Coconut-based oils intended for use as alternatives to diesel fuel have been investigated and some of the more relevant properties have been presented. The laboratory production of water-washed coconut oil and both ethyl and methyl eaters have been described. The common problem associated with vegetable oils of high gum content was avoided by de-gumming and has, therefore, not been considered. The other well-known problem of high viscosity has been considered particularly by an extensive spray pattern investigation. Initial results of the performance of a single-cylinder direct-injection diesel engine using these fuels have been compared using standard diesel oil as a datum. It is concluded that in appropriate geographical locations coconut-derived fuels provide an excellent alternative to diesel oil.