In this report, experimental tests of a Diesel cycle engine running with hydrous ethanol or natural gas with partial substitution for diesel fuel were performed. The main objectives were to verify the influence of alternative fuels and evaluate the advancing of diesel injection timing and the air partial restriction, regarding the characteristic parameters of combustion, performance and emissions. Based on data from the pressure-crank angle diagram, it was possible to analyze some characteristic parameters of combustion, such as the start of combustion, the maximum rate of pressure rise and peak pressure. The parameters of the engine performance and emissions were analyzed through the thermal efficiency and the concentrations of carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, particulate matter and nitrogen oxides. The results showed that the techniques evaluated in dual fuel mode with higher rates of substitution of diesel fuel favored a better burning of the alternative fuels, reflecting favorably in lower emissions of CO and PM, and also in a small increase in the engine thermal efficiency. However, there was also an increase in NOX emissions and, in the specific case of the advanced injection timing, it was noted a louder noise generated by the engine.