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- Cold Flow Properties
The gel point temperature (starts to solidify) of biodiesel is higher than that of petrodiesel. Biodiesel gels at about the same temperature as water or about 32 degrees Fahrenheit. Gelled biofuel will not damage your vehicle, it simply won't flow and your engine will not start due to the lack of fuel being delivered. If you plan on operating a biodiesel fueled vehicle in temperatures below 32° F it is recommend that you use a mix of 20% biodiesel and 80% petrodiesel or an anti gelling additive.
Storing Biodiesel
Biodiesel like petrol diesel will degrade over time and is subject to bacterial growth. Biodiesel can be stored for up to 6 months in a dry, dark location. For longer periods of storage biodiesel can be kept under a nitrogen blanket.
Vehicle Warranty
The use of biodiesel in existing diesel engines does not void parts and materials workmanship warranties of any major US engine manufacturer. In fact Federal Law prohibits the voiding of warranty just because biodiesel was used. If an engine experiences failure caused directly from biodiesel or any other external condition the damage will not be covered by the original engine manufacture (OEM) and must be proven.
Biodiesel and solvent properties
Biodiesel acts as both a lubricant and a solvent which will effectively clean out your entire fuel system. Depending on the age of your vehicle, the solvent action of biodiesel will purge the system of accumulated diesel residue. This process can take weeks or months. If you have an older vehicle you may have a lot of sediment in your fuel system. The symptoms of a fuel filter clogging are power loss, trouble starting, coughing, smoke, and poor fuel economy. Biodiesel in a new car's fuel systems will maintain exceptionally clean and in good working order.
Filters and Hoses
When running 100% biodiesel it is recommended that you change your fuel filter after the first 5 full tanks or until you experience a loss of power. Keep an extra fuel filter in your vehicle, learn how to change it, and be prepared. This is a healthy start for both you and your vehicle.
Biodiesel will gradually swell and degrade older rubber over time. Petrol diesel does this too but at a slower rate. Most pre-1994 vehicles and a few later model cars may have older rubber fuel lines in the system. If so you will need to eventually change over your vehicles fuel lines to a biodiesel resistant, synthetic hose such as viton or vitube at first sign of weeping or a general precautionary 6 months to a year after using 100% biodiesel.
Paint
As with petrol diesel special care should be taken to clean up any spills with soap and water when they happen.
