Biodiesel Fuel - Northern Lights M50C13 Operator's Manual

BIODIESEL FUEL

Biodiesel fuel is comprised of mono-alkyl esters of long
chain fatty acids derived from vegetable oils or animal
fats. Biodiesel blends are biodiesel mixed with petroleum
diesel fuel on a volume basis.
Before using fuel containing biodiesel, review the
Biodiesel Use Requirements and Recommendations in
this Operator's Manual.
Environmental laws and regulations can encourage or
prohibit the use of biofuels. Operators should consult
with appropriate governmental authorities prior to using
biofuels.
All Northern Lights Engines with Exhaust Filter
(Released 2011 and After)
While 5% blends (B5) are preferred, biodiesel
concentrations up to a 20% blend (B20) in petroleum
diesel fuel can be used. Biodiesel blends up to B20
can be used ONLY if the biodiesel (100% biodiesel or
B100) meets ASTM D6751, EN 14214, or equivalent
specification. Expect a 2% reduction in power and a 3%
reduction in fuel economy when using B20.
Biodiesel concentrations above B20 can harm the engine's
emission control systems and should not be used. Risks
include, but are not limited to, more frequent stationary
regeneration, soot accumulation, and increased intervals
for ash removal.
Northern Lights approved fuel conditioners, which
contain detergent and dispersant additives, are required
when using B20, and are recommended when using lower
biodiesel blends.
All Northern Lights Engines Excluding Exhaust Filter
(Primarily Released Prior to 2012)
While 5% blends (B5) are preferred, biodiesel
concentrations up to a 20% blend (B20) in petroleum
diesel fuel can be used. Biodiesel blends up to B20
can be used ONLY if the biodiesel (100% biodiesel or
B100) meets ASTM D6751, EN 14214, or equivalent
specification. Expect a 2% reduction in power and a 3%
reduction in fuel economy when using B20.
These Northern Lights engines can operate on biodiesel
blends above B20 (up to 100% biodiesel). Operate at
levels above B20 ONLY if the biodiesel is permitted by
law and meets the EN 14214 specification (primarily
available in Europe). Engines operating on biodiesel
blends above B20 might not fully comply with or be
permitted by all applicable emissions regulations. Expect
up to a 12% reduction in power and an 18% reduction in
fuel economy when using 100% biodiesel.
Lubrication
Northern Lights approved fuel conditioners, which
contain detergent and dispersant additives, are required
when using B20, and are recommended when using lower
biodiesel blends.
Biodiesel Use Requirements and Recommendations
The petroleum diesel portion of all biodiesel blends must
meet the requirements of ASTM D975 (US) or EN 590
(EU) commercial standards.
Biodiesel users in the U.S. are strongly encouraged to
purchase biodiesel blends from a BQ-9000 Certified
Marketer and sourced from a BQ-9000 Accredited
Producer (as certified by the National Biodiesel Board).
Certified Marketers and Accredited Producers can be
found at the following website: http://www.bq9000.org.
Biodiesel contains residual ash. Ash levels exceeding the
maximums allowed in either ASTM D6751 or EN14214
can result in more rapid ash loading and require more
frequent cleaning of the Exhaust Filter (if present).
The fuel filter can require more frequent replacement,
when using biodiesel fuel, particularly if switching from
diesel. Check engine oil level daily prior to starting
engine. A rising oil level can indicate fuel dilution of
the engine oil. Biodiesel blends up to B20 must be used
within 90 days of the date of biodiesel manufacture. If
used, biodiesel blends above B20 must be used within 45
days from the date of biodiesel manufacture.
When using biodiesel blends up to B20, the following
must be considered:
• Cold weather flow degradation
• Stability and storage issues (moisture absorption,
microbial growth)
• Possible filter restriction and plugging (usually a
problem when first switching to biodiesel on used
engines.)
• Possible fuel leakage through seals and hoses (primarily
an issue with older engines)
• Possible reduction of service life of engine components.
Request a certificate of analysis from your fuel distributor
to ensure that the fuel is compliant with the specifications
provided in this Operator's Manual.
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