Using Biodiesel

Biodiesel will run in any diesel engine. You do not have to modify the engine or your storage or delivery systems to use biodiesel. Simply add it to your tank like you do petroleum diesel.

Rubber Lines and Seals:

On some older vehicles, inexpensive rubber fuel lines have been known to dissolve with biodiesel. Biodiesel is an excellent solvent, so after using a couple of tanks, check out your lines for swelling. If you see swelling in the lines, replace them with modern synthetic fuel lines. Most European and Japanese models have been biodiesel-ready for 12 - 15 years.

Cold Flow Operation

Biodiesel, like petroleum diesel will cloud, create waxy crystals and gel in cold temperatures. The gel point of biodiesel varies with the type of oil used to produce it. Plants grown in northern climates tend to have a lower gel point than oil grown in southern climes. In cold climates blend 20%-50% petroleum diesel into your biodiesel or add cold flow treatment. In severely cold climates, think about adding tank, line and /or filter heaters.

Splash Blending

Optimally, when you blend biodiesel with petroleum diesel it is best to blend when the fuel is above 40 degrees F. Put the petroleum in the tank first, then pour the biodiesel on top. Since the biodiesel is slightly heavier than the petroleum it will sink and blend. It also works to add petroleum to biodiesel if it is already in your tank. Don't sweat it if you need to add diesel on top of biodiesel. Just driving down the road will blend the fuels.