Letter to the Editor: A Vote for Biodiesel
just read the article about Minnesota’s 2% biodiesel fuel clogging truckers’ fuel filters (Click here for previous coverage.)
Biodiesel has a cleansing effect on fuel tanks and lines and should not be used if filters have not been changed. I recommend changing filters prior to using biodiesel — and again after one tank of fuel has been run through the system. After that, maintenance schedules can proceed regularly.
I’m currently running a B20 blend (20% biodiesel) with No. 2 diesel and an anti-gel additive in temperatures as low as 25 degrees below zero on several stationary generator units and a few off-road vehicles — with no problems to speak of to date.
I suspect that truckers who are having problems would have had problems eventually anyway, particularly in the cold temperatures that are plaguing the nation. Winterized fuel must be used if traveling in colder climates.
I have kept the fact that I am using B20 a secret up until now so individuals in my organization would not find it easy to blame any problems on a new type of fuel. A B2 blend (2% biodiesel) should not cause any problems to speak of. Proper vehicle maintenance is very important and will resolve most issues that arise.
Brad Barker
I>Shop Supervisor
ark City School District
ark City, Utah
This letter appears in the Dec. 19-26 print edition of Transport Topics. Subscribe today.
