# Waste Motor Oil for Diesel Trucks? Not a Good Idea

> Running waste motor oil in diesel trucks risks engine damage and fines.
- Title: Waste Motor Oil for Diesel Trucks? Not a Good Idea · The Drive
- Summary: Running waste motor oil in diesel trucks risks engine damage and fines. Waste motor oil is unsafe for modern diesel trucks due to soot buildup and legal…
- Keywords: waste motor oil, diesel truck, black diesel, pa biodiesel supply, cummins, international 7.3-liter idi, diesel particulate filter, cars, technology, Waste, Motor, Oil
- Source: The Drive — https://thedrive.com/news/with-diesel-prices-soaring-is-now-the-time-to-run-waste-motor-oil-in-your-truck-probably-not
- Author: Caleb Jacobs
- Published: 2026-10-02T15:06:12+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: waste motor oil, diesel truck, black diesel, pa biodiesel supply, cummins, international 7.3-liter idi, diesel particulate filter, cars, technology
## Diesel Fuel Costs Soaring
Gasoline prices are high, but diesel fuel costs are even worse for truck drivers.
## Black Diesel is Waste Motor Oil
Black diesel refers to waste motor oil, used hydraulic oil, and automatic transmission fluid.
## Home Refining Hardware
PA Biodiesel Supply sells a centrifuge setup that removes particles at a sub-micron level.
## Cost of Black Diesel
A gallon of black diesel costs between 10 and 20 cents, much cheaper than pump diesel.
## Engine Damage Risks
Waste motor oil causes soot buildup that clogs diesel particulate filters quickly.
## Legal and Safety Concerns
Running waste motor oil on public roads is illegal and can result in heavy fines.
## Key takeaway

Waste motor oil is unsafe for modern diesel trucks due to soot buildup and legal risks.