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Technical Service Bulletin 06-1

The Effects of Biodiesel on Fuel Filters

Biodiesel

derived from vegetable oils or animal fats, designated B100, and meeting the

requirements of ASTM D 6751.

Biodiesel blend

petroleum-based diesel fuel designated BXX, where XX is the volume percent of

biodiesel.

Overview

Biodiesel is an alternative fuel that is rapidly growing in use. However, biodiesel

received a bad reputation after the problems that occurred 2005 when some

states mandated the use of B2 biodiesel blend statewide. One of the problems

was very short fuel filter life. Further research revealed that the problems

encountered were not due to the use of the biodiesel blend, but rather the use of

biodiesel that did not meet the ASTM D 6751 specifications. The use of biodiesel

that does not meet specifications may cause problems within the fuel system.

One false perception of biodiesel is that it can be made by simply mixing raw

vegetable oil or waste vegetable with diesel fuel. Due to the high glycerin

content in vegetable oil, these feed stocks must be refined and catalyzed to

make biodiesel that meets the ASTM D 6751 specification.

Filter Plugging

Biodiesel has some solvent properties and will act as a solvent in the fuel.

Blends greater than B20 may have enough of a solvent effect to break down the

varnish deposits on the walls of the existing fuel storage tanks or fuel systems.

The break-down of these varnish deposits will contaminate the fuel with

particulate, which can cause fuel filters to plug rapidly. Once the contaminant is

removed from the fuel, subsequent fuel filter service intervals should return to

normal. Biodiesel blends up to B20 should have minimal solvent effects on

existing fuel systems and blends below B5 should have no solvent effect above

that of regular diesel fuel meeting ASTM D 975 specification. Blends of B5 and

below should also meet the ASTM D 975 specifications for diesel fuel.

Filter plugging problems can be prevented by effectively cleaning storage tanks

before introducing biodiesel. Filter plugging can also be minimized by using low

blends of biodiesel and/or ensuring the biodiesel that you are using is from a

April 2006

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quality source meeting the ASTM D 6751 specifications. BQ9000 is a quality

certification that certifies biodiesel suppliers that provide quality biodiesel meeting

the ASTM D 6751 specification.

Filter Compatibility

Most fuel filters currently used in petro-diesel applications are compatible with

bio-diesel blends up to B20. Check with your filter manufacturer for verification.

Using High Blends of Biodiesel

Filters that are used in special applications using high blends of biodiesel, those

near B100 or unblended B100, should use solvent resistant sealing materials.

Continued use of standard sealing materials commonly found on most popular

fuel filters may result in deterioration or swelling of the material, which may cause

leaks.

For more information on biodiesel visit

not affiliated with the Filter Manufacturers Council.

For additional information, contact:

Filter Manufacturers Council

P.O. Box 13966

Research Triangle Park, NC 27709-3966

Phone: 919/406-8817 Fax: 919/406-1306

www.filtercouncil.org

Administered by Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association

 

so if you use upwards of B20 you may have to change your filter after the first couple tanks (depending)...then you should be ok for regular filter intervals. and less than b5 no affects on the filter life. the study for lubricity used B2 and it kicked everything elses booty. don't know if anyone has ever done a study on wether or not BD helps improve the BTU properties of ULSD but it sure seems to be a good lube.

can anyone confirm MPG efficiency using B20 or less mixes?

E

 

I use B20 in the summer months, as it is removed fom the pumps from roughly October till April/May and replaced with B5. Here in Mid-Michigan the cold could affect the usability of B20. It usually runs about the same price as petro. maybe a few cents more. I get maybe 1-2mpg better and it is quieter. I have noticed the milage increase is more noticable in city driving than highway driving, and have noticed no noticable difference in power. You can make your own biodiesel for about 75 cent per gal. from what I have read, but depends on getting the waste oil for free. With the popularity of home brewing rising, I can see resturants starting to charge for it. Everyone needs to make a dollar.

 

I am still just mixing wvo in the tank with pump. about 50/50 now.

 

I dont know a whole lot about bio diesel. Right now im stickin to just reg diesel. i have had some people tell me not to use any bio diesel cause it will jack up my truck. but then i hear alot of people that swear by used vegetable oil. any body had any problems with their trucks after runnin bio diesel for awhile?

 

I've been using wvo for about 6 months now, no prob once I got the blend right.

 

what blend did you endup with?

 

Currently 50/50.. when it was colder 2/3 pump, 1/3 wvo

 

I found that 1/3 to 1/2 bottel of power service mixed with the vegi and diesel helps keep it from gelling. did that a week ago, then I did not ad more when the vegi was added. hard time all week with the truck.

my truck was responding well to 1/3 max 1/2 tank vegi to diesel.

oh yea, I need more ps....

 

What's your average temps (day/night) for the 50/50 mix, and what temps do you call "colder?"