Como Hacer Biodiesel > Rubber hose changes and fuel filter changes:

Biodiesel can be used in pure form (B100) or may be blended with petroleum diesel at any concentration in most modern diesel engines. Biodiesel's higher lubricity index compared to petrodiesel is an advantage and can contribute to longer fuel injector life. Other advantages you may notice are that the engine noise goes down, and starting may be easier. These effects increase as the percentage of biodiesel used increases per gallon of fuel. Biodiesel helps your engine run cleaner and helps your oil stay cleaner as well.

However, there are two important maintenance tasks you need to be aware of when switching to biodiesel from petroleum based diesel. These are: 1) the possible need to change fuel lines, and 2) the need for additional fuel filter changes.

Fuel Lines

Biodiesel will degrade natural rubber gaskets and hoses in vehicles (mostly found in vehicles manufactured before 1992). This process will typically happen over time – you will notice a gradual softening of the hoses, for example, rather than a sudden break in the lines. But they will eventually fail, so you do want to change them as soon as practical if you are planning on switching to biodiesel. Viton hoses are typically recommended as being compatible with biodiesel. If you have a pre-1992 vehicle, check your filter lines and gaskets before changing, as they may have already been replaced with more modern materials, such as Viton. Diesel engine vehicles made after 1992 usually are 100% compatible with biodiesel. If in doubt, check with the engine manufacturer.

Fuel Filter Changes

Biodiesel is a better solvent than petrodiesel and has been known to break down deposits of residue in the fuel system (fuel tank, fuel lines, and fuel delivery components in the engine) of vehicles that have previously been run on petroleum diesel. After a transition to pure biodiesel or a biodiesel blend, fuel filters may become clogged with old fuel system deposits from This is because biodiesel has solvent properties, and actually “cleans” the fuel system as it is being used. It is, therefore, recommended to change the fuel filter within 600-800 miles after first switching to biodiesel.

References:

Wikipedia Biodiesel Article, accessed July 10, 2006