Are there any adverse effects to the engine from using biodiesel?
No. Not to the engine itself. In fact, studies at the University of Missouri and others show that biodiesel is more lubricating to the engine and therefore can help to prolong engine life. Biodiesel contains trace amounts of methanol alcohol and will, over time, degrade any rubber parts that it comes in contact with. That means that the fuel hose that carries fuel from the fuel door to the fuel tank and the fuel hose that carries fuel from the tank to engine will need to be replaced earlier than usual. Any rubber diaphragms, seals, or parts in the fuel pump are also susceptible to higher wear. The good news is that after 25,000 actual road miles using biodiesel, we have not had to replace any rubber fuel-related parts and according to some of the mechanics who have looked at our van’s engine, “It runs smoother than other LeSharos”. 38. What do they do with this used cooking oil now? Over 3 billion gallons of used cooking oil is produced in the US alone each year. Much of this ends up i
