The Model T engine was *intended* to run on kerosene. Just requires a bit of adjustment to the spark setting and fuel mixture. Don't see why a Model A wouldn't run on it, too.
Anyone ever met those big off road trucks ( Dakar Rally style ), that run on any fuel ? Malc at Extreme Trucks had this eight wheel drive Czech made thing that would run on petrol, diesel, aviation spirit, kerosene, even paint, built for millitary, multi-fuel, would save all those problems at the pumps, I don't have a clue how you make an engine that can cope with such a wide range of fuels, so please don't ask me how it works.
i was heading back to st louis from west virginia, and during a gas stop, a group of h-d riders showed up. while i was checking out the bikes, i noticed one of 'em pumping diesel, and pointed out that he wasn't getting what he thought he was getting. they wheeled it to the side of the lot, pulled the fuel line off and dumped a couple of gallons right onto the ground. not exactly rocket surgery...
I put diesel in my brand new john deere lawn tractor by mistake, it lasted about 5 minutes and blew the head gasket out, it had alot of power for a while though.
Turbine Engine? That's the only thing I can think of that'll burn just about whatever you throw into it. Course the gas mileage at idle ain't so hot.
A bunch of heavy duty WWII era military trucks are multi-fuel. I'm not sure how they do it, but the engines have real low compression
Ive seen Duece and a half's burn whatever you put in them, diesel, kerosene, old cooking oil. None of it was straight though it was always just added to diesel that was in there. not a real high tech engine though.
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