FAQs

What is biodiesel?
Biodiesel is a renewable diesel fuel made from vegetable oil. It can be made from virgin oil or waste oil from restaurant fryers. It is refined through a process known as transesterification in which glycerin is removed making the oil less viscous (thinner liquid) and more stable. Biodiesel is non-toxic, biodegradable, has a proven track record of millions of miles worldwide and is available NOW!

What is B100?
100% biodiesel is called B100. It is also known as “neat” biodiesel. 20% biodiesel blended with 80% petroleum diesel is B20. 5% is B5, 50% is B50, etc.

Why use biodiesel?
Biodiesel greatly lowers tailpipe emissions that contribute to global warming, acid rain and many respiratory health problems. Biodiesel makes engines run smoother and last longer. Biodiesel is a plant-based fuel that is grown, processed, shipped and marketed right here at home, adding significantly to the U.S. economy while reducing our dependence on foreign oil.

Will it work in my vehicle?
Biodiesel will work in any DIESEL motor with little or NO modification. This includes engines from generators to cars, trucks, boats, buses and earth movers.

Who else is using it?
Biodiesel use increases every year. In the U.S. it is currently being used by over 400 fleets, numerous municipalities, school district buses, boaters, heavy equipment operators, all branches of the military, National Parks and countless private vehicle owners with great results.

Can it harm my engine?
Biodiesel is actually better for your engine than petroleum diesel. As little as 1% biodiesel added to petro-diesel provides 65% greater lubricity. Biodiesel testing shows less engine wear, which extends engine life. The only problems associated with biodiesel center on biodiesel’s solvent properties and cold weather gelling. Engines built before 1993 are likely to have fuel lines and o-rings that can degrade over time. Early replacement of these items insures trouble free operation. Biodiesel’s solvent properties also loosen deposits left by petro-diesel, which may clog fuel filters.

While many theories exist on when to change filters, my experience has show this varies with the type, age and condition of each vehicle. What seems to be agreed upon by most biodiesel users is to replace filters after the first one or two tanks full of B100 then pay close attention to performance. Whenever you experience a loss of power, check fuel filters for debris being dislodged from the impurities that have accumulated in your fuel tank over the years. In my experience this is the problem about 99% of the time.

I recommend everyone learn how to change filters (it’s pretty simple) and keep extra filters in the vehicle, especially at first. Once all this grime has been removed from your fuel system you’ll experience a better running, longer lasting engine. In a few extreme cases, we have pulled the fuel tank and cleaned it thoroughly to greatly reduce fuel filter replacement.

In the case of B20 and lower blends, fuel tank impurities cycle through fuel filters much slower and pose less urgency concerning filter replacement.

Where can I get biodiesel?
Biodiesel is not available in all areas yet but its availability is growing. There are many more pumps in the Midwest than other areas of the U.S. Biodiesel is becoming available at existing service stations but can often be obtained through farmers, small distributors and coops. The best resource for locating ASTM certified biodiesel in the U.S. is the National Biodiesel Board.
www.biodiesel.org. (Click on “Buying Biodiesel”.)

How much does biodiesel cost?
This depends on several things. It is generally cheaper in the Midwest where soybeans are grown. It also depends on whether the fuel is ASTM certified, produced commercially or homebrewed. If biodiesel is used off-road as in agricultural applications the fuel is exempt from road taxes. In our area of California, certified, tax-paid, road-use biodiesel has fluctuated between $2.85 and $3.50 per gallon. We have managed to keep our price stable very close to $3.00/gal. We are currently retailing at $2.95 as of 9/15/04.


If I’ve been using biodiesel can I still use petroleum diesel
if needed?
YES! Biodiesel can be splash blended in your fuel tank in any proportion with petro-diesel. Some fleets blend their own B20 or buy from distributors pre-blended to keep costs down. Most commuters I am aware of are using B100 but occasionally use a bit of petro-diesel only when they are low on fuel and far from a biodiesel pump.

Do I need to convert my vehicle to use biodiesel?
There is abundant confusion surrounding this question. As stated earlier, any diesel engine will run on biodiesel with little or NO modification. The confusion stems from people hearing about cars being converted to run on straight vegetable oil (SVO). Biodiesel is NOT SVO. Biodiesel has been altered on a molecular level to remove the glycerin from the oil.

SVO conversions involve either replacing fuel injectors with specially made ones or adding additional fuel tanks, filters and heaters to utilize straight vegetable oil. Biodiesel is a cleaner, simpler, more straightforward fuel that is much easier to use. Also neither SVO nor Biodiesel can be used in an internal combustion engine that normally runs on gasoline. You MUST start with a diesel engine.


Will biodiesel void my warranty?
Most engine manufacturers endorse no more than a 5% blend of biodiesel in their engines (though MANY biodieselites are using B100 anyway with wonderful results). The main reason for this stance by original engine manufacturers (OEMs) is the fact that not all biodiesel being sold meets ASTM specs. While OEMs guarantee their engines they can not guarantee fuel. This is up to us as producers, distributors and retailers to ensure that only top quality fuel is sold to consumers.

How does biodiesel effect mileage and performance?
Mileage and performance are very similar between biodiesel and petro (or DINO-diesel). Again tests vary by engine type, condition, load, test method and fuel used. Some show slight decreases, some show slight increases. A School bus district in Michigan recently reported saving over $4000 last year due to lowered maintenance costs and ½ mile per gallon mileage increase.

Is it safe in all climates?
Biodiesel is safe in all climates but not necessarily as B100. This is another instance where biodiesel / dino-diesel blends come into play. Cold weather users often use blends of B20 or lower. Also, block and fuel heaters can help increase biodiesel percentages in colder climates. Winterizing additives are available as well.

Can I make my own?
Yes! Many people are making their own biodiesel from restaurant waste oil. The process is fairly simple but fairly labor intensive and potentially very dangerous. But don’t let my warnings stop you. You just have to use extreme caution. Please call me if you’re interested and I’ll connect you with more information.

How do I really know this fuel is safe?
Please check our website for more information and be sure to visit our extensive links page. If you’re still unconvinced, call me, come see our vehicles, talk to some of our 100% happy customers, then try it yourself! You’ll be glad you did!

Ray Newkirk, president
Pacific Biofuel, Inc

831-457-1328,
rayn@pacfuel.com

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