FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)
What is biodiesel?
Biodiesel is a safe, renewable fuel that is non-toxic and biodegradable. It is made from plant oils. These natural oils are processed into biodiesel to function as a replacement for petroleum diesel.
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What diesel engines can run on biodiesel?
Any diesel engine can run on biodiesel: cars, boats, agricultural vehicles, commercial trucks, buses, trains, generators, and industrial equipment. You can also opt to use a blend of biodiesel and petroleum diesel. For most diesel engines, biodiesel is a “fill and go” solution. See equipment manufacturer positions on biodiesel and check the list of the various engines our members run on biodiesel at the bottom of this FAQ page.
Is there any petroleum diesel in biodiesel?Biodiesel easily blends with petroleum diesel. We offer different blends of biodiesel to our members at our pump:
B100: 100% biodiesel B50: 50% biodiesel – 50% petroleum diesel B20: 20% biodiesel – 80% petroleum diesel Petroleum diesel: always contains about 5% biodiesel at every pump |
Fuel pump panel with different blends of biodiesel
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What are the benefits of using biodiesel?
Mechanical and operational benefits:
- Smoother running and better sounding engine due to the higher lubricity of biodiesel, even if you use B20.
- Prolonged life of your diesel engine and fuel pump due to higher lubricity of biodiesel.
- Cleaner fuel system and combustion chamber.
- Safer to handle and store than petroleum diesel: Petroleum diesel is combustible at 77°C, biodiesel at 150°C.
- Using B100 is carbon neutral. Biodiesel may be considered carbon-neutral because the plants that are used to make biodiesel capture almost as much carbon dioxide during their growth as is released when the biodiesel is burned.
- Biodiesel does not contain sulphur and significantly reduces toxins and harmful particulates that are common when using petroleum diesel.
Emissions benefits when using B100 or B20 compared to petroleum diesel
- Biodiesel lowers your carbon footprint: Switching your current vehicle to biodiesel rather than buying a new electric vehicle means no mining for new vehicle materials. Mining involves producing more greenhouse gases, instead of less. “Don’t change your diesel vehicle, change its fuel.”
- Biodiesel biodegrades much more rapidly than petroleum diesel and contains no hazardous materials.
Local benefits:
- Fuel security: Buying a local product makes our community more resilient and self-reliant, instead of depending on long-distance supplies.
- Local environment: Using biodiesel makes for a cleaner and healthier local environment.
- Waste diversion: Local sourcing of biodiesel ingredients diverts waste. Example: Waste cooking-oil and grease that otherwise could have been poured down the drain causing “fatbergs,” is repurposed as a fuel, instead of added to our waste.
- Money spent on a local business stays longer in the community.
How do I start using biodiesel?
In this section, we have condensed our Biodiesel Use Guidelines and put them in a flowchart for you.
1. Check compatibility. If your vehicle was built:
See the tables at the end of this FAQ page showing a variety of engines our members run on biodiesel.
2. Check your warranty. Some warranties are void if you use a blend higher than B5, others if you use a blend higher than B20.
3. Start with a low blend. Petroleum diesel leaves deposits inside your engine. Biodiesel flushes out those deposits. If you use too much biodiesel too fast, your fuel filter may clog from those deposits. If you use B20 or a lower biodiesel blend, this is not an issue. If you have determined your vehicle is compatible with B100, start with B20 for at least the first two fills. Use progressively stronger blends over the course of 3–6 tanks of fuel to finally complete your switch to B100. At the first sign of reduced engine power, simply replace your fuel filter with a new one. Once the build-up of deposits is eliminated, return to your regular filter replacement schedule.
1. Check compatibility. If your vehicle was built:
- before 1995 your engine likely contains natural rubber hoses, gaskets, and seals. Biodiesel can degrade these rubber components over time. You must monitor these natural rubber parts and replace them with synthetic rubber ones as necessary.
- between 1995 and 2007 your vehicle likely is no longer under warranty. Your vehicle is biodiesel compatible to run on high blends after a gradual transition. Read how to transition in Step 3. You can choose whichever blend you’re comfortable using.
- in or after 2008 your vehicle is likely under warranty. Your warranty and user manual should include information about what biodiesel blends you can use without voiding your warranty. Your vehicle is also likely fitted with a computerized electronic fuel management system, complex exhaust aftertreatment equipment, and a high-pressure fuel injection pump. This may limit its compatibility to blends that contain up to 50% biodiesel. For more information on exhaust aftertreatment equipment, read this study.
See the tables at the end of this FAQ page showing a variety of engines our members run on biodiesel.
2. Check your warranty. Some warranties are void if you use a blend higher than B5, others if you use a blend higher than B20.
3. Start with a low blend. Petroleum diesel leaves deposits inside your engine. Biodiesel flushes out those deposits. If you use too much biodiesel too fast, your fuel filter may clog from those deposits. If you use B20 or a lower biodiesel blend, this is not an issue. If you have determined your vehicle is compatible with B100, start with B20 for at least the first two fills. Use progressively stronger blends over the course of 3–6 tanks of fuel to finally complete your switch to B100. At the first sign of reduced engine power, simply replace your fuel filter with a new one. Once the build-up of deposits is eliminated, return to your regular filter replacement schedule.
Check if your vehicle is B100-compatible
Note: This Vehicle biodiesel compatibility flowchart is a general guideline based on 20 years of collective biodiesel use experience by Co-op members. Conditions will vary between vehicle makes and models. Do your own due diligence to confirm the right biodiesel blend for your particular use.
4. Check your fuel filters more regularly
Biodiesel has cleansing properties that can flush out accumulated deposits that build up over time through the use of regular petroleum diesel. This could clog your fuel filter and starve your engine of fuel. If this occurs while the engine is running, it will initially feel like your vehicle is stuttering, or intermittently hesitating. This can be fixed by servicing or replacing your fuel filter. If you have a truck, boat, or agricultural vehicle, you could also fit a pre-filter or fuel-water separator.
Please read our Biodiesel Use Guidelines for more details.
Biodiesel has cleansing properties that can flush out accumulated deposits that build up over time through the use of regular petroleum diesel. This could clog your fuel filter and starve your engine of fuel. If this occurs while the engine is running, it will initially feel like your vehicle is stuttering, or intermittently hesitating. This can be fixed by servicing or replacing your fuel filter. If you have a truck, boat, or agricultural vehicle, you could also fit a pre-filter or fuel-water separator.
Please read our Biodiesel Use Guidelines for more details.
Can I use petroleum diesel if I want to?
You can use petroleum diesel any time you want, no matter what blend of biodiesel you were using before. As long as you have used biodiesel long enough to flush out the deposit build-ups from petroleum diesel, you can keep switching back and forth between biodiesel and petroleum diesel as much as you like.
You only need to gradually re-introduce biodiesel to your vehicle if you decide to use biodiesel after years of using petroleum diesel, as that’s how long it takes for those deposits to accumulate.
You only need to gradually re-introduce biodiesel to your vehicle if you decide to use biodiesel after years of using petroleum diesel, as that’s how long it takes for those deposits to accumulate.
Is biodiesel from Cowichan Bio-Diesel Coop (CB-DC) a quality product?
All CB-DC diesel meets the U.S. ASTM D6751 standard requirements for biodiesel. (ASTM: American Society for Testing and Materials). We also apply a strict policy of biodiesel storage tank maintenance to prevent sediment issues.
Are there any potential issues using biodiesel?
Cold temperature limitations – cold flow: B100 biodiesel can thicken when temperatures dip to -10°C. This can make starting more difficult and cause a strain on fuel pumps and injection systems. On Southeast Vancouver Island it’s rare to get temperatures so low that using biodiesel becomes too problematic.
Solution: Avoid gelling issues by using a seasonal blend — use B50 or a lower blend when temperatures dip to -10°C or lower. Another option is to add an anti-gelling agent before a cold snap.
Cold temperature limitations – fuel filter: Temperatures below 5°C can cause glycerin drops that have accumulated in your fuel filter to thicken. This may cause your fuel filter to clog.
Solution: Add an anti-gelling agent before a cold snap.
Another solution: Install a pre-filter.
Dilution of engine lubricating oils: In older engines or engines with common rail injection systems, biodiesel can bypass gaskets and seals and mix with engine oil.
Solution: Check with your mechanic, purchase an online oil sampling service, or monitor the oil level with the dip stick.
Fuel efficiency: Because biodiesel has a lower energy content than petroleum diesel it has a 3–5% lower fuel efficiency.
Injector coking: Injector coking can occur when chemically degraded components of fuel and combustion products adhere to the internal surfaces of an injector. Since we only provide ASTM-standard-compliant biodiesel, this problem is most unlikely to occur.
Solution: Have your injectors cleaned by a qualified mechanic. Use additives such as anti-gelling agents to improve fuel flow at low temperatures.
Natural rubber incompatibility: Biodiesel reacts with rubbers found in hoses, gaskets, and seals that are present in some pre-1995 vehicles. Over time, biodiesel can soften, swell, or dissolve those components.
Solution: Monitor natural rubber components and replace with synthetic rubber versions as necessary.
Storage: Biodiesel is biodegradable so it will break down over time, especially if exposed to light and moisture.
Solution: Store for less than a year in a cool, dark, and dry place and add an appropriate fuel stabilizer.
Warranty considerations: Engine manufacturers set limits for the maximum concentration of biodiesel used in their product. Using higher concentration blends than mentioned in the warranty can void your engine warranty.
Solution: Always read and follow the warranty limits.
Solution: Avoid gelling issues by using a seasonal blend — use B50 or a lower blend when temperatures dip to -10°C or lower. Another option is to add an anti-gelling agent before a cold snap.
Cold temperature limitations – fuel filter: Temperatures below 5°C can cause glycerin drops that have accumulated in your fuel filter to thicken. This may cause your fuel filter to clog.
Solution: Add an anti-gelling agent before a cold snap.
Another solution: Install a pre-filter.
Dilution of engine lubricating oils: In older engines or engines with common rail injection systems, biodiesel can bypass gaskets and seals and mix with engine oil.
Solution: Check with your mechanic, purchase an online oil sampling service, or monitor the oil level with the dip stick.
Fuel efficiency: Because biodiesel has a lower energy content than petroleum diesel it has a 3–5% lower fuel efficiency.
Injector coking: Injector coking can occur when chemically degraded components of fuel and combustion products adhere to the internal surfaces of an injector. Since we only provide ASTM-standard-compliant biodiesel, this problem is most unlikely to occur.
Solution: Have your injectors cleaned by a qualified mechanic. Use additives such as anti-gelling agents to improve fuel flow at low temperatures.
Natural rubber incompatibility: Biodiesel reacts with rubbers found in hoses, gaskets, and seals that are present in some pre-1995 vehicles. Over time, biodiesel can soften, swell, or dissolve those components.
Solution: Monitor natural rubber components and replace with synthetic rubber versions as necessary.
Storage: Biodiesel is biodegradable so it will break down over time, especially if exposed to light and moisture.
Solution: Store for less than a year in a cool, dark, and dry place and add an appropriate fuel stabilizer.
Warranty considerations: Engine manufacturers set limits for the maximum concentration of biodiesel used in their product. Using higher concentration blends than mentioned in the warranty can void your engine warranty.
Solution: Always read and follow the warranty limits.
Where can I buy biodiesel?
1. CB-DC’s Green & Go Biodiesel Station – members only
Cowichan Petroleum Sales
2999 Allenby Road, Duncan, BC [image of map detail]
Open 24 hours per day, 7 days per week
2. Make an appointment with our office for bulk purchase/delivery – members only
Cowichan Petroleum Sales
2999 Allenby Road, Duncan, BC [image of map detail]
Open 24 hours per day, 7 days per week
2. Make an appointment with our office for bulk purchase/delivery – members only
Is biodiesel taxed?
Before 2010, biodiesel was tax exempt in British Columbia. The Carbon Tax Act and the Motor Fuels Tax Act since require that taxes are applied to biodiesel sold in the province of BC. Yes, the BC government charges carbon tax on carbon-neutral B100!
How available is biodiesel in the world?
Europe: Diesel is named after Rudolf Diesel, who designed the diesel engine in 1912. Rudolf Diesel designed his engine to run on peanut oil. Biodiesel was first produced commercially in Germany in 1991. Biodiesel is now the fastest growing alternative fuel in Europe. In 2003, Germany, France, Austria, and Italy combined produced over 2 billion litres of biodiesel. In 2023, Germany alone consumed over 2.5 billion litres of biodiesel for transport purposes.
Many European car manufacturers, including VW and Mercedes Benz, have approved biodiesel use for their engines. Two German bus companies run their entire fleets on biodiesel, and most major bus networks in France run on biodiesel blends.
U.S.: In the U.S., B20 is quite widely used, and at least 15 states have passed legislation favorable to biodiesel. In North Dakota and Minnesota, all diesel fuel is required to include 2% biodiesel. In Washington State, the Intercity Transit Authority uses B40 biodiesel in its entire fleet since 2004. In 2003, there were 123 gas service stations offering biodiesel in North America. In 2024, there are over 1400 stations offering biodiesel. Most of the biodiesel that is used in Europe and the U.S. comes from agricultural crops grown specifically for this purpose.
Many European car manufacturers, including VW and Mercedes Benz, have approved biodiesel use for their engines. Two German bus companies run their entire fleets on biodiesel, and most major bus networks in France run on biodiesel blends.
U.S.: In the U.S., B20 is quite widely used, and at least 15 states have passed legislation favorable to biodiesel. In North Dakota and Minnesota, all diesel fuel is required to include 2% biodiesel. In Washington State, the Intercity Transit Authority uses B40 biodiesel in its entire fleet since 2004. In 2003, there were 123 gas service stations offering biodiesel in North America. In 2024, there are over 1400 stations offering biodiesel. Most of the biodiesel that is used in Europe and the U.S. comes from agricultural crops grown specifically for this purpose.
Is biodiesel more expensive than petroleum diesel?
We aim to reach a fair balance by keeping our biodiesel prices low for our members while also having enough funds to deliver a reliable quality product. Because we are a small organization, we can’t compete with the prices suppliers of big-company petroleum fuels offer. Also, our current price is subsidized by volunteer efforts and does not reflect the true cost of providing our biodiesel.
We buy our diesel in bulk for a fixed price. When petroleum diesel prices are lower, we aim to keep our B20 biodiesel within $0.20 of the price of petroleum diesel. The mechanical benefits alone of using biodiesel outweigh the higher price.
We buy our diesel in bulk for a fixed price. When petroleum diesel prices are lower, we aim to keep our B20 biodiesel within $0.20 of the price of petroleum diesel. The mechanical benefits alone of using biodiesel outweigh the higher price.
How does CB-DC function?
CB-DC is a volunteer-based organization with limited funds.
Our funds consist of
Our funds consist of
- membership fees
- small profit margin from the sale of biodiesel
Can I volunteer with CB-DC?
If you’re a member, you can volunteer with us! We rely on what our members can contribute to run things smoothly. The more members get actively involved, the better service we can provide. To find out more about how you can help, please get in touch with us.
What engines do CB-DC members run on biodiesel?
Still have questions?
We are happy to help. Please get in touch with us so we can answer your questions.
Please e-mail: [email protected]
Please e-mail: [email protected]