Excellent Ideas For Putting Aside Biodiesel Myths
Biodiesel is still relatively unknown, and due to this lack of education many myths, inconsistencies and “old wives tales” have emerged. It’s important to understand that biodiesel is not an experimental fuel, the subject of inconsistencies or likely to lead to failure or damage to your engine, and we should remember that biodiesel fuel has been around for over 80 years since it was first revealed.
Independent studies show that biodiesel performs equally as well as petro diesel, yet represents a significant benefit to both the health of the population and the environment as a whole. A large number of tests have taken place and they all point to the same thing. US Departments of Energy, Agriculture and the EPA have all analysed, tested and returned positive feedback.
The Clean Air Act, signed in 1990, has recently been the subject of some publicity, as the EPA, using powers vested in the body by the Act, has deemed greenhouse gases to be a hazard to human health. We are now likely to see big consequences for traditional energy sources and fuels and those that emit high levels of carbon. We should know that biodiesel is the only alternative fuel to qualify and pass under the auspices of the Clean Air Act.
Performance related tests have been conducted over more than 50,000,000 miles and have shown that biodiesel is comparable to petro diesel in all types of diesel engined vehicles. It must be noted that biodiesel can be used in regular diesel engines with no modification whatsoever. It can either be used neat or blended with regular diesel. Biodiesel gives better lubricity and can result in longer life and less wear within the engine.
In terms of pure energy performance, this product scores highest among any alternative fuels currently available.
For those who live in colder climes, in the northern parts of the United States or Canada, for example, cold weather is a big consideration. Biodiesel will also react to those cold extremes that can cause issues with conventional diesel engines, but the same preparation methods should be used when cold weather threatens, with no additional considerations. As normal, fuel heating or indoor storage are recommended.
Some people believe that biodiesel can cause filtration problems, but this is only likely when the fuel is first added to a regular diesel engine. As biodiesel is a solvent, it may help to dislodge deposits which exist in pipes or on tank walls. Consequently, the fuel filter should be replaced the first-time biodiesel is used and there should be no issues from then on.
Even though making biodiesel is a little bit more expensive than purchasing conventional fuel, there is definitely a worthwhile increase in fuel quality and overall performance. You can expect longer engine life as a consequence. As you increase the blend of biodiesel, carbon emissions are reduced more and more. If proper precautions are taken when making homemade biodiesel, the fuel can represent a great way to reduce the all-important carbon footprint. Take the leap, and make a change for the better by helping the environment, for this generation, and for all the generations that follow!