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January 22, 2010

Amazing Suggestions For Putting Aside Biodiesel Myths

Biodiesel is still relatively unknown, and due to this lack of education many myths, inconsistencies and “old wives tales” have emerged. Some things must be cleared up and we should understand that biodiesel fuel is neither experimental, inconsistent or likely to lead to damage or failure, as it has been around for more than eight decades since it was first invented!

There have been many independent tests showing that biodiesel performs as well as petro diesel, yet can benefit both the environment and our health as well. A large number of tests have taken place and they all point to the same thing. Within the US, the Energy Department, Agriculture Department and the EPA have all looked into the situation and reported positively.

The Clean Air Act, signed in 1990, has recently been the subject of some publicity, as the EPA, using powers vested in the body by the Act, has deemed greenhouse gases to be a hazard to human health. We are now likely to see big consequences for traditional energy sources and fuels and those that emit high levels of carbon. We should know that biodiesel is the only alternative fuel to qualify and pass under the auspices of the Clean Air Act.

Performance related tests have been conducted over more than 50,000,000 miles and have shown that biodiesel is comparable to petro diesel in all types of diesel engined vehicles. The option can be used in regular diesel engines without any modification. It can either be used neat or blended with regular diesel. Biodiesel gives better lubricity and can result in longer life and less wear within the engine.

In terms of pure energy performance, this product scores highest among any alternative fuels currently available.

For those who live in colder climes, in the northern parts of the United States or Canada, for example, cold weather is a big consideration. While biodiesel will react to cold extremes, just as conventional diesel does, the same method should be used to prepare your vehicles during those cold snaps and no additional measures are required. As normal, fuel heating or indoor storage are recommended.

Certain people mistakenly think that biodiesel can cause problems with filtration, but this is only likely when it is first presented to a regular diesel engine. In its purest form, biodiesel is a solvent and as a result, may release deposits which have accumulated on the walls of the tank or in pipes. Consequently, the fuel filter should be replaced the first-time biodiesel is used and there should be no issues from then on.

While making biodiesel may be a little more expensive than buying conventional petro diesel, this should be more than negated by an increase in the quality of the fuel used and better overall performance. You can expect longer engine life as a consequence. As you increase the blend of biodiesel, carbon emissions are reduced more and more. When you are making homemade biodiesel, so long as the right precautions are taken, you can expect the fuel to contribute to a reduction in the size of your carbon footprint. Take the leap, and make a change for the better by helping the environment, for this generation, and for all the generations that follow!

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