BIodiesel for old cars and machinery?

Question

Is Biodiesel sufficient for old cars and older machinery that run on diesel? I know that I should not just switch to B100, but is B20 fine? Or, should I go lower, to B10, or even B5?

Answer 1

Any diesel engine can run Biodiesel.

Answer 2

It will work at B 100 , just add no gasoline as the explosion is too violent and can damage the motor.

Answer 3

The engine will run on B-100 but you will develop other problems.  The fuel lines will need to be replaced with synthetic hoses because biodiesel will dissolve natural rubber.  The other problem you will have is clogged fuel filters.  Biodiesel is a stronger solvent than petroleum diesel.  It will loosen any sludge from the bottom of the fuel tank which will mean frequent filter changes until the tank is clean.  I would think B-20 will work without any serious problems.  Just watch the fuel lines and keep some spare fuel filters handy.

Answer 4

I've been around to remember when corn based ethanol was first introduced in a big way in the midwest.  It played havoc on most car engines and at the time most farm equipment still used gas rather than diesel.

Clogged fuel lines and carburetors where common and on hot days it became an even worse problem.

It will take some time to work all the bugs out.  Changing filter, fuel lines and injectors is not cheap.

Answer 5

You'll need to swich out a few parts, hoses, pump, seals, some you'll have to change out anyway with the ULSD (ultra low sulfar diesel) being sold now, you'll need to change a few fuel filters as biodiesel will clean out the fuel system. But once you made the changes you can run b100 or any mix of biodiesel and diesel.