Diesel engine compatibility with biodiesel Scott DeWees Co-Coordinator Western WA Clean Cities October 29, 2015 A program of the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency wwcleancities.org www.wwcleancities.org
Vehicle compatibility with biodiesel Biodiesel: not the same as diesel Similar combustion properties to petroleum diesel Generally, all commercial diesel engines are compatible with biodiesel Disclaimer: The information within this PowerPoint is specific to commercial diesel vehicles only. It does not cover compatibility information related to passenger diesel vehicles.
How does biodiesel differ from diesel? Biodiesel property Higher cetane Higher flashpoint Lower energy content Higher lubricity Lower carbon residue Operational impact No impact, potential for improved engine operation 1: Reduced vapor = marginally safer 2: Greater resistance to vaporizing = potential for lube oil dilution in some applications* No operational impact, potential for decreased fuel economy at very high blend levels (5 7% energy reduction for B100) No impact, potential for improved operation Potential for reduced DPF regeneration, shorter duration regeneration Lower oxidative stability More hydroscopic Material compatibility Higher solvency Biodiesel s shelf life is similar to diesel (six months to a year without stability additives) Greater propensity to attract water Somewhat more reactive to natural rubbers and certain metals. Diminished impact in lower level blends Will scrub fuel tanks and fuel systems of deposits. Can clog fuel filters after initial switch
Warranty vs. compatibility 85% of current model year diesel vehicles are warranted for use of B20 Fewer warranty statements for Mid-2000 MY vehicles Lack of warranty statement does not mean the vehicle is incompatible Magnusson Moss Act: Warranty cant be voided for unrelated reason
Factors in OEM warranty Fuel quality Standards Shelf life Contamination statements NREL scientist: Audi/VW and Mercedes do not overall approve B20, our understanding based on extensive conversations with them - is that this is because of concerns about biodiesel quality and oxidation stability in the US Consumer demand Knowledge and testing of biodiesel
Diesel vehicles warranted to use biodiesel Blue bird approvals B20 approved all GM & Cummins equipped conditional approval B20 approved for 2007 and newer C13 and C15 only B5 for MY 2007 + C7 and C9 engines CAT B20 approved for all pre 2006 Dodge B20 approved for all 2013+ B20 approved for fleet use in pre 2013 Cummins B20 approved for all MY 2002+ Detroit B20 approved for MY 2004+ DD series 60 B5 approved for DD13,DD15,DD16 & MBE 900/4,000 Ford B20 approved for MY 2011 + 6.7 B5 approved for all pre 2010 GM B20 approved for all 2007+ MY Hino B20 approved for 2011+ MY Navistar B20 approved for all 2007+ MY Isuzu B20 approved, contact warranty provider prior to use John Deere B20 approved for all John deere PACCAR B5 approved for all Paccar engines Thomas B20 approved for all Cummins equipped busses Toro B20 approved for 2008+ Grounds master, Greensmaster, Workman, Multi Pro, and Zmaster products Volvo B20 approved in all engines Yanmar B20 approved all products
What could cause a vehicle to be incompatible with biodiesel? All vehicles are technically compatible with biodiesel, however certain vehicles could have additional considerations when using biodiesel but, biodiesel fuel properties can render some applications ill-advised EX: emergency power generation
WWCCC Recommendation: Focus vehicles in switching to biodiesel 1: Pre 1997 diesel equipment: Monitor for rubber degradation in fuel system 2: 2007-2010 light duty diesel trucks: Monitor for lube oil dilution OEM Warranty Statements Engines Requiring Additional Monitoring Ford B20 approved for 2011+ 6.4 power stroke 2007 2010 (2008 2010 MY) GM B20 approved for 2011+ Duramax LLM engine (MY 2007 2010) Dodge B20 approved for all 2002+ Cummins engines No lube oil dilution concerns when using biodiesel Additional Notes 6.7 power stroke ok Duramax LML engines certified for biodiesel (MY 2011+)