Biodiesel Frequently Asked Questions

      Is BioDiesel a legal fuel?
           Yes. Biodiesel is registered with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
            as a fuel and as a fuel additive.

      What percentage of soy BioDiesel can I use?
            Blends as high as B20 can be used in diesel engines with no modification. Due
            to the cleansing effect of biodiesel over time, blends higher than B20 may
            require minor modification to seals, gaskets and other parts, more so in engines
            made in 1994 or earlier. Tank and fuel line filter heaters are recommended
            higher than B20.

      How will soy BioDiesel affect my engine's mileage and performance?
            Biodiesel has a higher cetane number than petroleum diesel. A diesel fuel's
            cetane number measures the combustion quality of the fuel. Biodiesel has
            shown horsepower, torque and haulage rates similar to those of conventional
            diesel fuel. However, B20 may possess 1 percent to 2 percent fewer BTU per
            gallon than#2 diesel The BTU differences for blends of B5 and lower are
            virtually immeasurable. Biodiesel blends have superior lubricity compared with
            straight petroleum, resulting in cleaner engines, less maintenance and longer
            engine life.
           
      How will BioDiesel handle in the winter?
            Biodiesel will gel in very cold temperatures, just as #2 diesels will. Although
            pure biodiesel has a higher cloud point than #2 diesel fuel, typical blends of 20
            percent biodiesel are managed with the same fuel-management techniques as
           #2 diesel. Some of these fuel-management systems include kerosene blending,
            block and filter heaters and indoor garaging of vehicles where possible.
            Biodiesel blends of B5 and less have minor impacts on cold flow.

      How can I tell if BioDiesel I receive is good quality?
            Ask your supplier to only provide biodiesel in the biodiesel blend that meets
            ASTM D 6751. Your supplier can verify this by asking for a certificate of
            analysis on the B100 they purchase. You can also purchase your fuel from a
            BQ-9000 Certified Marketer. The "Certified Marketer" designation is for
            businesses that commercially  undertake to sell or resell biodiesel fuels.  A
            biodiesel marketer that successfully meets the accreditation criteria is awarded
            this status.

      Where can I purchase BioDiesel?
            American Ag Fuels maintains a list of local/regional fuel distributors. 
            A current list can be obtained by calling 419-784-3835. For a national listing
            visit the NBB website: www.biodiesel.org/marketers.htm or call:
           (888) BIODIESEL.

      Does BioDiesel cost more than other alternative fuels?
            Generally, soy biodiesel blends cost an extra cent per percentage of
             biodiesel in the the blend. However, the federal tax incentive provides a
             cent per percentage of biodiesel tax credit, which should make the price per
             gallon for petroleum diesel and biodiesel competitive. If you notice that prices
             for biodiesel blends tend to be higher, consult your fuel supplier and make
             sure he or she is aware of the federal tax incentive