Biodiesel Resource

All engines are designed and manufactured for a fuel that has certain characteristics. The industry organization in the U.S. that defines the consensus on fuels is the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). To be called biodiesel, the fuel must meet ASTM and industry standards to ensure consistent and reliable operation in your engine.

Burning B100 can increase NOx (Nitrous Oxide) emissions. This increase can be counteracted by the use of exhaust add-ons (like catalytic converters) and/or adjusting the engine timing.

"Adjustment of injection timing and engine operating temperature will result in these levels [of nitrogen oxides with biodiesel] being reduced below mineral diesel levels."

Pure biodiesel is not compatible with natural rubber, sometimes found in pre-1994 vehicles. Because it is a solvent, it can degrade natural rubber hoses and gaskets. The natural rubber will eventually need to be switched with a synthetic replacement. This is not a problem with B20 blends and below.

Like all diesel fuel, biodiesel does not perform well at low temperatures. Call Sundays Energy to order additives. (888) 300-7581

We recommend:

• Power Service
• Enertech Labs
• Lubrizol

Biodiesel jells and freezes at colder temperatures. Make sure to ask your supplier for the Cold Filter Plug Point (CFPP) to verify the lowest temperature the fuel will flow through your filter and into your engine. Expect a number around 10 - 40º F.

Biodiesel will probably clog your fuel filter once or twice while it cleans out your tank and fuel system of all the gum deposits left by petroleum diesel. Because of biodiesel's natural solvency, new biodiesel users should be aware that regularly changing fuel filters is a necessary and not overly inconvenient step when using biodiesel.