Driving with Biodiesel

Drive a diesel? You can run biodiesel.

That's right, biodiesel can be used in any diesel engine, so fill up today! No engine modifications are necessary to run biodiesel in all current diesel-powered vehicles, but a few preparations are necessary with pre-1990 cars, see below.

Propel B99: cold weather performance to 9 degrees

Propel is setting a new winter standard for B99 biodiesel. Our canola-based biodiesel has a cold filter plug point of 9 degrees Fahrenheit, much lower than soy based biodiesel. Propel recommends blending petroleum diesel if you plan to drive in temps below 10 degrees, just to be cautious.

Average Low Temperatures, December
City of Seattle: 36 degrees
City of North Bend: 34 degrees
Stevens Pass: 20 degrees

You can fuel your vehicle with 100 percent biodiesel (B100) or mix it with regular diesel. Propel offers two biodiesel blends:

• B99 (99.9% biodiesel) provides the greatest benefit to the environment. Why 99.9%? learn more
• Reduces CO2 emissions by 78%
• Zero sulfer and reduced particulate emissions
• Increased lubricity, reduces engine wear
• Freedom to make your own blend- fill with B99 and mix at your leisure with petroleum diesel

• B20 (20% biodiesel, 80% petro-diesel) is the first choice for fleets
• Easy transition for older vehicles
• Reduces CO2 and particulate emissions
• Increased lubricity has your engine running smoother, and extends engine oil life

 

Why do we sell B99?

Blame the IRS! The Federal Government is working towards leveling the playing field by offering incentives to use biodiesel over imported petroleum. To qualify for the penny-per-percent biodiesel tax credit, biodiesel must be blended with petro-diesel. B99 offers the highest biodiesel fuel content for the best price. Propel passes along the tax credit to our customers.

Want to run B99 in an older vehicle?

If you are driving a pre-1990 vehicle, or have over 100,000 miles on your engine, we've prepared a checklist to ensure your biodiesel adoption is informed and hitch-free.

As one of the premier providers of biodiesel in the U.S., Propel has learned a lot about what it takes to switch to and drive with biodiesel. By sharing our knowledge, we hope to offer you assistance when looking to set up your car, find support, compare quality standards, decipher warranty information and communicate with mechanics.

Step 1: Prepare Your Vehicle

If you drive a pre-1990 vehicle with a diesel engine, we suggest you update your hoses and gaskets from the original rubber to Viton®. Biodiesel is a natural cleaning agent and will slowly degrade any natural or nylon hose or gasket.

Many less-informed mechanics, car dealers and fuel station owners don’t know much about biodiesel, yet. As an early-adopter, it is important to connect with knowledgeable service and support. Just locate and screen your local diesel mechanics and only choose those familiar with the benefits and nuances of biodiesel.

Step 2: Make the Switch

To make a smooth transition from diesel to biodiesel, we suggest gradually increasing your biodiesel ratios over time.

Because biodiesel acts as a natural cleaning agent, it will break down the sludge and sediment in your fuel tank left behind by petro-diesel. The higher the miles on your car, the more likely you will have heavy sludge build-up. By gradually increasing biodiesel ratios, the sludge will slowly be cleared away.

We suggest this recipe for the smoothest transition:

1. Two sequential tanks of B20 *
2. Two sequential tanks of B50
3. One tank of B99 or B100
4. Replacing your fuel filter

A more immediate switch to B99 or B100 could cause a plugged fuel filter.

* If your local Propel biodiesel fuel station does not sell blended Propel formulas, simply fill your tank with petro-diesel first and top off with biodiesel – for example: 80% petro-diesel + 20% Propel B100 biodiesel = one tank of B20.

Step 3: Maintain your Ride

For ongoing maintenance and service, we suggest proactive use of additives and continued use of quality biodiesel supported by reputable manufacturers and retailers.

Propel Biofuels sells only the highest quality biodiesel exceeding ASTM specifications. Many (but definitely not all) non-Propel retailers also sell quality biodiesel. Make sure to ask where your biodiesel originates before buying from any biodiesel retailer.

Experienced biodiesel drivers follow these best practices, we recommend you do too:

• Switch your fuel filter about every 10,000 miles.
• Keep a spare fuel filter in your vehicle in case your filter clogs.
• Fuel additives may help your diesel engine run more efficiently. Diesel Kleen and Power Service Diesel 911 promise to remove water from fuel system and extend the life of fuel-filters, fuel injection pumps and fuel injectors.

Mind the Seasons

When nearing freezing temperatures, biodiesel will begin to cloud and crystallize—so you’ll need to adjust your fuel ratios during winter months.

A bit more susceptible to cold temperatures than regular diesel, biodiesel begins to crystallize around 32 to 35 degrees Fahrenheit. The crystals could potentially plug your vehicle’s fuel filter and momentarily stop the flow of fuel.

To compensate for these cold weather changes, just switch your blend! We recommend a 50/50 blend between petro-diesel and biodiesel when temperatures drop below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

Propel is continually working to solve cold weather issues with leading chemist who specialize in biodiesel additives. As soon as science develops improved cold weather additives, you can rest assured that Propel will provide the most effective and proven winter blend biodiesel fuels available to consumers.