Today, more than ever, we are paying attention to car emissions and their effects. Numerous improvements are implemented, and additional cleaner fuels are in use. Diesel cars are known as bigger polluters when compared to gasoline ones. There comes biodiesel to give diesel oil something new.
But can you run biodiesel in a Duramax truck? Yes, without any problems. GM officially announced that Duramax engines could use B20 biodiesel fuel. This fuel is made of 80 percent ultra-low sulfur diesel and 20 percent biodiesel. This blend of biodiesel reduces carbon dioxide emissions by around 15 percent.
Of course, there are a lot of myths regarding the use of biodiesel. The traditional diesel engine is, in most cases, biodiesel compatible. Stay with us; you will learn everything about biodiesel and whether you use it in your truck.
What Is Biodiesel?
Biodiesel is a renewable, clean-burning diesel replacement. It is made of a mix of modified vegetable oil and diesel. Its production is on the rise. In 2005. 25 million gallons of biodiesel was produced. That number increased to 1,7 billion gallons in 2013.
It is essential to know that pure biodiesel is rarely used. It is usually mixed. Today, biodiesel is blended with regular diesel in the US. Around 5 percent of diesel fuel is biodiesel. That biodiesel is marked as a B5. There is also a B20 blend of 20 percent biodiesel and 80 percent petroleum.
The main sources for the production of biodiesel are:
- Soybean oil
- The oil used in restaurants for cooking
- Algae
- Canola
- Animal fat.
The cost of biodiesel production is almost the same as for petroleum production. Policies on the federal level allowed and helped the price of biodiesel to be competitive.
Check Out What are Biofuels and Where are They Going?:
What Would Happen If You Put Biodiesel in A Duramax?
The feedback from the drivers was most welcoming and positive. But, depending on the weather, you should choose biodiesel blends. The B5 blend is always recommended, even for use in colder weather. On the other side, the B20 blend has some issues with temperatures below 32 °F. There were reports of gelling and freezing of the system and even fuel filter plugging.
Using B20 in hotter climates also caused problems. There were reports of engine stalling, poor starting, and even damage to the fuel injection system.
So, using biodiesel in regular weather conditions, even in older Duramax engines like the LBZ is recommended. Even Heavy-Duty diesel engines performed well with biodiesel.
Big Environmental Advantages
According to several studies, biodiesel offers significant environmental advantages compared to traditional diesel fuel. From different studies, it is concluded that biodiesel emits 10 to 15 percent less carbon monoxide emissions. Also, reducing 10 percent in particulate matter is not a small thing.
Other Factors To Consideration
The biggest issue with regular diesel is its polluting factor. Biodiesel is made to recycle several natural ingredients and to find a second use. It is showing promising results, and using it is the future for clean diesel vehicles. The power and consumption of fuel are similar to regular diesel fuel, so there are no real downsides to using biodiesel.
Making the Switch
Most of the diesel in the US already has a small percentage of biodiesel blended in. So, you are probably in your current diesel engine, already using biodiesel. It is always recommended to use additives for diesel fuel in all Duramax engines. This recommendation remains for using biodiesel. You can talk with the diesel engine specialist about any possible risks.
FAQs
Can You Run a Diesel Engine on Biodiesel?
Yes, you can. Most diesel fuels are already mixed with biodiesel, making a blend.
Is it possible that an LBZ Duramax run on biodiesel
Yes, the LBZ can run with biodiesel. It is reported that the B20 doesn’t have the power as the D2. On the other hand, drivers reported higher mileage than regular diesel. Also, there may be a problem with the fuel filter clogging. The biodiesel usually clears any junk and residue from the tank and fuel lines. That can cause a blockage.
When you change the fuel filter, you may need to clear its error warning.
Is biodiesel safe with all diesel engines?
All diesel engines can operate with biodiesel. The only issue is that some manufacturers are not recommending diesel with 20 percent or more biodiesel on their original components. Before using these blends of biodiesel, check the manual and the warranty. It can contain important information on the topic.
Does biodiesel damage injectors?
It can happen depending on the percentage of biodiesel and the climate. You should watch out in harsh winters if you use a rich biodiesel fuel containing 20 percent or more biodiesel. Diesel with more than 20 percent biodiesel inside is not recommended for use in frigid weather. That can cause damage to the fuel injectors.
Does biodiesel clog engines
There are reports that the B20 blend can cause problems with gelling and freezing of the system. This is reported on freezing temperatures. When the temperatures are low, it is recommended to use a B5 blend of biodiesel.
Which engine Cannot use biodiesel?
There are no reported trucks or car engines that cannot use biodiesel. B5 diesel can even be used for tractors, trucks, boats, and electrical generators. The B5 blend is designed to form the start to be applied in engines that use petroleum-based diesel fuel.
Is biodiesel B20 the same as regular diesel
No, it is not. It is a blend that contains 20 percent biodiesel. It is recommended for use by most manufacturers in all their diesel engines. Before you decide to use B20, check the warranty and see if the B20 is approved.
Final Considerations
Biodiesel has been on the rise in the last 15 years. It is a cleaner alternative to regular diesel and is made of recycled natural products. Using biodiesel will help to protect the environment but will not harm the engine performance.
Different blends of biodiesel show how much biodiesel is mixed with regular diesel. The B5 biodiesel is recommended for everyday use in all diesel engines. If you decide to use a B20 blend, be careful if you live in a colder climate.
In every case, biodiesel development and further improvement will allow all diesel car users to have a cleaner alternative.
