How to Tell if a Fluid Is Gasoline or Kerosene Oil

Posted: Mar 03, 2013
Author: Bumgarner Oil

Gasoline and kerosene are both petroleum-based liquids made for fuel and burning. Kerosene oil is commonly used in heaters, while gasoline is used in vehicles and other engine-driven products such as lawnmowers. If you’re in a situation where you don’t know one from the other, testing is required to determine if it’s gasoline or kerosene. This is critically important because if you burn gasoline in a kerosene oil heater, an explosion could occur.

Here’s what to do:

• If you have both fluids, smell them. Smell is an easy way to tell the difference. Gasoline has a much stronger odor than kerosene oil. However, odor alone is not sufficient in distinguishing which is which, but it can be a tentative guideline.

• Pour a small quantity of the fluid into a cup. Place it outside for about an hour in a well-ventilated area (because gasoline fumes are flammable). Then check to see whether it is still in the cup, or if it has evaporated or is starting to evaporate. Kerosene needs heat to evaporate, whereas gasoline evaporates into the air much faster at lower temperatures.

• Be very careful with this part. Pour a couple of drops of the fluid into a cup. Place the cup on a cement driveway or sidewalk. Light a match and drop it in. See if the fluid ignites or not. Gasoline creates a flame instantly, but kerosene oil does not. Remember, this exercise is potentially dangerous, so ensure no children or pets are present. This test should only be performed by a responsible adult.