With global concerns reaching an all-time high in regards to the inevitable scarcity of fossil fuels, people all over the world are looking to new forms of fuel to power their rides. Among the most popular is the ever-so-earth-friendly biodiesel. Biodiesel is made from vegetable oil and is a clean-burning alternative to regular diesel. It’s approved by the EPA and can run in most diesel engines with little or no modifications at all. According to Biodiesel.org, biodiesel is less toxic than table salt, and it decomposes faster than sugar! Wow!
So why should we all switch to biodiesel (assuming that we all drive cars with diesel engines)? Well first off, we can produce biodiesel right here on U.S. soil, so no more foreign oil dependency. Also, because we can make the fuel from vegetable oil, this creates more business for our farmers. This all sounds great right? So why hasn’t this caught on?
Unfortunately, with every good thing comes a “but”. The “but” with biodiesel is that it is very hard on diesel engines. First off, it can corrode and plug fuel lines because of how easily is biodegrades and solidifies at lower temperatures, making long-term storage out of the questions. Also, it can degrade the engine lubricant, creating sludge. Probably the biggest drawback is the loss in power, which is about 11%. So my guess is right about now you’re saying, “Heck no I ain’t putting that crap in my truck!” Not so fast!
What you’ll find at the gas station is NOT 100% biodiesel, which all of the above drawbacks occur within. The EPA has approved such blends as B5 for safety in diesel engines, with minimal ill-effects. But the compromise is that you’re burning 95% petroleum diesel and only 5% biodiesel.
I’m not an expert, but it sounds like a solution would be to invent an engine that can handle, lubricate, combust at full-power, and sit for more than a week with 100% biodiesel in its guts. If such a truck/car were built, then maybe we could start a revolution…
In the meantime, I suppose B5 is a step in the right direction. Every little bit helps!
Why do we have such a passion for these old clunkers? Perhaps it’s the challenge of making them gorgeous again–the pain-staking hours of sanding, painting, buffing, polishing, welding, and searching. Indeed, who doesn’t love the hunt for that ‘28 Ford Model A OEM headlight? Of course, there is no greater satisfaction than completing your restoration/rebuild, and taking the beauty out on her maiden voyage. Ultimately, I suppose it’s the drive that makes it all worth it–the flow of the exhaust as one presses the accelerator ever-so-intently downward, leaving nothing behind but the sweet smell of victory and hard work.
Welcome to My Car Blogs! This blog is dedicated to blogging about everything from custom auto parts to vintage restorations. Our goal is to provide a space where you can share your ideas, talk about your projects, and most of all–talk about your cars!