What are the potential problems when using SVO blends?
The single biggest issue we have seen relates to blocked fuel filters. Other issues are lube oil dilution, engine coking and fuel pump failure. All these issues are covered in separate FAQ’s below. 1. Filter blockages…? All current diesel biofuels have higher cloud and wax points than mineral diesel, and in winter can lead to filter blockages. Blending with winter grade diesel can significantly lower the cloud point, and our recommended winter grade blends should not cause problems, except in unusually severe conditions when it is advisable to run on pure diesel. We have also had filter blockages resulting from micro-organisms growing in the fuel tank. These may have been present for a long time without causing problems, but have left a black sludge in the fuel tank. As SVO blend is thicker it can help lift this sludge and transport it to the fuel filter. Biofuels are also more biodegradable and can encourage rapid microbial growth in hot weather. We put a strong biocide in our fuel.
