, or WVO burns & is actually risky. In this article, all the guy does is collect used ATF, runs it through a 3-micron filter, mixes 90% ATF/10% diesel, puts it in the tank, & then adds cetane booster. The article also goes on to say there hasn't been any real testing done with ATF being used as a primary fuel, ATF is not a legal road fuel, causes ash deposits & hydrocarbons, & could still hold the possibility of metal shavings getting into the engine along with another possibility of brake fluid, anti-freeze, or even gas to end up in the fuel tank. How can anyone benefit from this? Why would they bother running an article like this, even? Yes, it's an alternative fuel, but @ a cost. Not so much in the sense of money, but just playing Russian Roulette with a fuel alternative that could ruin your rig. What's everyone else's take?

[big25country]

I agree with you. I can't believe they would run such an article with no creditable info. Just because something will burn as fuel, doesn't mean you should use it. He could probably make BIO by washing it with the right chemicals for cheaper than adding a cetane booster. Just my 2 cents.

[95superstroke]

I was wondering how he was going to explain that to officer friendly when they tube his tank and give him a ticket for running "off road" fuel.

[RadarRider]

Originally Posted by big25country

I agree with you. I can't believe they would run such an article with no creditable info. Just because something will burn as fuel, doesn't mean you should use it. He could probably make BIO by washing it with the right chemicals for cheaper than adding a cetane booster. Just my 2 cents.

BIO would've certainly been the way to go. It's clean out of the most important things along with being a safe fuel. Besides the fact he could possibly be pumping other waste automotive chemicals into his tank, the fact the ATF is 'used' just has bad news written all over it.

Originally Posted by 95superstroke

I was wondering how he was going to explain that to officer friendly when they tube his tank and give him a ticket for running "off road" fuel.

That's another point about finding a cheap alternative fuel. Not to mention the fact he puts a bottle of cetane booster, which I'm sure he ain't getting for free, the tickets he gets won't exactly get his fuel deal a 'pays for itself' rating!

[ShawnCT450R]

Richard runs it in his EX w/ 7.3 because he gets it for free. When he told me that he spent a less than $600 for fuel last year, I understood. He's a great guys and his EX is pretty bad a$$. If your ever in Thousand Oaks CA, stop at the Linex shop and ask him about it.

[RadarRider]

Originally Posted by ShawnCT450R

Richard runs it in his EX w/ 7.3 because he gets it for free. When he told me that he spent a less than $600 for fuel last year, I understood. He's a great guys and his EX is pretty bad a$$. If your ever in Thousand Oaks CA, stop at the Linex shop and ask him about it.

I'm don't doubt Richard is not a bad guy, but I think his choice of alternative fuel is a little.....well, forgive me for saying, but ludicrous. How much does he drop on a bottle of cetane booster per tank? In the article, it says he uses MotorCraft, which I'm sure isn't cheap.

[CAT797]

To each their own I suppose in terms of what fuel you want to run....

As for Diesel Power magazine, they should rename it to Dodge Diesel Power Magazine. I think that mag has gone downhill in the last 12-18 months.

[upinsmoke70]

The article also said he changes filters constantly and has to carry a spare with him at all times...what a waste

[winchester33]

Originally Posted by CAT797

To each their own I suppose in terms of what fuel you want to run....

As for Diesel Power magazine, they should rename it to Dodge Diesel Power Magazine. I think that mag has gone downhill in the last 12-18 months.

every magazine is just the same old crap.

[Dirk]

Will I run ATF in a powerstroke?


No.