The main components and properties of physics and chemistry of Jatrapha curcasl oil were analyzed. The characteristics of performances, combustion and exhaust emissions of a ZH1115 diesel engine using different fuels were measured. It is found that when the engine using Jatrapha curcasl oil, the cylinder pressure, the pressure rise rate, emissions of NOx and HC, and the exhaust temperature were all lower than using diesel, the smoke was at equivalent level; however, the CO emissions was higher. The cylinder pressure and pressure rise rate and its NOx emission increased, but when the advance angle of fuel supply increased, the exhaust temperature decreased a little, the CO emission had little change, and HC emission reduced.