The Disadvantages of Biodiesel

I have found few disadvantages of biodiesel. It poses no economical disadvantages, scant environmental concerns, and a handful of vehicular inconveniences.

Here are some of the Vehicular Concerns:

• Biodiesel's cloud and pour points are are reached before that of petrodiesel, which can cause fuel lines and filters to clog in cold weather. Therefore, petrodiesel performs better than B-100 in cold weather. However, a blend of B20 would be very resistant to gelling.

Photograph by Dan Phiffer (License: Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic)

• Biodiesel has been known to corrode fuel lines and seals in older vehicles.

• Biodiesel's solvent properties may cause existing petroleum build-up to loosen and clog filters and fuel lines.

• Biodiesel has a lower energy content than petrodiesel. According to the EPA, plant-based biodiesel averages 4.6% less energy per gallon, animal-based biodiesel 10.6 less per gallon (than petrodiesel).

• Some engine manufacturers will void parts and workmanship warranties when blends greater than B20 are used.

• Click here for information on engine damage as one of the disadvantages of biodiesel.


And the Only Environmental Concern I found:

• It may increase Nitrogen oxide emissions up to 10%, according to EPA.

So with hardly any environmental concerns, and vehicular problems that can be worked with, biodiesel to me, seems like a pretty good option.

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