Can we use bio-diesel for our diesel engines?

Question

Can we use bio-diesel for our diesel engines?

Answer 1

Yes you can.  One word of warning, though...don't use it in cold weather - some types (like soy diesel) tend to thicken during winter (depending on where you live).

Answer 2

vinod

I currently run BioDiesel (straight vegetable) in a 1999 Dodge 3500 truck. But all Cummins engines were modified from the factory to run on BioD since around 1992 without any modification.

Biodiesel is recognized by both the US Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Energy as an alternative fuel, and qualifies for mandated programs under the Clean Air Act Amendments and the Environmental Protection Act of 1992 (EPAct).

USDA Clears Air with Biodiesel: Buses and other diesel-burning vehicles run cleaner if they mix biodiesel with regular diesel fuel, said the US Department of Agriculture at a biodiesel fuel seminar at a USDA research center.

Conversely most major automotive manufacturers (Chrysler, Ford, and General Motors, etc) recommend the use of bio fuels, and nearly every car manufacturer in the world approves ethanol blends in their warranty coverage.

The trick is finding fuel.

I've been producing biodiesel for about 3 years now, it's not extremely difficult. Basically you need general household ingredients, a processor (or still for ethanol) and some used oil. Blend it, let separate, screen and use. I complied a guide a while back to help walk you threw the process step by step, just email me or check out..

http://www.agua-luna.com/guides.html

Hope this helped, feel free to contact me personally if you have any questions,

Dan Martin

Retired Boeing Engineer now living 100% Off-the-Grid with my family, using Alternative Energy & loving every minute.

for more info visit agua-luna or email me at [e-mail]

Answer 3

If it has a lot of miles on it you will want to slowly work into Bio Diesel as the veggy oil used tends to also be a very good cleaner and it will remove carbon buildups and cause real problems.

Work into it slow or better yet start with a new engine.

Answer 4

Yes, but some of the hoses may have to be changed and same with some of the seals.

if not changed they will disintegrate and you will lose power and fuel and will cost you more in the long run.

Answer 5

yes. but before you do CHANGE THE FUEL FILTERS! bio diesel has a bad tendance to flush out filters and lines causing poor power no starts or worse. change the filters and u should be good to go. what blend will you be running? if your viechals will be sitting long periods of time dont go over B25 because bio also atracts water when it sites for a long time with high blends.

Answer 6

Not without a slight mod. to the engine, though I'm not exactly sure what. I think it may be slightly different for different kinds of bio-fuel (corn, algae, etc.), and with a couple fuels you can use in new engines.

Answer 7

Very likely.  However, it would behoove you to make certain that the hoses and seals in your fuel system are compatible with the level of biodiesel blend you intend to use — some seal materials will swell and leak above a certain concentration of biodiesel.

Biodiesel is also a good solvent and cleaner.  It will wash crud off the walls of the fuel tank.  After a couple of tanks of biodiesel, you probably want to change the fuel filter so it doesn't clog up.

Answer 8

It will depend on the engine, more specifically on the materials used in the fuel system.  Bio-diesel (fatty acid methyl esters) is a very good solvent and will attack some plastics used in older engines.

Answer 9

Yes if over B20 you should change fuel lines.I run b20,wvo,svo,wmo,and watf.

Answer 10

Yes. Using bio diesel in a diesel engine is even easier than using ethanol in a gasoline engine. In most cases no modifications at all are needed. In comparison there are some modifications needed for a gasoline engine to run on ethanol.