Biodiesel and your vehicle
Any (diesel) vehicle can run on Biodiesel
Any diesel engine in good working condition can run on biodiesel without conversion. Biodiesel can also fuel diesel generators, boat motors, heavy equipment, and can be used as home heating oil.
Biodiesel is good for your vehicle
Biodiesel has a higher lubricity than petro-diesel, and has been shown to contribute to longer engine life. The solvent quality of biodiesel will remove any deposits left in your fuel system by dirty fuels. Biodiesel also has a higher Cetane rating, which means it burns more completely than diesel. Vehicles tend to run quieter and more smoothly when fueled with biodiesel.
Biodiesel and the EnvironmentBiodiesel itself is considered to be carbon neutral. During the life-cycle of the fuel, as much carbon dioxide is absorbed as is emitted. Using biodiesel in place of gasoline or petroleum-diesel significantly reduces your vehicle emissions. In comparing B100 biodiesel to petroleum-diesel you’ll see roughly 80% decrease in emissions.
Biodiesel is a great way to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels.
Blending Biodiesel with Petroleum Diesel
Biodiesel can be blended with petroleum-diesel. If you are traveling and cannot find biodiesel, there is no problem in topping off your tank with petroleum-diesel. When buying petroleum-diesel, be aware that most diesel is only filtered to 30 microns. This means that the fuel may introduce particulates into your fuel tank, which biodiesel will clean out and move into your fuel filter. We recommend diesel filtered to at least 10 microns. If you do not see a filter on the pump, ask your retailer to install one.
Biodiesel and Fuel Filters
If you have been fueling with petroleum-diesel, its possible that diesel may have left particulates or residue in your fuel tank. This also applies if you are blending biodiesel with petroleum-diesel. Because biodiesel has a solvent quality, it will clean out any residue deposits and move them into your fuel filter. We suggest that after your first 2 or 3 tanks of biodiesel you check and change your filter. If you experience sluggishness or a loss of power, this is an indicator that your fuel filter is clogged and needs to be changed.
Biodiesel and vehicle Hoses
It is very rare that there are incompatibility issues with hoses or gaskets. Vehicles manufactured in the early 80’s with natural rubber hoses may have issues, but there are no problems with synthetic hoses. If you have concerns, check the hoses and switch natural rubber hoses to biodiesel compatible (synthetic) hoses.
Biodiesel and Vehicle Warranties
The vehicle manufacturer is not responsible for problems created by any fuel, whether that fuel is gasoline, petroleum-diesel or biodiesel. Warranties are for parts.