The Downside of Biodiesel

From the Seattle P-I:

As Washington prepares to mandate the use of biodiesel across the state, trucking and engine companies worry that low-quality fuel might have trucks sitting in the shop.

Minnesota has already learned the hard way.

When rigs there started breaking down last fall, the state suspended its rule that all diesel include at least 2 percent biodiesel. Bad batches were causing crystallization inside of engines, clogging fuel filters and shutting down whole fleets.

Legislation being considered in Washington mirrors the standards set forth in Minnesota. House Bill 2738 mandates a 2 percent biodiesel mix for all diesel sold in the state starting in July 2007.

[...]

Manufacturers give proportions and specifications for biodiesel use in their engines, but fuel-related problems are not covered by warranty.

"If the failure is caused by the fluid, it's not a warrantable failure, anyway," said Wayne Hofer of NC Power Systems Co., a Caterpillar engine dealer in Tukwila. "It's not a special rule against biodiesel."

Caterpillar may not authorize biodiesel use, but it does allow for a maximum 30 percent biodiesel mix, and it provides a list of specifications on such things as lubricity, density and volatility for the fuel.

But without the full sanction of engine manufacturers, trucking companies don't want to take the chance they'll have to cover all the cost of repairs themselves.