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

w w w.w w c l e a n c i t i e s . o r g
 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 Operational impact
Higher cetane No impact, potential for improved engine operation
Higher flashpoint 1: Reduced vapor = marginally safer  
2: Greater resistance to vaporizing = potential for lube oil dilution in some 
applications* 

Lower energy content No operational impact, potential for decreased fuel economy at very high 

blend levels 
(5‐7% energy reduction for B100)

Higher lubricity No impact, potential for improved operation
Lower carbon residue Potential for reduced DPF regeneration, shorter duration regeneration

Lower oxidative stability Biodiesel’s shelf life is similar to diesel (six months to a year without stability 

additives)
More hydroscopic Greater propensity to attract water

Material compatibility Somewhat more reactive to natural rubbers and certain metals. Diminished 

impact in lower level blends
Higher solvency 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
statements
• Fuel quality
– Standards
– Shelf life
– Contamination

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
approvals conditional approval
Blue bird B20 approved all GM & Cummins equipped
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  Additional Notes

Monitoring
Ford B20 approved for 2011+ 6.4 power stroke 2007‐2010  6.7 power stroke ok
(2008‐2010 MY) 
GM B20 approved for 2011+ Duramax LLM engine (MY  Duramax LML engines 
2007‐2010) certified for biodiesel 
(MY 2011+)
Dodge B20 approved for all 2002+  No lube oil dilution concerns 
Cummins engines when using biodiesel