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While biofuels are great, I'd be offering only one side to the story if we did not admit to its weaknesses. Here are the potentially negative facts of biodiesel that you will need to know in order to make an educated decision on whether it's right for you.
What's Wrong with Biofuels?
- First generation biodiesels may increase poverty by raising food prices
This is a common case brought against biofuels which are derived from such food crops as soybeans or corn. The belief is that one day, especially in developing nations, the crops that are currently being sold for human and animal consumption, would be sold for biofuel production. This could subsequently cause a food shortage, which could also drive the price of food up substantially. - Change fuel filters more often
Since the composition of biodiesel is partially a solvent, some vehicles may experience substantial clogging in their fuel filters due to the dislodged particles that will accumulate. What happens is the biofuel essentially cleans the path that the old fuel has traveled, essentially leaving fragments in the fuel line that can lead to a blockage or malfunctioning fuel pump. Diesel vehicles prior to 1992 are especially prone to this. The best way to combat this problem is to check with your manufacturer on their recommended biofuel blend. Then make sure that you change the fuel pump and fuel filters shortly after switching to a high-concentration of biodiesel. - Biodiesel has been known to breakdown rubber components in engine as well as cause other mechanical failures
This refers to a diesel vehicles fuel lines and fuel pump seals in older vehicles mostly. This is where a retrofit kit, such as a Greasecar system may come in handy, especially when using SVO. - In some engines, there can be a slight decrease in fuel economy and/or power
On average, when switching to a biofuel blend you should expect about a 10 percent reduction in available power. It has been said that approximately 1.1 gallons of biodiesel equals 1 gallon of conventional diesel, which should give you an idea of how little your fuel economy will be effected in the long run. - Blends of 5% biodiesel and over may not flow properly during the cold winter months
Without a heated fuel line, biodiesel may not flow well enough to reach the engine's combustion chamber. This is why most retrofit kits designed for high concentration blends will include a heated fuel line, such as the one mentioned in fact #22. - The recommended shelf life of biodiesel is only 6 months
Conventional diesel is about six months as well, but when you are manufacturing this stuff yourself in advance, you certainly don't want to waste any due to it being out of date.
More on biodiesel
Biodiesel: Planet Green
G Word Video: DIY Biodiesel Fuel
Locally-Sourced Waste Grease Biodiesel: The New San Francisco Treat?
India's Infrastructure Forcing Some Biodiesel Producers to Sell Fuel Abroad
Myanmar, Japan to Cooperate on Jatropha Biodiesel Production
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