Biodiesel

Biodiesel is a fuel you can believe in. Laurelhurst Oil is firmly committed to bringing the highest quality fuel choices to our customers. We offer biodiesel automotive fuel at our Union Bay Place station, just behind University Village. We deliver Bio-Heating Oil brand home heating fuel to homes all over the Seattle metropolitan area.

Biodiesel is the most climate-friendly fuel source available. Biodiesel is the only alternative fuel to have fully completed the health effects testing requirements of the 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments. Biodiesel contains no petroleum, but it can be blended at any level with petroleum diesel or heating oil to create a biodiesel blend. For automotive application, Laurelhurst Oil offers B100 (100% Biodiesel) at our Union Bay Place station. You can blend it with petroleum diesel, also available at our station, to obtain any ratio you desire.

Biodiesel can be used in any diesel engines with little or no modifications. Biodiesel is simple to use, biodegradable, nontoxic, and essentially free of sulfur and aromatics. It is a non-hazardous material.

The Gold Standard

The National Biodiesel BQ-9000 Accreditation Program is a cooperative and voluntary program for the accreditation of producers and marketers of biodiesel fuel. Producers and marketers who meet the standards are awarded the prestigious BQ-9000 designation. It is the gold standard.

Laurelhurst Oil sells biodiesel exclusively from BQ-9000 producers. BQ-9000 helps companies improve their fuel testing and greatly reduces any chance of producing inadequate fuel. The program is a unique combination of the ASTM standard for biodiesel, ASTM D 6751 and a quality systems program that includes storage, sampling, testing, blending, shipping, distribution, and fuel management practices. For more information, visit www.bq-9000.org.

We Believe in Biodiesel

Biodiesel is quickly becoming the fuel of choice, the world over. We believe that Biodiesel is the right way forward, and we are enthusiastically cheering on its prevalence, not only in Seattle, but everywhere.

Biodiesel Quick Facts

Biodiesel will run in any diesel engine.
Fuel mileage is not substantially impacted when running Biodiesel.
Biodiesel is made in the USA from renewable resources, reducing our dependence on foreign oil.
Biodiesel is cleaner than petroleum diesel and natural gas.
Using Biodiesel substantially reduces emissions of greenhouse pollutants.
Biodiesel use essentially eliminates sulfur dioxides and sulfates emissions, which is better for the environment and better for everyone.

Tips for Using Biodiesel in Vehicles:

To run 100% Biodiesel (B100) in pre-1990 vehicles may require updates of older ‘natural’ rubber hoses and gaskets in the fuel system. Biodiesel is a natural solvent and will loosen petroleum diesel deposits that might exist in the tanks and lines of older vehicles. This may result in a plugged fuel filter. We recommend changing your filter two to four weeks after you start using biodiesel. The solvent nature of biodiesel keeps your fuel system clean. This is a good thing.
Biodiesel can be used in its pure form at 100% (B100) or mixed at ANY ratio with regular diesel fuel. Common blends are 20% biodiesel/80% petroleum diesel (B20), or a 50/50 combination (B50). To blend, fill with diesel first, then top off with biodiesel. Another common method is to fill up in half tank increments, alternating biodiesel and petroleum diesel.
Laurelhurst Oil also delivers Biodiesel as a home heating oil, called Bio-Heating Oil. Read more about Bio-Heating Oil here.

Biodiesel Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who can use biodiesel?: A: Any vehicle with a diesel engine can run on biodiesel.
Q: Will biodiesel harm my diesel engine?: A: No, it will not hurt your engine. The use of biodiesel, which is naturally lubricious, has been shown to reduce the need for engine maintenance. Biodiesel creates a smoother ride, and combusts more fully in the engine.
Q: What engine modifications are necessary to run biodiesel?: A: None. For pre-1990 models, hoses and gaskets might need to be updated.
Q: How does biodiesel work in cold weather?: A: Both biodiesel and standard diesel experience wax crystallization during cold weather. These crystals might plug your fuel filter and stop the flow of fuel. Conventional biodiesel will begin to jell around 40 degrees Fahrenheit. The most common and easy solution is to increase the amount of petroleum diesel in your blend during to coldest months. We recommend blending 50% or more below 40 degrees. Additives are in development. Please see our blog for the most current information on our winterization techniques.
Q: Does using biodiesel reduce harmful emissions?: A: Yes, Biodiesel use produces fewer criteria pollutants and toxins than petroleum diesel, significantly reducing hydrocarbon, carbon monoxide, and particulate emissions.
Q: Is horsepower, torque or speed affected with biodiesel?: A: Horsepower, torque, and speed are not effected. Every study completed shows minimal to no change (within ± 5%). Generally speaking, engines tend to run, idle and accelerate more smoothly when using biodiesel.

Biodiesel Resources

National Biodiesel Board
Information on all things biodiesel.
http://www.biodiesel.org

Biodiesel Now
Discussion forums for questions and answers.
http://forums.biodieselnow.com/

Puget Sound Clean Cities Coalition
The Puget Sound Clean Cities Coalition (PSCCC) is a voluntary, public/private partnership that works to advance the region’s environmental and public health, energy security and economic development by promoting policies and practices that reduce petroleum consumption in transportation.
http://www.pugetsoundcleancities.org

Renewable Energy Group
Renewable Energy Group, Inc. is the market leader in production and sales of the most promising renewable energy – biodiesel.
http://www.renewable-energy-group.com

BQ-9000
The National Biodiesel Accreditation Program.
http://www.bq-9000.org

TDI Club
TDI Club is the best resource for VW diesel info.
http://www.tdiclub.com/

Green Eye LLC - Eugene, OR
Large selection of used mercedes and trucks, all diesel.
http://www.greeneyeautos.com