Biodiesel Fuel Requirements

Biodiesel blends up to 5% meeting ASTM D975 specification are recommended for use in your diesel engine. If operating frequently with biodiesel blends, blends from 6% to 20% (B6–B20) are preferred, and the maintenance schedule may need to be shortened.

Oil and filter change, together with fuel filter replacement, must be performed at shorter intervals when operating the engine on biodiesel above 5%. Do not use biodiesel above 20%.

It is important that you understand and follow these requirements when regularly using biodiesel blends from 6% to 20% (B6–B20).

Biodiesel is a fuel produced from renewable resources, typically derived from animal fats, rapeseed oil (rapeseed methyl ester (RME) base) or soybean oil (soybean methyl ester (SME or SOME) base).

Biodiesel fuel has inherent limitations that require you to understand and follow the following requirements if you use biodiesel blends from 6% to 20% (B6–B20). There are no unique limitations for use of B5.

Biodiesel fuel properties – low ambient temperatures

Biodiesel fuel may gel or solidify at low ambient temperatures, which can create problems for both storage and operation. Precautions may be necessary in low ambient temperatures, such as storing fuel in a heated building or heated storage tank, or using a cold weather additive.

Fuel quality – must meet ASTM standards

Biodiesel fuel quality can vary significantly. Only fuel produced by a BQ-9000 supplier that meets the following specifications may be blended to meet B6 – B20 biodiesel blend fuel specification ASTM D-7467:

• Petroleum diesel fuel meeting ASTM D-975 and biodiesel fuel (B100) meeting ASTM D-6751 specification

Fuel oxidation stability – fuel must be used within six months of production

Biodiesel fuel has poor oxidation stability, which can cause problems during long-term storage. Fuel produced to approved ASTM standards, if stored correctly, provides protection against fuel oxidation for up to six months.

Fuel water separation – Mopar® approved fuel filter elements must be used

Biodiesel fuel has a natural affinity for water, and water promotes microbial growth. Your Mopar® filtration system is designed to provide sufficient fuel and water separation capability.

Fuel dilution of engine oil – required oil change interval must be observed

Fuel dilution of lubricating oil has been observed when using biodiesel fuel. Fuel in the oil must not exceed 5%. To ensure this limit is not exceeded, the oil change interval must be observed according to the recommended schedule. Regular use of biodiesel blends from 6% to 20% requires intervals shorter than the specified 10,000 miles (16,000 km) and must not exceed the recommended schedule. When regularly operating on biodiesel blends from 6% to 20%, oil and oil filter change intervals must not exceed 8,000 miles (12,875 km) or six months, whichever occurs first.

Biodiesel fuel filter replacement intervals

Use of biodiesel requires more frequent fuel filter replacement intervals. When operating on biodiesel blends from 6% to 20%, fuel filter replacement intervals must be every second oil change and must not exceed 16,000 miles (25,750 km).

NOTE:

Under no circumstances may oil change intervals exceed 8,000 miles (12,875 km) or 6 months when regularly operating on biodiesel blends from 6% to 20%. Under no circumstances may fuel filter replacement intervals exceed every second oil change, and must not exceed 16,000 miles (25,750 km) when regularly operating on biodiesel blends from 6% to 20%. Failure to comply with these oil and fuel filter change requirements for vehicles operating on biodiesel blends up to B20 may result in premature engine wear. Such wear is not covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty. The engine may be severely damaged when operating with biodiesel concentrations above 20%.