Better lubrication than petrodiesel Lubricity results of biodiesel and petrodiesel using industry test methods show a marked improvement in lubricity when biodiesel is added to conventional diesel fuel. Compatibility with engine parts Biodiesel will soften and degrade certain types of elastomers, such as silicone rubber and natural rubber compounds over time. Using high percentage blends can effect fuel system components primarily fuel hoses and fuel pump seals that contain rubber-like polymer compounds incompatible with biodiesel. Manufacturers recommend that natural or butyl rubbers not be allowed to come in contact with pure biodiesel, which will degrade these materials over time. The recent switch to low sulfur diesel fuel has caused many original equipment manufacturers to use components suitable for use with biodiesel.
Cold weather can cloud and even gel any diesel fuel, including biodiesel.
However, 200-proof biodiesel will gel faster than petrodiesel in cold weather operations. Solutions for winter operability with biodiesel are much the same as that for low-sulfur No. 2 diesel, such as blending with No. 1 diesel, use of fuel heaters and storage of the vehicle in or near a building.