• The oil change interval can be affected by the use
of biodiesel. Use Services Oil Analysis in order to
monitor the condition of the engine oil. Use
Services Oil Analysis also in order to determine
the oil change interval that is optimum.
• Confirm that biodiesel is acceptable for use with
the manufacturer of the fuel filters.
• In a comparison of distillate fuels to biodiesel,
biodiesel provides less energy per gallon by 5% to
7%. Do NOT change the engine rating in order to
compensate for the power loss. This will help
avoid engine problems when the engine is
converted back to 100 percent distillate diesel fuel.
• The compatibility of the elastomers with biodiesel
is being monitored. The condition of seals and
hoses should be monitored regularly.
• Biodiesel may pose low ambient temperature
problems for both storage and operation. At low
ambient temperatures, fuel may need to be stored
in a heated building or a heated storage tank. The
fuel system may require heated fuel lines, filters,
and tanks. Filters may plug and fuel in the tank
may solidify at low ambient temperatures if
precautions are not taken. Consult your biodiesel
supplier for assistance in the blending and
attainment of the proper cloud point for the fuel.
• Biodiesel has poor oxidation stability, which can
result in long term problems in the storage of
biodiesel. The poor oxidation stability may
accelerate fuel oxidation in the fuel system. This is
especially true in engines with electronic fuel
systems because these engines operate at higher
temperatures. Consult the fuel supplier for
oxidation stability additives.
• Biodiesel is a fuel that can be made from a variety
of feedstock. The feedstock that is used can affect
the performance of the product. Two of the
characteristics of the fuel that are affected are cold
flow and oxidation stability. Contact your fuel
supplier for guidance.
• Biodiesel or biodiesel blends are not
recommended for engines that will operate
occasionally. This is due to poor oxidation stability.
If the user is prepared to accept some risk, then
limit biodiesel to a maximum of B5. Examples of
applications that should limit the use of biodiesel
are the following: Standby Generator sets and
certain emergency vehicles
• Biodiesel is an excellent medium for microbial
contamination and growth. Microbial
contamination and growth can cause corrosion in
the fuel system and premature plugging of the fuel
filter. The use of conventionalanti-microbial
additives and the effectiveness of conventional
anti-microbial additives in biodiesel is not known.
Consult your supplier of fuel and additive for
assistance.
• Care must be taken in order to remove water from
fuel tanks. Water accelerates microbial
contamination and growth. When biodiesel is
compared to distillate fuels, water is naturally
more likely to exist in the biodiesel.
Fuel for Cold Weather Operation
The European standard “EN590” contains climate
dependant requirements and a range of options. The
options can be applied differently in each country.
There are 5 classes that are given to arctic climates
and severe winter climates. 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4.
Fuel that complies with “EN590 ” CLASS 4 can be
used at temperatures as low as −44 °C (−47.2 °F).
Refer to “EN590” for a detailed discretion of the
physical properties of the fuel.
The diesel fuel “ASTM D975 1-D” that is used in the
united states of america may be used in very cold
temperatures that are below −18 °C (−0.4 °F).
In extreme cold ambient conditions, you may also
use fuels that are listed in the table 11 . These fuels
are intended to be used in temperatures that can be
as low as −54 °C (−65.2 °F).
Table 11
Light Distillate Fuels
Specification
Grade
“MIL-T-5624R”
JP-5
“MIL-T-83133D”
JP-8
“ASTM D1655”
Jet-A-1
(1)
The use of these fuels is acceptable with an appropriate fuel
additive and the fuels must meet minimum requirements that
are stated in Table 9 . Fuel samples should be analyzed for the
compliance. Fuels MUST NOT exceed 0.52 mm lubricity wear
scar diameter that is tested on a HFFR . The test must be per-
formed at 60 °C. Refer to “ISO 12156-1”. Fuels must have mini-
mum viscosity of 1.4 centistokes that is delivered to the fuel
injection pump. Fuel cooling may be required in order to main-
tain minimum viscosity of 1.4 centistokes that is delivered to the
fuel injection pump.
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