Does biodiesel have any materials compatibility issues?
B100 Biodiesel is not compatible with certain hoses and gaskets because it can degrade certain types of rubber compounds, causing leaks or total inoperability. Likewise, B100 may over time permeate some types of plastics such as polyethylene or polypropylene. Older vehicles manufactured before 1993 are more likely to contain seals, gaskets, etc. that will be affected by B100 over long periods of time. B100 is also not compatible with some metals (i.e. brass, bronze, galvanized metal surfaces), which can result in the formation of high levels of sediment. B20 or lower biodiesel blends minimize most issues associated with material compatibility. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, “Experience over the last 10 years with B20 indicates compatibility with all existing elastomers in diesel fuel systems, even those that are sensitive to higher blends [of biodiesel] such as nitrile rubber.” Learn more about Biodiesel Usage Guidelines in our Introduction to Biodiesel.
