Can fuel oil replace diesel fuel?

No, fuel oil and diesel fuel are not interchangeable. While both are petroleum-based fuels, they have different properties and are not compatible with the same engines. Using fuel oil in a diesel engine will likely cause significant damage. Fuel oil has a much higher viscosity and different chemical composition, leading to:

* Clogged fuel injectors: The thicker fuel oil won't flow properly through the precision fuel injectors designed for diesel.

* Poor combustion: The different burn characteristics will result in incomplete combustion, leading to excessive smoke, reduced power, and potential engine damage.

* Damage to the fuel pump: The higher viscosity can put excessive strain on the fuel pump.

* Fouling of the engine: The heavier components can lead to build-up of deposits in the engine.

In short, while both are derived from crude oil, they are distinct fuels with different applications and should never be mixed or substituted.