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I just found a copy of a 1944 US Army TM (E9-803) on the "German Volkswagon" (Kübelwagen). In it it says that "The maximum economy of the engine is obtained with a low grade of fuel. Tests prove that the 80 Octane fuel, diluted with 20% kerosene, offers the smoothest carburetor operation and the most economical engine operation."

I've never heard of deliberately mixing gasoline and kerosene! Has anyone here ever heard of that or know if it would be an improvement over straight gasoline or if it would even work? Note: the engine in the VW had 6.1 compression ratio, not very different from our M-37s.

hmmm, I guess that would work since basically they are both simple hydrocarbons, though since kerosene does not burn as well as gasoline, the unburnt kerosene would eventually mix with the oil and thin it out. And since Kerosene is a type of Diesel, I would think that diluting the gas would have the effect of lowering the octane significantly.

Hi Joe,
Interesting question, and I have no idea if it would work. During WW2, my Dad was commander of a truck Company. He rode around in a Jeep mostly, but told me they once aquired a Kubelwagen. He drove it around for a while, until someone higher up made him stop. Probably the higher up wanted it for himself!
Tim

creinemann wrote:hmmm, I guess that would work since basically they are both simple hydrocarbons, though since kerosene does not burn as well as gasoline, the unburnt kerosene would eventually mix with the oil and thin it out. And since Kerosene is a type of Diesel, I would think that diluting the gas would have the effect of lowering the octane significantly.

That's what I would expect too. In fact, I'm wondering if there's any good reason to do it. BUT the manual specifically says that using the mix gave "the smoothest carburetor operation and the most economical engine operation." which is what really surprises me.

Perhaps it actually did "imrove carburetor operation" and fuel economy. The possibility of diluting the oil was probably not a major consideration at the time. Nobody ever expected those engines of lasting as long as they have. The "powers that be" were more concerned with economy since fuel was becoming very expensive at the time. If the engine lasted until the end of the war, that was probably good enough for them.