Alternative Fuels: Bio Diesel

If you have a diesel engine vehicle you may have considered using biodiesel fuel. Here is some great information to help get you started.

What is Biodiesel?
Biodiesel is a fuel made from vegetable oil. Usually soy or canola oil is used. A chemical process called "transesterification" is used to separate the glycerin from the fats. The chemical name for biodiesel is methyl ester. You can use either 100% biodiesel, or any percentage of biodiesel combined with traditional diesel fuel.

Why Should I Use Biodiesel?
There are many benefits to switching from traditional diesel to biodiesel. Biodiesel helps our economy by keeping jobs here in the U.S. Using biodiesel also reduces our dependency on foreign oil and therefore foreign governments. Biodiesel reduces engine wear. Biodiesel runs smoother and produces less smoke. Biodiesel is a sustainable, 100% renewable resource.

How Can I Start Using Biodiesel?
If you have a diesel engine vehicle, you are almost there. If your vehicle is older than mid-1990's, you may need to have your fuel lines replaced as older ones may contain certain types of rubber that biodiesel may corrode. If you have a newer than mid-1990's you should be able to use biodiesel with no modifications whatsoever.

What Changes Will I Notice?
If you have an older vehicle, you may find that the cleaning effects of biodiesel will actually clean your fuel injectors and fuel lines. This may cause your fuel filter to become clogged. Normally, this is not a good thing. But in this case your engine is actually getting cleaner. Just be sure to check for this with your first few tanks. Depending on your biodiesel source, your emissions may also smell like french fries or other foods.

Where Can I Get Biodiesel?
Although there are hundreds of biodiesel refueling stations across the country, it is still not yet considered "widely available" commercially. Many biodiesel users create their own home brew using leftover fryer oil from local restaurants. Please check the resources listed with this article to discover the best option for you. Remember, you cannot use straight vegetable oil as it does not meet emissions standards in the U.S. Use this link to view a national biodiesel station map: http://www.biodiesel.org/buyingbiodiesel/retailfuelingsites/default.shtm

What Else Do I Need to Know?
Because biodiesel has a higher "gel factor" than regular diesel, those living in colder climates may want to consider adding kerosene in winter time. Please see http://www.biodieselnow.com/default.aspx for details.

Also, one type of emissions (NOx) is actually about 15% higher with biodiesel than traditional diesel. However, greenhouse gases are reduced as are all other emissions. Biodiesel is also non-toxic and 100% biodegradable so there are far fewer hazards in transporting it. Diesel vehicle engines are not the only use for biodiesel. You can also use it in any other diesel engine such as in generators and other equipment.