Colder temps and a power outage

Discussion in 'General Survival and Preparedness' started by Tully Mars, Jan 8, 2015.


  1. Tully Mars

    Tully Mars Metal weldin' monkey

    Last night right after supper we lost power. No biggie as the genset kicked on just like its supposed to. However as I sat here an evil thought crossed my mind. When I went out back to the freezer shed I shut the genset down. When I returned the wife wasn't happy. "WTH did we spend 4k on a getset if it doesn't run when we need it? The fuel tanks are full,right?" Yes Dear I replied with a smirk. It took a sec, then I got the "Really? Tonight?" Yup, its a perfect time. So began an impromptu evening without power. While the wife pulled down and quickly dusted off the oil lamps, I went back out to a shed and brought in the kerosene heater. After getting all that fired up along with a few candles we had a cozy quiet evening together. Sat here and talked. Something that gets put to the back burner sometimes during "modern life" IMO. We pulled out a seed catalog that had just come in the mail, picking out some things to add to our order list. Talked about what we really wanted to get done this year and in what order. Played a little solitaire and she got into the knitting bag-much to the cats delight. Temps were in the low teens outside, but it was a grand evening inside. Heated enough water with the heater to get dishes done. Didn't even feel like a test of things, and granted it wasn't much of a test, more fun really but there ya are. Power was restored around midnight and I got up to shut the heater down then returned to bed.

    Now I remember I need to add lamp oil to my lists-not near enough on hand to make us comfortable-same for wicks and candles, can never have enough.

    Kerosene, again we probably have enough for most people, but want more. It is pricey and that's why I haven't added any in quite awhile. BUT, can I use aviation fuel? It's basically refined kerosene-need to find that out, and if so, get some and test it out on our heater.
     
    ditch witch, Motomom34, stg58 and 2 others like this.
  2. ghrit

    ghrit Bad company Administrator Founding Member

    You MAY be able to use jet fuel, but very definitely NOT avgas. I'd stick with kero, and do myself.
     
    Tully Mars likes this.
  3. RouteClearance

    RouteClearance Monkey+++

    Here is a trick to to make standard diesel fuels into a light grade kerosene and lamp oils(yes kerosene was the original lamp oil, just smelly). I add a small amount of acetone to my diesel, I know that I have added enough when the fuel wicks up a piece of standard cotton string. Per gallon, I have used around 3/4 to 1 full cup of acetone.
     
  4. Tully Mars

    Tully Mars Metal weldin' monkey


    I should've made myself clear. I ment jet fuel and just lumped it into "aviation fuel". Avgas does make my 'vette run better though..;)
     
    ghrit likes this.
  5. Tully Mars

    Tully Mars Metal weldin' monkey


    Wonder if something (some type of scented oil) could be added to help with the smell? Great idea RC.
     
  6. RouteClearance

    RouteClearance Monkey+++

    gas with at least 100 octane does that for old school V8's, wonder how it would make my 383 stroker motor run.
     
    Tully Mars likes this.
  7. Tully Mars

    Tully Mars Metal weldin' monkey


    I'd bet that it would be an eye opener;)
     
  8. oldawg

    oldawg Monkey+++

    Look up on the net or local candle supplies. The scents are sold separately. I use them in my lamps as the kero heaters have been replaced with propane. Kero just got to expensive down here.
     
    Tully Mars likes this.
  9. techsar

    techsar Monkey+++

    Just don't use colored lamp oils. They tend to clog the wick after a while.
     
    stg58 and oldawg like this.
  10. -06

    -06 Monkey+++

    Loaned one of my Propane tanks to a neighbor who ran out last night. Try to keep a few(11) in reserve. It does not gel or go bad like petroleum fuels. Is easily transported--safely or as a last resort used for crowd pleasing.
     
  11. stg58

    stg58 Monkey+++ Founding Member

    Propane is my first choice also 12- 20#, 3 -30# and a 100# as my backup heat/cooking fuel. But I have a KeroSun still in the box as a secondary.
     
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  12. Motomom34

    Motomom34 Monkey+++

    @stg58 May I ask what you are using for heating and propane. I.e. furnace, propane fireplace, faux wood stove? Or do you have indoor propane heaters?

    @Tully Mars sounds like a lovely evening, nice time spent with the wife and great way to discover holes in your preps.
     
    Tully Mars and kellory like this.
  13. Cruisin Sloth

    Cruisin Sloth Special & Slow

    Tully might have an addition in sept !! ;)

    If your using old oil wick style lamps , MayBE !! you can use Jet turbine fuel , I don't know for sure on yellow wick flames . BUT !! I have seen a Jet / Naphtha & Diesel fuel blow a Aladdin into a fire ball !! REAL BAD !! I wouldn't Frigg with stupid , plus crack a window below & upstairs for oxygen, & keep a eye on the bird.
    Aladdin is a true oil lamp that sips fuel & gives bright yellow light, I have 4 + many spare parts . Living on a boat / shack / farm , you get to know these lights well. And as like a man/woman everyone of them lamps has a different warm-up / setting. Every time I visit used / sales , If I see a real one , I might take it home and see it's personality. Expensive learning curve & should be , to run one . Mantle style oil lamps & mine are primed & ready to go.
     
    Tully Mars likes this.
  14. stg58

    stg58 Monkey+++ Founding Member

    https://www.survivalmonkey.com/members/stg58.96/

    Primary 20+ years Replaced one blower on the left, original on the right yet still have oil ports and the "shaker" grid cast iron is marginal ..with a brand new one in the garage..I thought 4 years ago I would replace but "she" is still good.

    They claim it will operate at 50% without electricity but the thermocouple (mechanical) only kicks in on a fresh fire..
    115,000 BTU
    [​IMG]
    stg58, 14 minutes ago Edit
    Added:have a medium Bestpower UPS with new batteries on the blowers.

    [​IMG]



    96]@stg58[/USER] May I ask what you are using for heating and propane. I.e. furnace, propane fireplace, faux wood stove? Or do you have indoor propane heaters?



    @Tully Mars sounds like a lovely evening, nice time spent with the wife and great way to discover holes in your preps.[/QUOTE]
     
    Last edited: Jan 8, 2015
    Tully Mars and Motomom34 like this.
  15. Motomom34

    Motomom34 Monkey+++

    Thank you @stg58, I just googled and they can be found at Northern Tool which is where @KAS told me to go shopping. I appreciate the heater info.
     
    Tully Mars likes this.
  16. stg58

    stg58 Monkey+++ Founding Member

    Updated, thanks
     
  17. Tully Mars

    Tully Mars Metal weldin' monkey


    While a gentleman doesn't discuss such matters, after four children this Cowboy is shootin blanks:D
     
    Last edited: Feb 12, 2015
    Motomom34 likes this.
  18. KAS

    KAS Monkey+++

    MM you are putting a wood stove in ...
    This is a great piece of equiptment stg58 has but u r putting a wood stove in>>>LOL
     
    Motomom34 likes this.
  19. Motomom34

    Motomom34 Monkey+++

    It burns wood or coal- though I think coal is now outlawed or will be soon. I saw the electrical stuff so it isn't as basic as a wood stove. But I am always interested in what others are using. This wouldn't fly but the reviews are really good.

    Sorry @Tully Mars for wandering off topic
     
    Tully Mars likes this.
  20. Tully Mars

    Tully Mars Metal weldin' monkey

    No worries here Moto!:)
     
    Motomom34 likes this.
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