SEBU8325-01 47
Maintenance Section
Refill Capacities
Biodiesel blen
ds are denoted as “BXX” with “XX”
representing the content of neat biodiesel contained
in the blend with mineral diesel fuel (for example B5,
B10, B20).
In United States Biodiesel blends of B6 to B20 must
meet the requ
irements listed in the latest edition of
“ASTM D7467” (B6 to B20) and must be of an API
gravity of 30-45.
In North America biodiesel and biodiesel blends
must be purchased from the BQ-9000 accredited
producers a
nd BQ-9000 certified distributors.
In other areas of the world, the use of biodiesel
that is BQ-
9000 accredited and certified, or that is
accredited and certified by a comparable biodiesel
quality body to meet similar biodiesel quality
standards
is required.
Engine Service Requirements with B20
Aggressive properties of biodiesel fuel may cause
debris in the fuel tank and fuel lines. The aggressive
properti
es of biodiesel will clean the fuel tank
and fuel lines. This cleaning of the fuel system
can prematurely block of the fuel filters. Perkins
recomme
nds that after the initial usage of B20
biodiesel blended fuel the fuel filters must be replaced
at 50 hours.
Glycerides present in biodiesel fuel will also cause
fuel filters to become blocked more quickly. Therefore
the reg
ular service interval should be reduced to 250
hours.
When b
iodiesel fuel is used, crank case oil and
aftertreatment systems may be influenced. This
influence is due to the chemical composition and
chara
cteristics of biodiesel fuel, such as density and
volatility, and to chemical contaminants that can be
present in this fuel, such as alkali and alkaline metals
(sod
ium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium).
•
Crankcase oil fuel dilution can be higher when
biod
iesel or biodiesel blends are used. This
increased level of fuel dilution when using biodiesel
or biodiesel blends is related to the typically
low
er volatility of biodiesel. In-cylinder emissions
control strategies utilized in many of the industrial
latest engine designs may lead to a higher level
of b
iodiesel concentration in the engine oil pan.
The long-term effect of biodiesel concentration in
crankcase oil is currently unknown.
•
Perkins recommends the use of oil analysis in order
to check the quality of the engine oil if biodiesel
fu
el is used. Ensure that the level of biodiesel in
the fuel is noted when the oil sample is taken.
Performance Re
lated Issues with B20
Due to the lower energy content than the standard
distillate fu
el B20 will cause a power loss in order
of 2 to 4 percent. In addition, over time the power
may deteriorate further due to deposits in the fuel
injectors.
Biodiesel and biodiesel blends are known to cause
an increase
in fuel system deposits, most significant
of which are deposits within the fuel injector. These
deposits can cause a loss in power due to restricted
or modified f
uel injection or cause other functional
issues associated with these deposits.
Note: Perk
ins T400012 Fuel Cleaner is most
effective in cleaning and preventing the formation
of deposits. Perkins Diesel Fuel Conditioner helps
to limit de
posit issues by improving the stability of
biodiesel and biodiesel blends. Refer to “Perkins
Diesel Fuel System Cleaner” for more information.
General Requi rements
Biodiese
l has poor oxidation stability, which can result
in long-term problems in the storage of biodiesel.
Biodiesel fuel should be used within 6 months of
manufac
ture. Equipment should not be stored with
the B20 biodiesel blends in the fuel system for longer
than 3 months.
Due to poor oxidation stability and other potential
issues, it is strongly recommended that engines with
limite
d operational time either not use B20 biodiesel
blends or, while accepting some risk, limit biodiesel
blend to a maximum of B5. Examples of applications
that s
hould limit the use of biodiesel are the following:
Standby generator sets and certain emergency
vehicles.
Perkins strongly recommends that seasonally
operated engines have the fuel systems, including
fuel
tanks, flashed with conventional diesel fuel
before prolonged shutdown periods. An example of
an application that should seasonally flush the fuel
syst
em is a combine harvester.
Microbial contamination and growth can cause
cor
rosion in the fuel system and premature plugging
of the fuel filter. Consult your supplier of fuel for
assistance in selecting appropriate antimicrobial
add
itive.
Water accelerates microbial contamination and
gr
owth. When biodiesel is compared to distillate
fuels, water is naturally more likely to exist in the
biodiesel. It is therefore essential to check frequently
an
d if necessary, drain the water separator.
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