Can you mix jet fuel with gasoline?

The Unholy Union: Why Mixing Jet Fuel and Gasoline is a Recipe for Engine Trouble

The allure of potentially cheaper fuel can sometimes lead to desperate experiments at the pump, but one idea you should definitively avoid is mixing jet fuel and gasoline. While both are petroleum-based fuels, their composition and intended function differ drastically, and attempting to combine them is a guaranteed path to diminished engine performance and potential damage.

The central problem lies in the significant differences in the properties of jet fuel (typically Jet A or Jet A-1) and gasoline. Gasoline is designed for spark-ignition engines, meticulously engineered to vaporize easily and burn rapidly and completely. This rapid combustion is what provides the explosive force to power your car. Jet fuel, on the other hand, is intended for turbine engines in aircraft. It’s a heavier, less volatile fuel, designed to burn continuously and provide a sustained release of energy at high altitudes.

Blending these two fuels throws the carefully balanced equation of gasoline engine operation into disarray. Let’s break down the key issues:

• Reduced Volatility: Jet fuel is significantly less volatile than gasoline. Volatility refers to how easily a liquid turns into a vapor. Gasoline needs to vaporize readily for proper combustion. Introducing jet fuel into the mix drastically lowers the overall volatility of the blend. This means the engine struggles to vaporize the fuel efficiently, leading to poor combustion and rough running.

• Lower Anti-Knock Qualities: Gasoline is formulated with specific anti-knock additives to prevent pre-ignition, also known as “knocking” or “pinging.” This knocking can cause serious engine damage over time. Jet fuel lacks these critical anti-knock properties. Therefore, as the proportion of jet fuel in the blend increases, the mixture becomes more susceptible to knocking, potentially leading to engine wear and reduced lifespan.

• Decreased Engine Power & Increased Fuel Consumption: The combination of reduced volatility and lower anti-knock qualities results in a demonstrably inefficient fuel. Your engine will struggle to burn the mixture completely, leading to a noticeable decrease in power. You’ll likely find yourself pressing harder on the accelerator just to maintain speed, which translates directly into increased fuel consumption. You’ll be burning more fuel to achieve less performance.

• Potential for Long-Term Damage: While a single instance of accidentally using a small amount of jet fuel in a gasoline engine might not cause immediate catastrophic failure, repeated or prolonged use can lead to long-term damage. The incomplete combustion can lead to carbon buildup within the engine, fouling spark plugs, and potentially damaging catalytic converters.

In conclusion, while the idea of saving money by blending jet fuel and gasoline might seem appealing, the reality is a recipe for engine trouble. The resulting mixture is inefficient, reduces engine performance, increases fuel consumption, and can ultimately lead to costly repairs. Stick to the fuel specifically designed for your engine; it’s the smartest and most cost-effective approach in the long run. Your engine (and your wallet) will thank you.