Tips and Tricks for Dealing with Biodiesel
Tips and Tricks for Dealing with Biodiesel
While planning a sailing trip to Indonesia, I encountered questions regarding the fuel situation.
In most European countries, the U.S., and the Caribbean, marinas typically provide plain diesel (B0), although in some locations, biodiesel may be available.
Biodiesel is usually blended with petrodiesel at concentrations between 5% (B5) and 20% (B20). Most engine manufacturers now warranty conventional injection systems for up to 20% biodiesel, though high-pressure common rail (HPCR or CR) engines may be limited to 5%.
Diesel in Indonesia
During my research, I learned that diesel in Indonesia is called ‘Solar’, which is actually a brand name of Pertamina, the country’s largest (state-owned) fuel supplier. Unlike other regions, all diesel in Indonesia is biodiesel.
Pertamina offers three types of diesel:
- Solar/Biosolar: The cheapest and the impurest, officially available only for fishermen and the navy. Cetane number: 48.
- Dexlite: Mid-range fuel. Cetane number: 51.
- Dex: The highest quality diesel available. Cetane number: 53.
In August 2023, Indonesia introduced B35 (35% palm oil biodiesel). The planned B40 (40% biodiesel) mandate, initially set for January 1, 2025, has been delayed to February 2025. Furthermore, by 2026, the blend will increase to B50.[1]
Biodiesel has significant benefits as compared to petrodiesel: notably lowered exhaust pollutants, better lubricity, and a higher cetane rating. But then there’s the downsides, including:
- Increased solvent properties, which may degrade some rubber components in older engines and dislodge buildup in fuel systems, leading to clogged filters.
- Higher water retention, holding up to 300 times more water than regular diesel.
- Greater risk of microbial contamination, especially in humid environments like Indonesia.
Fuel tanks on boats are significantly larger than those in cars, and since sailing is supposed to require minimal engine use, fuel sits in the tank longer, increasing contamination risks.
Contaminated diesel is the leading cause of marine diesel engine failure. If the fuel injection system fails, repair costs can quickly escalate into thousands of dollars, euros, or pounds.
Expert Advice from Nigel Calder
To mitigate biodiesel-related issues, I consulted Nigel Calder, co-author of an online diesel engine maintenance course with Jan Athenstädt.[2] This course includes a detailed section on fuel management. Here are Nigel’s key recommendations:
- Keep Your Fuel Tank Clean:
Follow recommended tank cleaning procedures. If possible, install a fuel tank sampling line. After refueling, wait 10 minutes and take a sample from the bottom of the tank. Check the sample monthly; if contaminated, continue sampling until the fuel is clean. - Test Diesel Before Refueling:
Use a translucent container (2L/half a gallon) with a wide neck. Before fueling, ask the operator to pump ¼ liter/½ pint into the container. Let it settle and inspect it against the light. If water, sediment, or opacity is present, STOP RIGHT THERE!
- Use Proper Filters:
For mechanically injected engines: Use a 30-micron primary filter (no less than 10 microns) plus the manufacturer’s secondary filter.
For common rail engines: Use a 10-micron primary filter and the manufacturer’s secondary filter.
Given Indonesia’s high biodiesel content, Nigel expressed concerns about whether most engines are rated to run on B40/B50 and recommended installing a vacuum gauge on the primary filter to monitor its condition closely. Check the course on the setup.[3]
Fuel Filtration and Additives
In addition to Nigel’s advice I learned from the course that there’re basically two strategies to avoid contamination and keep your engine running smoothly:
- Filtering Diesel
In my research I found a some different kind of filter systems.
- While fueling you can use a filter funnels like the Racor Filter Funnel [4](RFF). It separates water and debris down to 50 microns. Available in multiple sizes, but manually filling a large tank can be time-consuming.
- Alternatively you can install an inline filter or water Separator: Systems like the Separ SWK-2000 series[5] or Parker Racor 900/1000 series[6] provide additional filtration before the primary filter or a
- fuel polishers: Devices like the Dieselcraft Fuel Purifier[7] continuously filter fuel in the tank, removing contaminants and preventing diesel pest.
- Using Additives
There are two categories of fuel treatments:
- Biocides: kill microbes in the fuel but struggle to penetrate established sludge or biofilm.
- Biofilm Dissolvers: disrupt microbial colonies and prevent buildup. Fuel Right is one of the few products claiming this capability.[8][9]
A dual-phase biocide (soluble in both water and fuel) is most effective against bacteria residing at the water-diesel interface.
Practical Boat Owner magazine has an excellent report on biocides available in the UK and beyond.[10]
Preparations for Indonesia
In Indonesia, there is no avoiding biodiesel—and its bio-content is significantly higher than in most Western countries. By 2026, B50 will be the standard.
Your engine will likely run fine on biodiesel as long as it is clean and pure. However, contamination can occur either at the fuel dock or over time in your tank due to humidity and temperature.
To minimize risks, consider implementing extra filtration systems, fuel testing practices, and the use of additives. This proactive approach will help keep your diesel engine running smoothly during your sailing adventures in Indonesia.
[1] https://www.reccessary.com/en/news/id-regulation/indonesia-delays-b40-biodiesel-implementation
[2] boathowto.com,marine-diesel-engine-maintenance-course
[3] https://boathowto.com/course/primary-filter-setups/
[6] Racor 900MA/MAM and 1000MA/MAM
