From JD's WEB Site:
Biodiesel fuels may be used in John Deere diesel engines only if the fuel meets the provisional ASTM PS121 (U.S.) specifications. However, there are several important issues to consider before using a biodiesel fuel for your John Deere equipment.
The term "Biodiesel" describes the various fuels collectively known as Fatty Acid Methyl Ester (FAME). The most common source of biodiesel is soybeans in the U.S. and Rape Seed in Europe. Biodiesel maybe referred to by a number of more specific terms, the most common being:
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Soybean Methyl Ester (SOME)
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Rape Methyl Ester (RME)
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Plant Methyl Ester (PME)
NOTE: Raw pressed vegetable oils are NOT acceptable for use for fuel in any concentration. These oils do not burn completely, and will cause engine failure by leaving deposits on injectors and in the combustion chamber.
While a major environmental benefit of a biodiesel fuel is its ability to biodegrade, users must recognize that storage and handling is of prime importance as indicated below:
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Ensure the quality of the biodiesel fuel (fuel meets the required specifications).
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Keep storage and vehicle tanks as full as possible to prevent moisture from collecting inside.
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Ensure all tank caps and covers are installed properly to prevent water from entering.
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Monitor water content of the fuel regularly (bonds with water, creating acids).
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Protect the storage tanks from extreme temperatures (i.e. direct sun or frost).
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Limit the storage to under 3 months due to shelf life (degrades quickly, microbes, oxidation).
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Wash down spills with clean water immediately to prevent corrosion and damage to paint.
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Fuel filter may need to be replaced more often due to premature plugging.
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Check engine oil sump level daily prior to starting; a rising level may indicate lubricating oil dilution. This check is important for all engines and even more critical for engines equipped with rotary FIP.
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Instability resulting from blending biodiesel with mineral diesel fuel.
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Consult your fuel supplier for additives to improve storage and performance of bio diesel fuels.
Blending biodiesel fuel above a 5% concentration could have some adverse effects to the engine, such as:
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Power loss and deterioration of performance
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Fuel leakage through seals and hoses
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Corrosion of fuel injection equipment
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Lubricity of biodiesel and the fuel injection equipment
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Coked/blocked injector nozzles, leading to poor atomization of fuel
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Filter plugging
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Lacquering/seizure of internal injection system components
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Sludge and sediments
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Reduced service life
John Deere product warranty only covers defects in material and workmanship as manufactured and sold by John Deere. Failures caused by the use of biodiesel fuels or other fuel additives are not defects of workmanship and/or material as supplied by John Deere, and cannot be compensated under John Deere warranty. Users of John Deere emission certified engines are responsible for obtaining the proper local, state, and national exemptions required for the use of biodiesel.