About Biodiesel - Cold Weather Warning
Biofuel Blends: Cold Weather Operations Notice
Notice - Please be aware that extremely cold temperatures can cause the following problems with diesel powered equipment.
Symptons
- Loss of power due to fuel filter plugging
- Engine hard to start
- Engine will not start
Why does this happen? - Diesel (and biodiesel) contain a mixture of chemicals that freeze at low temperatures. The temperature at which the first fuel crystals appear is called the cloud point (CP). The temperature at which the fuel stops flowing is called the pour point (PP). We measure these properties of our fuel along with the cold filter plug point (CFPP). The CFPP is the temperature at which the fuel is most likely to cause fuel filter plugging. Our latest test data shows that our fuel performs as follows:
| Fuel Type |
CP |
CFPP |
PP |
| B5 |
+ 8.6 °F |
+ 1.4 °F |
- 31 °F |
| B20 |
+ 14 °F |
+ 6.8 °F |
- 5.8 °F |
| B99 |
+ 35 °F |
n/a |
+ 30 °F |
* Note these temperatures are typical and can vary by a few degrees
What we do
- We monitor and report the properties of our fuel as accurately as we can.
- We test fuel additives to find the ones that insure the best possible cold weather performance for each given blend type. Typically fuel additives are used for cold weather performance between October and April or as the weather requires.
- We try to educate our customers about best practices for cold weather diesel equipment operation.
What you can do
- If at all possible park equipment indoors or under shelter at night when temperatures are coldest.
- If you have a block heater (many diesels do) plug it in when you vehicle is going to be parked for extended periods in cold weather.
- Let your diesel warm up for a few minutes in the morning before starting out. Engine heat will warm the fuel as it goes through the circulation pump.
- Consider adding an aftermarket fuel heater system such as those sold by Arctic Fox (www.arctic-fox.com). We can make suggestions about what works based on our own experience.
- If you experience any of the symptoms above, the best cure is to allow the fuel to re-warm. Once the temperature goes back above the CP the vehicle will operate normally again.
- In case of a roadside problem, changing the fuel filter or adding a one-time fuel additive such as PowerService Diesel 9-1-1 (www.powerservice.com/d911) can sometimes get you back on the road without calling a tow truck.
- In case of extreme cold, it may be necessary to switch to a lower blend of biodiesel or blend containing a higher percentage of kerosene (also known as D1).