What would happen if gasoline was put into an oil-fired furnace?

Question

First, let me say that I am NOT considering doing this. But I am curious about it. Since gasoline has a lower flash point than fuel oil (which is essentially diesel fuel) and it burns hotter than fuel oil, what would happen if gasoline was substituted for fuel oil in an oil fired furnace/boiler?

Any furnace experts out there have an idea about this? Again, I'm not going to do this. It's just an idle curiousity question.

Answer 1

Furnace oil is very similar to diesel fuel and you're right, gasoline has a much lower flash point.
The excessive heat would compromise the integrity of your fire box while the atomized gasoline would travel up your exhaust system (chimney or B vent).

As the furnace exploded, people outside would see flame shoot out of your chimney. Any creosote in the vent would ignite and the resulting chimney fire would destroy it.

The "puff back" taking place in the furnace would ignite any flammable material in close proximity to the furnace which if unchecked would spread throughout the structure.

In short, you would see a fireball shoot out the furnace access panel and the chimney at the same time. As soon as the flame reached the fuel reservoir, you would see that launch from its stationery position and travel to the point that it exploded.

I'm glad to hear that you're not planning to try this at home.

Answer 2

Ask your oil supplier.He might need a good laugh.J/J.
Your furnace will burn down your house.Don't even think about it anymore.

Answer 3

it depends on wheather there is a rain cap on the top of the stack or not. wheather it will go into permanent orbit or just reach the stratosphere and fall back to earth.

Answer 4

You would ride your furnace into the sunset.

Answer 5

booom
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