Hydraulic fluid as fuel

[Dakotakid]

Once again, I beg pardon if this has been discussed before.... I spent time doing a search. Using the topic "hydraulic" linked with anything yielded me far too many posts to sift through.
Today, I learned that I have access to a lot of used high grade hydraulic fluid from medium to large equipment. I searched the internet and this hasty search seemed to indicate burning hydraulic fluid in a diesel is a "go-go."
I understand that it really needs to be filtered... like below 5 microns. I have seen discussion of the very good Catepillar filters in this forum. (You guys make me feel like I know something!)
My question here is obvious. I was thinking of running 25 or 50% hydraulic fluid and premium diesel. Sure...toss in some stanadyne as well. Yes I understand...NO water.
 I will continue to search the internet for more info. Charlie

[Dakotakid]

I found some info on: Diesel forum theDieselStop.com (yee-hawwwl pickumup truck guys).
Sounds like working through a series of decreasing micron filters makes a lot of sense. Sounds like my 25 or 50% ratio is realistic.
The oil I have access to would NOT be mixed with other oils (unless individual donor machine failure of some kind).
I am not really considering long-term storage of the oil. This oil would be  coming out of the equipment and into my tank on more immediate basis. Still, I am concerned regarding acids, etc.
Might be a good idea to start out with an older pump and set of injectors as a precautionary method?
I will be picking up a rebuilt pump from the local Bosch rebuilder next week (ouch...that will cost!). I will ask the shop foreman (decades of experience) about my concerns.
Any ideas...anyone??

[jtanguay]

you could always do some checks for acidity with some litmus paper.

sounds like a good idea to me.  if i were you though, i would buy a small lift pump (facet makes some good solid state pumps) because of the 1-2 micron filtering slowing down the fuel the engine might not run at its peak.

and as for water, there are special filters designed to hold water.  you would probably need to change the filter every few months though, but with free fuel who cares???

i'd say go for it.  you could probably run it 100% as if i'm not mistaken hydraulic oil is very thin.  probably 5 weight??  that stuff is pretty runny even in the winter.

i wouldn't even bother with a lubricant additive, as hydraulic oil is meant to protect very sensitive equipment and should be just fine for the pump.  and now i'd get blasted because people say the viscosity is probably lower because its used.. well not really.  they change the oil much before that can happen.  the oil is mainly changed because of the contaminants that build up (since the hydraulics are exposed)

this is a pretty good idea... maybe i should start looking for some!  a while back i was looking at a company that was doing some research into the feasibility of refining used hydraulic oil to be recycled... they deemed it to be unprofitable  :shock:  so imagine how much hydraulic oil is out there??? but i'm sure people aren't just giving it away like veggie....

[Dakotakid]

Well, the plan is to filter it prior to installation.
This stuff must clearly have a higher flash point....wonder about the valves? This would not be on a turbo motor. (I have always been so envious of you good fellows up North!!!!)
Right now am looking at this in summer-ish temps. Not really sure how it might affect winter starting. That might require a really good/fresh engine. I'm going to get on this ASAP.  
This fluid is being salvaged in this area. Not exactly sure how they are using it. I will keep digging.

Final question: regarding the OEM Mann or Bosch filters.....what micron value are we looking at from the manufacturer??? I.E. what is under our hoods?

[bigblockchev]

I suspect that it would be difficult to get the  metallic particulate contamination out of the oil by filtration alone. If you could get it properly centrifuged I would say go for it , I know that Auto trans fluid works fine in diesels. Cheers Dan