On Sat, 02 Feb 2008 11:41:59 -0500, George
wrote:

Pete C. wrote:

Yes, essentially the only differences between the #2 heating oil in your
tank and the #2 diesel at the pump are the transportation fuel taxes you
pay at the pump and the red dye they put in the non taxed heating oil.
Otherwise they are interchangeable functionally, and the heating oil is
also known as "off road diesel" since it's legal to use in off road
equipment.

It is a little more complicated than that. Diesel fuel typically is sold
as "diesel fuel" not a particular # oil. If the diesel fuel is sold in a
freezing climate a certain percentage of #1 is mixed in to minimize fuel
gelling effects.

In addition, the sulphur content in home heating oil is significantly
higher than that of on-road diesel -- upwards of 5,000 ppm, whereas
ULSD is limited to 15 ppm or less. Marine diesel, or what is commonly
known as "Bunker C", is the dirtiest of all; it can reach as high as
45,000 ppm! [Something to think about when you book your next holiday
cruise.]

Cheers,
Paul