Cleaning Effect

Methyl esters have been used as low volatile organic compound cleaners and solvents for decades. Methyl esters make excellent parts cleaners, and several companies offer methyl esters as a low volatile organic compound, nontoxic replacement for the volatile solvents used in parts washers. B100 will dissolve the accumulated sediments in diesel storage and engine fuel tanks. These dissolved sediments can plug filters. If this happens, it can cause injector deposits and even fuel injector failure. If you plan to use or store B100 for the first time, clean the tanks and any parts in the fuel system where sediments or deposits may occur before filling with B100.

The level of cleaning depends on the amount of sediment in the system (if the system is free of sediment, there should be no effect) as well as the biodiesel blend level—the higher the blend level, the greater the cleaning potential. The cleaning effect is much greater with B100 and blends with 35% or more biodiesel, compared to B20 and lower blends.

Biodiesel spills should be immediately cleaned up because biodiesel can damage some types of body and engine paint. Biodiesel can also remove decals from tanks or vehicles near the fueling areas. All materials that are used to absorb biodiesel spills should be considered combustible and stored in a safety can.