Black plate (23,1)
Chevrolet/GMC DURAMAX Diesel Supplement - 2013 - crc - 8/10/12
Driving and Operating
9-23
We neither encourage nor
discourage the use of biodiesel
blends for vehicles. As a renewable
fuel, biodiesel provides some
environmental benefits. However,
biodiesel has unique properties and
needs to be handled differently than
diesel fuel. Its use presents
additional risks and may not be
appropriate in all situations. Certain
vehicle operating modes increase
these risks and should be avoided.
Read further to determine if your
driving habits are compatible with
the use of biodiesel.
.
Biodiesel fuel quality degrades
with time and exposure to high
temperature much more quickly
than conventional diesel fuel.
More frequent refueling provides
the best opportunity to have a
supply of fresh fuel.
Owners who have very low fuel
usage or who have vehicles
stored for extended periods of
time should avoid the use of
biodiesel. Storage at hot ambient
temperatures will accelerate
biodiesel degradation.
When vehicles will be stored for
extended periods of time
(greater than one month), they
should be run out of biodiesel to
below one-quarter tank, refueled
with conventional Ultra Low
Sulfur Diesel fuel, and driven
several miles before storage.
.
Biodiesel gels sooner than
conventional diesel fuel at cold
temperature, and biodiesel fuel
requires proper blending for
winter time operation.
Fuels improperly blended for
cold temperature operation may
result in restricted fuel filters and
degraded vehicle performance.
Your vehicle is equipped with a
fuel heating system to provide a
level of protection against filter
plugging from gelling (waxing) of
conventional diesel fuel and
biodiesel blends. However, the
system will not prevent all cases
of plugged filters if the operating
temperature is far below the
temperature at which gelling or
waxing of the fuel occurs (cloud
point).
Use of biodiesel blends greater
than B5 (5% blend) should be
avoided in cold temperatures.
.
Vehicles operated for extended
periods of time on conventional
diesel fuel and then switched to
biodiesel blends may experience
premature fuel filter clogging and
require more frequent fuel filter
service.
