The impact of biodiesel B100 on a small agricultural diesel engine

To use the engine with confidence over the long term, it is necessary to test the engine's reliability and durability. Field tests that used a 14-hp Kubota RT140 Di diesel engine fueled with palm biodiesel B100 were conducted after approximately 800 h of operation, running with a heavy load continuously at low speed for 12-h to aerate a fish pond from dusk till dawn. Multi-grade lubricating oil was changed and collected after every 100-h of operation. The laboratory analysis and the ferrographic results suggested degradation of oil. Provided that the lubricating system was maintained, the B100 engine's operating condition was as good on biodiesel as on diesel fuel, undergoing the usual rate of wear without sacrificing mechanical reliability and durability.