Filed under: Biodiesel General Discussion | Tags: ASTM 6751, biodiesel, blue sun, cold weather, myth, vegetable oil
Will using biodiesel harm my engine? There are plenty of myths about biodiesel going around and we would like to help clear them up. Many consumers remain skeptical about running biodiesel in their diesel engine for fear that it will have negative effects. Rest assured biodiesel is safe for your engine. Below are 5 common misconceptions about biodiesel and the truth behind these myths.
Myth # 1: Biodiesel is not good for your engine and will cause filters to plug.
Fact: Biodiesel can actually extend the life of your engine. Blue Sun biodiesel fuel adds significant lubricity which will reduce the wear of engine parts. As far as fuel filters go, pure biodiesel (B100) is a good solvent, which may release deposits accumulated on tank walls and pipes from previous diesel fuel use. When using high blends of biodiesel, the release of deposits may clog filters initially and precautions should be taken to replace fuel filters until the build-up is eliminated. Blue Sun goes a step further with the Blue Sun Guarantee.
Myth #2: Biodiesel does not perform well in cold weather.
Fact: Biodiesel will gel in very cold temperatures, just as No. 2 diesel does. Although pure biodiesel (B100) is recommended to be used in temperatures above 40˚F, Blue Sun Fusion™ B20 with Winter DTX™ helps engines function down to -20˚F below zero, and more (not all biodiesel brands can do that).
Myth #3: Biodiesel and Straight Vegetable Oil are the same thing.
Fact: Biodiesel is created through a chemical process called transesterfication. This process is a reaction of the oil with an alcohol to remove the glycerin and converts oils and fats into fatty acid methyl esters (FAME). Running vegetable oil in your engine without conversion to biodiesel will lead to soot accumulation and deposits that may lead to power loss and engine failure.
Myth #4: You must convert your vehicle to run biodiesel.
Fact: No conversion is required to run biodiesel in a diesel engine. It is a common misconception among diesel drivers. The misconception is often generated when people equate Straight Vegetable Oil (SVO) with pure biodiesel (B100.) Another source of misperception could have to do with natural rubber seals and hoses. High biodiesel blends can degrade natural rubber. However, all diesels after 1993 use a synthetic hosing (ex. Viton™, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Viton), so no changes are required.
Myth #5: Biodiesel has no minimum standards, you could be buying anything.
Fact: The biodiesel industry has been active in setting standards for biodiesel since 1994 when the first biodiesel taskforce was formed within the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). Biodiesel has its own fuel standard, ASTM 6751 http://www.astm.org/SNEWS/ND_2008/D02E0_nd08.html The National Biodiesel Board also set up the BQ-9000 quality certification program to create a nationally-recognized list of approved distributors.
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