Using Biodiesel Wisely
BioSelect encourages customers to take the following guidelines into
account when making the decision to run Biodiesel in their engines:
- Ensure you are using high quality BioSelect biodiesel that
meets the ASTM specification for pure biodiesel (ASTM
D 6751) before blending with petrodiesel.
- Check fuel filters on the vehicles and in the delivery
system frequently upon initial biodiesel use, and change
them as necessary. This is because biodiesel cleans out
your engine.
- Be aware of biodiesel's cold weather properties and take
precautions as with #2 petrodiesel use in cold weather. A
20 percent blend of biodiesel with petrodiesel usually
raises the cold weather properties 2 to 10° F (pour point,
cloud point, cold filter plugging point). In most cases, it’s
not been an issue.
- Be aware of biodiesel's compatibility with engine compo-
nents. The switch to low sulfur diesel fuel has caused
most manufacturers to switch to components suitable for
use with biodiesel, but users should contact their OEM for
specific information.
Lastly, remember to use stored biodiesel within six months. All fuels,
including #2 and #1 petrodiesel, have a shelf life. This is also true
with biodiesel and biodiesel blends.
