Hilux 4x4 Forum

Hi all

We have a new Hilux 4x4 Legend 4.0l Auto, which we took to Lesotho last week… The problem is they only have Diesel and Paraffin at the pumps! So I’m just wondering what fuel is safe to use…. I’ve heard you can use Diesel, which is actually good for the engine (though I very much have my doubts about that) luckily we had a 20L Jerry, which was enough to get back to SA and fill up with some proper Unleaded 93. So the question is…. If we are in the middle of no where, what’s safe to use.

Welcome to the forum Phillip. If I am not mistaken your engine is supposed to run on 95 only. In the old days if you by accident filled your car with Diesel you would still have been able to drive it but with lot's of smoke. The newer highly refined engines will probably get damaged by doing this. m2cw

Hi CasKru

Thanks for the reply, (and the Welcome!) I thought as much about the Diesel... My main concern is what to do in an emergency... leave the car and find the proper fuel?

In an emergency it might work but how far ou are going to get before the filters etc block up....

Yeah, I suppose thats a concern for most people when going outside of your "home"

hi guys,
as far as i know, with the newer models with injectors and more high tech motors, i dont think your motor
will be able to run on pure diesel. well if you see you wo'nt make it, you might add a couple a liters of diesel, but not too
much. better still, carry a jerry or two. might save you big time in the end.

Hi guys for me I will use parrafin it is thinner than diesel and have a higher ignition

Thanks for the info, As my van has a drinking problem so now I know if I ever take the trip there which I almost done last year, will have to take extra fuel..

This is interesting from a fuel efficiency point of view, but the problem still remains that if you run to lean you can burn valves.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EkS5XImyguE" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PNm9vRidAsk" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Hi Philip,

Have you got a long range tank fitted? If not, I recommend you look into fitting one. It's adds another 60L capacity of the 80L standard tank. It is fitted above the spare wheel under the load bin. You just have to close your eyes when filling up the tank... 140L!!!

Mr B

Skilpad4X4 wrote:Hi guys for me I will use parrafin it is thinner than diesel and have a higher ignition

Parrafin burns hotter than diesel and you do not want to see what pistons look like that has been run on Parra!!! will see if i can find the photo of what my pistons looked like. ( 2.8 isuzu diesel engine with 60k on the clock )

Welcome to the forum.


We love traveling long distance, with a 2,5 diesel Hilux. We OFTEN end in small towns that are out of fuel !!!!!! Actually scary that in these modern times there are so many places with unreliable fuel supply - granted these shortages were all experienced over prime long weekend periods ....



If you are going to travel you MUST have a long range tank or at least 2 jerry cans to make it to the next town.

AND, if you go through a town and you KNOW you have enough fuel "to make" it to the next town - FILL UP !! You DONT know if the next town will have fuel !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


make peace with this reality and enjoy your travels :)



PS - and no I wont use other fuel in a petrol vehicle.