As gas prices rose in 2005 and 2006, people began looking for alternative fuels. One of the more popular alternatives was biodiesel, which consumers have persistently used. Utilizing natural plant oils, biodiesel is able to power a vehicle as effectively as petroleum-based diesels. There are a number of problems with biodiesel fuel, unfortunately, both for the user and for the environment.
There are a number of problems that users experience with the use of biodiesel. The most common issue occurs while transitioning from petrodiesel to biodiesel: the clogging of the fuel filter. Biodiesel is a powerful solvent and will effectively clean your engine. In the process, residue left behind by petrodiesels will begin circulating in such high quantities that the filter clogs, often within just a few weeks. After replacing the filter a few times, however, your engine should be clean, and this will no longer be a problem.
The second most common problem is pervasive with all forms of diesel fuel. In cold weather, it begins to gel. Petrodiesel is more resilient to temperature changes than biodiesel, and if you're operating in a cold environment, it's best to use a blend of bio and petro. This will lower the temperature at which your fuel gels, making it less likely for your engine to stall.
Another notable problem with biodiesel is less common, but far more serious. The fuel sometimes corrodes rubber hoses, which can lead to fuel leakage and damage to surrounding engine parts. Check rubber parts regularly to ensure that they are not deteriorating.
In order to make biodiesel a viable alternative to petroleum, it needs to be produced in large enough quantities to support the demands of a global car culture. The problem is that there is not enough arable land to provide both food and fuel to meet the world's demands. A study conducted by the U.K.'s Energy Systems Research Unit reports that a mass conversion of England's agricultural lands to rapeseed--the ideal harvest for biodiesel production--would only replace up to 4% of petroleum consumption. This is still a sizable 800 million litres every year, but not nearly enough to meet the U.K.'s fuel demands.
Although biodiesel emits less Carbon Dioxide (CO2) than petroleum, it is not entirely gentle to the environment. The biggest concern is its production of Nitrous Oxides (NOx), which it spews in greater quantities than conventional fuels. Similar to CO2, NOx contribute to smog, acid rain and global warming. They also have significant health affects on those regularly exposed to them, including asthma, heart disease and bronchitis.
