by 
stretch
ANSWERS: 7
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The answer is absolutely yes. In fact, a diesel engine will run better on straight hydraulic fluid than it dies on diesel fuel. Fuel economy will suffer slightly, but the advantages are many. I have a 1987 Mercedes 300SDL with a 6 cyl turbo diesel engine. I have, on many occasions, run used, filtered hydraulic fluid straight from the main tank. It runs fantastic! The only problem associated with this fuel alternative is finding a steady source of used hydraulic fluid.
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Transmission fluid works great also. I have ran everything (used motor oil,trans fluid,hydraulic fluid,etc.. straight and mixed)in my diesel truck (And other things) and have even pulled the IP and injectors after 3 years of doing so. They were as clean as brand new!
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I've got a few questions about this.. How is starting in the winter with hydraulic fluid? Does a diesel engine strain when pumping the fluid to the IP and everything? I have a 90' F250 with a 7.3 IDI that I would like to try it in. It's a piece of crap and is NOT worth the $3.30 diesel that has to be run through it. But it's my daily driver so that is why I ask these questions..
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You have to be careful to filter any USED fluids to under 5 microns. It is light petroleum based oil so it doesn't gel like veggie oil can. If you don't believe it, watch a forklift using it's hydraulic forks in -10 degree weather! My benz tends to produce a little more smoke from the exhaust than straight diesel but not bad. The key here is proper filtering. I have a 23gal tank and I blend about 8-10 gal diesel with the balance in used hydraulic. Runs quiet and smooth with no ill effects. Costs me about $25 at the pump each time to fill up.
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Aside from filtering the hydraulic oil did you dewater it was well? I'm thinking about collecting the waste from local companies and use this in my diesel. The filteration seems to be straight forward but do I need a vacuum pump/heat source or can filters be used? Many Thanks
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As with any fuel, water is the enemy. You must de-water any fuel you are going to use. If your hydraulic is milky, chances are that there is way too much water in it. It will take much more energy in heating to de-water than you will save in fuel costs. Try to start with as clean a fluid as possible. Most fluid with water in it will separate the water to the bottom. If it's real milky, then the water and fluid have emulsified. Much more time consuming and costly to separate. Try obtaining hydraulic fluid from local municipal airports. They must change the fluid at regular intervals to comply with FAA regulations. This is VERY clean fluid. Almost no filtering or de-watering needed.
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I'm running the Cummins in my dodge... I add 1 quart of brand new inexpensive tranny fluid to every full tank. Tranny fluid has a detergent in it used for keeping valve bodies and channels clean in your transmission. It is great for keeping injector pumps lubricated and clean. It is also something we do for our fire trucks. Though I have the new common rail fuel delivery system, I still add 1 quart to every tank. No worries about filtering or residual viscosity
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