Boat Forum / Cruising / August 2004

I think that BBQ starter fluid is basically kerosine. Interesting that
you mention the odor of liquid parafin. I have been using liquid
parafin in my oil lamps for years and it has absolutely no odor.
That was the whole point of using it.

Doug
s/v Callista

Well neither "BBQ starter fluid" or "liquid paraffin" are chemical names so
its difficult to give a definitive answer.  Different manufacturers might
use somewhat different distillates.  If you could get a "Material Safety
Data Sheet, MSDS" from the manufacturer/supplier this might allow you to
figure out how close they are.  You want to look at data for :
flash point
boiling range or boiling point
composition, possibly carbon number range,e.g.. C7-C14

From your description they sound pretty similar in properties, close enough
for burning in lamps.  Basically you want to avoid using anything too
volatile/flammable like naphtha or something that's going to be too smoky,
the other end of the spectrum.

I bought a gallon of Weems and Plath
liquid paraffin for about $20.00 at West
Marine.  I, for one would like to find a
good substitute.

If not, does anyone know of a

Years ago we bought an oil lamp and it suggested using "Gulf Lite"
charcoal starter which worked real good,no smell and it didn't smoke
up the chimney much at all.

Mineral spirits, or paint thinner containing 100% mineral spirits from
the paint department of your local hardware store is a low cost fuel
for kerosene lamps and stoves.  It is cleaner than kerosene, though
likely not quite as odor free as good lamp oil.  Usually about
$3/gallon around here.

I would suggest buying a cheap kerosene lamp and testing any "new"
fuel before using it aboard.

The cheapest best source will always depend on your particular location. I
am able to get high grade K-1 kerosene from my local fuel supplier for
about $1.85 per gal. I bring my own container and it is pumped from a gas
pump. You could find a similar dealer in your own area, these guys
typically provide lubricants for truck fleets and jobsite fueling
services.

DO NOT use jet fuel. It may be high grade kerosene, but it also has dye
and other attitives. It smokes up a lamp worse than diesel fuel or
stoddard solvent.

K-1 is the designator for the highest grade of kerosene. You can often buy
kerosene designated as K-1 in the solvents section of the hardware store.
My experience with this hardware store kerosene is that it is of lesser
quality than the kerosene that I get from the pump. Charcoal lighter fluid
and paint thinner are suitable substitutes for lamp oil, I have used them
many times in a pinch.

Everytime you buy lamp oil, test the quality of the batch. Use an old
cheapie lantern and look for smoke and sooting. That is another reason I
like to buy 10 gallons at a time from the pump. One test and I know it is
all the same. Also note that different lamps are more particular. I burn
Aladdin mantel lamps and any kerosene contamination will soot up the
mantel and stink like hell when the lamp is extinguished. Your own
particular needs will vary depending on equipment.

If you are paying more thatn $2.20/ gal., you are paying tooo much . Shop
around a little.

David
S/V Nausicaa