Sears Kerosene "Torpedo" Heater

[Don McCombs]

Here's an off-the-wall question, but I'm sure someone on this board will be able to answer it. I have a Sears kerosene fired torpedo style space heater. Model number is 40412, if that helps. I would like to find out if I can burn diesel in the heater instead of kerosene. It's much cheaper. Thanks.

[Harold R]

From what i've found out via a google search, it's usable but smokes and fumes more than kerosene due to lubrication additives for injector pumps, nozzles, etc. It was recommended to use " off-road" diesel instead of the automotive blend. Kerosene here is about $2.00 more a gallon than diesel.

[Don McCombs]

Thanks, Harold. Off-road is what I would use anyway. About 50 cents cheaper than highway. I think I'll give it a try and see what happens. I just wanted to make sure it wasn't going to blow up. Too bad I don't still have access to JP8.

[grumpy]

I use off road in mine and the only time I get any "odor" is right after I shut it off and it's not much.

[Don McCombs]

Thanks, David. Not sure why I'm concerned about it. At the rate I use it, I probably have about two years worth of kerosene left in it.

[John *.?-!.* cub owner]

You cannot tell the difference in highway diesel and kerosene in one, but off road will give a little smell and smoke because of both the higher amount of oil and I assume sulfur. If you have good ventilation you probably will not notice it much.

[outdoors4evr]

When using diesel (especially offroad) you will need to clean your heater more often. Diesel generates more soot and that may buildup on the fuel nozzle and flame sensor more than kerosene.