This document is printed from SPI². Not for RESALE
56
SEBU8311-02
Maintenance Section
Re
fi
ll Capacities
•
The oil change interval can be affected by the use
of biodiesel. Use Services Oil Analysis in order
to monitor the condition of the engine oil. Use
Services Oil Analysis also in order to determine the
oil change interval that is optimum.
•
Con
fi
rm that biodiesel is acceptable for use with
the manufacturer of the fuel
fi
lters.
•
In a comparison of distillate fuels to biodiesel,
biodiesel provides less energy per gallon by 5% to
7%. Do NOT change the engine rating in order to
compensate for the power loss. This will help avoid
engine problems when the engine is converted
back to 100 percent distillate diesel fuel.
•
The compatibility of the elastomers with biodiesel
is being monitored. The condition of seals and
hoses should be monitored regularly.
•
Biodiesel may pose low ambient temperature
problems for both storage and operation. At low
ambient temperatures, fuel may need to be stored
in a heated building or a heated storage tank. The
fuel system may require heated fuel lines,
fi
lters,
and tanks. Filters may plug and fuel in the tank may
solidify at low ambient temperatures if precautions
are not taken. Consult your biodiesel supplier for
assistance in the blending and attainment of the
proper cloud point for the fuel.
•
Biodiesel has poor oxidation stability, which
can result in long term problems in the storage
of biodiesel. The poor oxidation stability may
accelerate fuel oxidation in the fuel system.
This is especially true in engines with electronic
fuel systems because these engines operate at
higher temperatures. Consult the fuel supplier for
oxidation stability additives.
•
Biodiesel is a fuel that can be made from a variety
of feedstock. The feedstock that is used can
affect the performance of the product. Two of the
characteristics of the fuel that are affected are
cold
fl
ow and oxidation stability. Contact your fuel
supplier for guidance.
•
Biodiesel or biodiesel blends are not recommended
for engines that will operate occasionally. This
is due to poor oxidation stability. If the user is
prepared to accept some risk, then limit biodiesel
to a maximum of B5. Examples of applications that
should limit the use of biodiesel are the following:
Standby Generator sets and certain emergency
vehicles
•
Biodiesel is an excellent medium for microbial
contamination and growth. Microbial contamination
and growth can cause corrosion in the fuel system
and premature plugging of the fuel
fi
lter. The
use of conventionalanti-microbial additives and
the effectiveness of conventional anti-microbial
additives in biodiesel is not known. Consult your
supplier of fuel and additive for assistance.
•
Care must be taken in order to remove water
from fuel tanks. Water accelerates microbial
contamination and growth. When biodiesel is
compared to distillate fuels, water is naturally more
likely to exist in the biodiesel.
Fuel for Cold Weather Operation
The European standard “EN590” contains climate
dependant requirements and a range of options. The
options can be applied differently in each country.
There are 5 classes that are given to arctic climates
and severe winter climates. 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4.
Fuel that complies with “EN590” CLASS 4 can be
used at temperatures as low as
−
44 °C (
−
47.2 °F).
Refer to “EN590” for a detailed discretion of the
physical properties of the fuel.
The diesel fuel “ASTM D975 Grade 1-D S15 or S500”
that is used in the united states of america may be
used in very cold temperatures that are below
−
18 °C
(
−
0.4 °F).
In extreme cold ambient conditions, you may also
use fuels that are listed in the table 40. These fuels
are intended to be used in temperatures that can be
as low as
−
54 °C (
−
65.2 °F).
Table 40
Light Distillate Fuels
(1)
Speci
fi
cation
Grade
“MIL-DTL-5624U”
JP-5
“MIL-DTL-83133E”
JP-8
“ASTM D1655”
Jet-A-1
(1)
The use of these fuels is acceptable with an appropriate fuel
additive and the fuels must meet minimum requirements that
are stated in Tables 36, 37 and 38 . Fuel samples should be
analyzed for the compliance. Fuels MUST NOT exceed 0.46
mm lubricity wear scar diameter that is tested on a HFFR .
The test must be performed at 60 °C. Refer to “ISO 12156-1”.
Fuels must have minimum viscosity of 1.4 centistokes that
is delivered to the fuel injection pump. Fuel cooling may
be required in order to maintain minimum viscosity of 1.4
centistokes that is delivered to the fuel injection pump.